Manager - Communications

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies for issues management, customer engagement, employee communications, and crisis response across The United Illuminating Company (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Berkshire Gas Company (BGC), aligned with Avangrid’s business objectives and enterprise priorities.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to operating company leadership, with accountability for communications planning, rapid response, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement across Avangrid’s Connecticut utilities.
• Shape and advance compelling narratives that strengthen trust and protect the companies’ reputations, in close partnership with Government and Regulatory Affairs, Community Affairs, Legal, Customer Service, Operations, and Brand teams.
• Lead communications programs across the Connecticut operating companies, including media relations, public relations, crisis and issues communications, executive communications, social media, video and photo content, storytelling, and internal and external events, ensuring message discipline and brand consistency.
• Serve as an authorized spokesperson for UI, CNG, SCG, BGC, and Avangrid as needed, including responding to sensitive, high-profile, and crisis-related media inquiries.
• Partner with Operations, Customer Service, Community Affairs, and business leaders to identify and develop compelling storytelling, media relations, and public engagement opportunities that highlight infrastructure investments, employee expertise, customer benefits, operational achievements, and community impact.
• Create and oversee multimedia content for digital and social media channels, including videos, photography, employee features, project spotlights, and field-based storytelling that enhances audience engagement and supports business objectives.
• Support communications related to regulatory proceedings, infrastructure projects, reliability initiatives, public policy matters, customer programs, and community engagement efforts throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts service territories.
• Manage relationships with external agencies, vendors, media partners, and key community and business organizations to ensure timely, effective, and high-quality communications support.
• Coordinate closely with Avangrid communications teams across the company to ensure alignment with enterprise messaging, stakeholder engagement priorities, and corporate reputation strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience in creating and editing corporate and financial communication, including press releases, Q&A's and communication platforms on all corporate matters, quarterly financial press releases, crisis communications and scripts for senior executives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, writing, editing and project management skills.
• Strong strategic and analytical capability.
• Must be highly adaptable and resilient to change.
• Strong ability to work with senior leaders and manage relations with key internal and external stakeholders on communication opportunities and business issues.
• Ability to multi-task and quickly prioritize projects and work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Self-starter, independent worker, strong team and cross functional collaborator.
• Excellent leadership and collaboration skills in effectively managing staff.
• Knowledge of the electric and gas industry.

Preferred

• Master’s Degree in a related field of study.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits and growth opportunities
• Generous performance‑based bonuses
• 12% 401(k) match
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and clear career advancement pathways