Manager - Communications
Iberdrola Group · United States, Connecticut, Orange · onsite
Job Title: Manager - Communications
Reports to: Senior Director - Communications
Reports to Orange, CT
Work Type: Office
The base salary for this position is dependent upon experience and location ranging from $ 120,000-150,000
What We Offer:
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
For more information please visit: Benefits - Avangrid
Job Summary
This position will be located at Avangrid’s Orange, Connecticut office located at 180 Marsh Hill Rd., Orange, CT.
Reporting to the Director of Network Communications, the Manager, Corporate Communications helps lead communications for The United Illuminating Company (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Berkshire Gas Company (BGC), and supports broader Connecticut communications initiatives as assigned.
This role is responsible for leading the communications function for Avangrid’s Connecticut utilities, ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory priorities, operational needs, and Avangrid’s enterprise brand and values. The Manager serves as a key communications advisor to utility leadership and is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications programs that support the companies’ operations, customers, employees, and external stakeholders.
The position works closely with key internal partners, including Government and Regulatory Affairs, Customer Service, Operations, Legal, Community Affairs, and External Affairs, to deliver integrated communications strategies that advance business priorities and strengthen stakeholder trust. Key responsibilities include developing communications plans and messaging; managing media relations; supporting executive communications; leading issue and crisis communications; and ensuring consistency across internal, external, digital, and customer-facing channels.
A critical component of the role is providing communications leadership during storms, emergencies, and major operational events. The Manager serves as a key member of the incident response team, helping coordinate timely and accurate communications to customers, employees, media, elected officials, regulators, and community stakeholders. Responsibilities include supporting outage and service restoration communications, coordinating media inquiries, developing executive and operational messaging, and working closely with emergency management and operations teams throughout preparation, response, and recovery efforts.
As part of Avangrid’s broader communications organization, the Manager collaborates with communications colleagues across Connecticut, New York, Maine, and the company’s other operating companies to share best practices, support enterprise initiatives, and help advance Avangrid’s reputation as a trusted energy provider.
Key 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.
· Serve as Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergencies, storms, and major operational events, leading communications response efforts and coordinating with internal and external partners, including emergency management agencies, municipal leaders, regulators, customers, and the media.
- Support storm preparedness, response, and restoration communications by developing customer, employee, executive, media, and stakeholder messaging; coordinating media briefings; providing communications support within the incident command structure; and helping ensure accurate, timely, and consistent information throughout emergency events.
Required Qualifications
· 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.
· Ability to work occasional non-traditional work hours (nights and weekends) as needed for emergency and crisis communications.
Preferred Qualifications
· Master’s Degree in a related field of study.
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Company:
UIL HOLDINGS CORPORATION
Mobility Information
Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country.
At Avangrid we provide fair and equal employment and advancemen