Communications Manager

The Communications Manager supports, develops and implements corporate, stakeholder and funder communications both internally and externally to support the organization’s business goals. The Communications Manager leads alignment among cross-functional teams on communications approaches and projects and consults with and supports management and staff in meeting their goals through strategic communications. The Communications Manager is responsible for NEEA’s external and executive communications support functions.  

In addition, the individual also serves as an individual contributor responsible for writing, designing, and project managing internal and external communications, oftentimes working closely with creative and technical contractors. Budget management responsibility for projects and programs is expected.       

This position is based in the Portland, OR metro area, with a hybrid work location. We are looking for candidates who can meet the requirement of working at least 2 days per week onsite at NEEA’s office location.  Finalists must have eligibility to work in the US as NEEA is not able to provide VISA sponsorship or have remote work outside of the US. 

Salary range: $90,000 - $100,000, exempt 

• Salary is based on the applicants Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 

The Typical Day May Include… 

• Aligns communication strategies between several internal teams to ensure consistency and accurate messaging across outward communications.     

• Manages and executes Corporate Communication strategies.    

• Ensure stakeholders have accurate information about NEEA through distillation and synthesis of activities and performance.    

• Provides vision and gains internal alignment on look and feel of communications for a wide range of external audiences, such as NEEA’s Board and stakeholders.   

• Manages NEEA’s external content strategy including data visualization, digital communications, reporting, and process development in alignment with overall organizational positioning strategy. 

• Manages communications of NEEA business highlights, results and accomplishments using a systematic approach, adhering to NEEA brand and communications guidelines.   

• Manages the end-to-end production and project management of NEEA’s highly visible corporate events and conferences and high-profile communications, on time and on budget.   

• Supports and delivers support for NEEA’s executive communications function, working with the ED, including providing speaker and communications support, developing speaking platforms, messaging, and delivering on visual communications challenges.   

• Supports NEEA’s Business Plan goals by providing communications support for organizational priorities, including communications plans, messaging, data visualization, and presentation support.    

• Delivers tools, training and other materials to support staff in delivering excellent customer service experience to funders.    

• Builds and maintains relationships with counterparts at NEEA’s funding organizations.   

• Manages overall external communications calendar for NEEA to ensure standardization, efficiency, and transparency. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

This position currently has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide oversight, direction, guidance, and coaching to staff and contractors. Must provide communications leadership to executives, managers, junior staff, and lead cross-functional teams to alignment and action.   

Your Experience, Education, and Skills: 

• BA or BS degree in marketing/communications or related field required, or comparable industry experience.    

• 5+ years in marketing, public relations and/or communications required.    

• 2-3+ years’ experience with stakeholder engagement.  

• Experience working closely with all areas and levels of an organization, including leadership and other key internal and external stakeholders to achieve success. 

• Excellent listening skills, ability to distill information and data, and synthesize key issues.    

• Demonstrated group presentation skills.    

• Skilled in writing across multiple corporate communications channels. 

• Ability to develop project plans, coordinate projects, and communicate changes and progress.    

• History of managing project activities - including managing contractors.   

• Skilled in record tracking and library management.    

• Experience managing collateral development processes from concept to production.  

• Familiar with energy, utility, and/or energy efficiency industries and the implications of decisions and messaging.    

• Ability to align work with strategic goals.    

• Ability to quickly comprehend NEEA’s portfolio of energy efficiency activities and their relevance to stakeholders.    

• High degree of adaptability and the ability to help define/refine the position in order to achieve desired outcomes.  

• Skilled at managing customer databases, contacts, and other business systems.    

• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Asana, HubSpot, and MediaValet, among other platforms. 

• An equivalent combination of education, experience and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties will also be considered. 

Highlights of NEEA’s Benefits: 

• 90% of medical/dental premiums paid by NEEA, including for dependents 

• Employer funded Health Savings Account 

• 136 hours of PTO/year 

• Automatic 6% retirement contribution with an additional 2% matching 

• Flexible work environment, including hybrid work location and 9/80 schedule options 

• Professional development opportunities 

About NEEA  

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is an alliance of more than 140 electric and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency organizations working on behalf of Northwest energy consumers to increase the adoption of energy-efficient products services and practices. Since 1997, the region has achieved more than 959 average megawatts (aMW) of Co-Created electric energy savings – the equivalent of enough energy to power more than 700,000 Northwest homes each year.     

NEEA welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and fields of expertise, with or without previous experience in the energy industry.  

Follow this link to our website and learn more about the organization. 

NEEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer