What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, External Affairs position at Unitil Service Corporation?
Position is on-site, though the manager will discuss at time of interview this position being made available to some hybrid / remote flexibility.
Our Company
More than a utility company, Unitil provides energy for life.
Our work helps keep homes comfortable, businesses thriving and communities connected. Unitil is an investor-owned public utility proudly serving Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We are dedicated to delivering energy to our customers safely and reliably.
Unitil is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success of Unitil is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity and value our employees.
Take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package.
Unitil offers competitive salaries, a consumer-driven health plan, dental and vision coverage, flexible work, company-paid holidays, a, robust, highly competitive retirement plan and educational assistance.
- Note : Benefit offerings may differ between union and non-union employee groups
Position Purpose
Lead the Company’s media relations in [OA1] 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.
Before applying for this role, please read the following information about this opportunity found below.
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
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
