Manager, External Affairs

Position Purpose

Lead the Company’s media relations in order to enhance and preserve the Company’s public standing. Provide crisis communications guidance as part of Emergency Response planning. Ensure the public interest, as identified within Unitil’s Strategic Plan, is represented in Company initiatives. Responsible for the day-to-day execution of Unitil’s thought leadership and media relations programs. Support the Director External Affairs in managing legislation that may impact the impact customers, the community and / or the Company. Collaborate with the Communications Team to develop and produce internal Company communications.

Principal Accountabilities

Time %

End Results

Public Affairs -  Publicly represent Unitil as the primary media spokesperson for the Company. Plan and manage media relationships and contact information. Manage external media relations resources helping to source strong angles for proactive, editorial calendar and news-generating pitches. Provide strategic cross-department guidance in protecting the Company’s reputation. Lead team of external PR resources to develop and place stories that align with Company’s Strategic Plan. Respond to or direct media inquiries, to ensure all official statements accurately reflect the Company’s positions, that coverage is accurate and positive, and that Unitil maintains the highest level of credibility. Regular monitoring and reporting of all media, as well as Manager, External Affairs specific goals / metrics. Keep abreast of industry news, track competitors’ news and make PR recommendations where relevant.

Crisis Communications - Draft and distribute core messaging approved by Incident Commander for internal and external audiences. After hours contact point for urgent customer service or operation issues with potential media impact, including public safety emergencies. Provide strategic guidance on how best to communicate potentially sensitive topics to the general public, then execute communications plans on said topic in collaboration with the External Affairs and Communications teams, including the creation of talking points for internal and external stakeholders.

Content Creation and Development – Review and edit external Company communications from other departments to ensure consistent tone aligned with Company Mission, Vision and Values. Source and develop regular flow of strong press releases; manage inputs, edits and approvals; leverage work performed by all internal departments / teams into other PR materials such as bylined articles, pitches and internal communications. Manage talking point preparation – work with key media spokespeople to prepare for interviews, gather data, refine messaging and proof points, as well as managing dissemination of information to relevant departments (i.e., Customer service, senior management, etc.)

Monitor public policy in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine regarding important legislation that may impact customers, the community and / or the Company. Closely monitor the legislative landscape(s) to ensure that Unitil is aware of proposed policies or legislation that may impact Unitil’s Customers, the Community and / or the Company. Provide continuous feedback to the Director of External Affairs on legislative landscape to determine the appropriate positioning of the Company. Issues are analyzed individually and with external partners to ensure outcomes are understood and can be managed.

Training -  Train internal and external resources in public messaging scaled to their respective needs. Training ranges from providing field operatives on what to say if media approaches to providing interview skills to external resources that may be requested to interact with media in an emergency situation to educating customer representatives on energy issues. Brief Call Center Representatives on high profile, public facing Company initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Communications, Business, or Journalism preferred
• Minimum of 5-7 years professional experience in corporate communications, news media, public relations, government relations or related field required
• Must demonstrate sound understanding as to what makes and shapes news / influence
• Must possess strong writing skills with attention to detail and the ability to create / adapt materials into content that provokes the interest of media, analysts, influencers, customers and stakeholders
• Must have the ability to interact confidently with senior management, cross-functional teams, and customers
• Strong written and oral presentation skills as required for press conferences, public meetings and meetings with senior level executives
• Must have high standards for work habits, including excellent time management abilities, and be able to respond well under pressure
• Must be proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, with use of Adobe suite of products a plus.

Unitil is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Last Updated : 02 / 14 / 2025