Community Relations Director

Summary

The Community Relations Director leads proactive outreach to internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and effective information sharing across the organization. The Director briefs NYPA business units and executive leadership, develops and implements initiatives, and collaborates closely with departments throughout the Authority to advance coordinated actions.

The Director also oversees and participates in community outreach efforts that strengthen NYPA’s visibility and reinforce a positive, community‑focused image. This role plans and delivers projects that enhance the economic, social, and environmental well‑being of communities. Additionally, the Director builds and sustains strong, mutually beneficial relationships with local business groups, community representatives, elected officials, and other key stakeholders. #LI-CJ1

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic community relations initiatives, ensuring alignment with NYPA’s organizational goals and policies
• Advise senior leadership on community relations strategies, providing expert guidance on complex issues and strategic decision-making
• Lead the community support program, including oversight of funding requests, approval processes, and compliance with Authority policies
• Establish and maintain high-level relationships with key community stakeholders, including opinion leaders, business principals, executives, and government officials
• Oversee and manage procurement and contract-related activities for the Community & Government Relations Department, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Lead high-profile community support initiatives, including the coordination of approval committee meetings and the presentation of pertinent information and recommendations
• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to the community relations team, ensuring that all activities are aligned with organizational goals and policies
• Monitor and assess public attitudes and perceptions and communicate relevant insights to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making

Western New York Community Relations:

• Oversee and conduct community engagement outreach and activities across Western New York at a strategic level. This includes attending high-profile community meetings, public forums, and stakeholder events, representing NYPA at local events, and building influential relationships with community leaders, residents, and advocacy groups to advance organizational goals.
• Oversee the conduct of advanced research and support comprehensive data collection and analysis to measure community impact. Develop sophisticated engagement strategies based on thorough tracking and monitoring of local issues, media coverage, and community concerns that may affect NYPA projects or initiatives, ensuring informed decision-making at the executive level.
• Lead the drafting of high-level briefing materials, presentations, talking points, and reports for leadership and external stakeholders. Ensure the maintenance of accurate records of engagement activities, contacts, and outcomes, fostering accountability and driving continuous improvement processes aligned with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with senior internal teams to align community engagement with broader organizational goals, including sustainability, clean energy transition, and equity initiatives. Oversee the planning and execution of impactful public outreach campaigns, educational programs, and special events, ensuring integration with strategic priorities and maximizing community engagement outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Mastery of community relations and public relations strategies, with extensive experience in leading and implementing complex initiatives
• Exceptional decision-making and strategic planning skills, with the ability to oversee multiple high-stakes projects and initiatives
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with high-level officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders
• Deep knowledge of NYPA’s goals, site-specific operations, and the regions in which NYPA operates
• Proven ability to build and maintain high-level relationships, facilitating effective communication and collaboration
• Ability to provide direction and inspire teams, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related field; Master’s degree is preferred
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, public relations, or a related field
• Extensive experience managing complex projects and advising senior leadership
• Knowledge of the regions in which NYPA operates is essential

Physical Requirements

Up to 30% travel, primarily within assigned region of NY State