Lead Representative, Economic Development Representative - Western NY

We are looking for a passionate Lead Economic Development Representative to join our Corporate Affairs Team! This role implements the company's economic development strategies and programs throughout Western New York. Based in Buffalo NY, the role will cover National Grid's service territory in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. The representative will support the company's business growth and community and stakeholder engagement objectives while promoting economic vitality across New York State.

• Program and Project Management: Lead National Grid's economic development grant programs, projects, and activities across the assigned region. Advance company strategy and strengthen National Grid's reputation as a leader in economic and community development.
• Community Representation: Represent National Grid in the community and engage government, business, regulatory, and economic development stakeholders.
• External Affairs Support: Use economic development incentive programs and peer relationships to help New York External Affairs leaders serve as the local face of National Grid.
• Strategic Alignment: Align regulatory and community priorities with company objectives and initiatives.
• Stakeholder Solutions: Maintain day-to-day relationships with state, regional, and local economic development agencies, community leaders, and elected officials. Understand stakeholder needs and deliver appropriate solutions consistent with National Grid policies and processes.
• Project Advancement: Collaborate with economic development organizations, commercial and industrial customers, and government agencies to advance economic, community, and site development projects.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with colleagues in communications, community and stakeholder engagement, government relations, strategic account management, legal, regulatory, and operations to deliver programs and projects, proactively manage issues, and engage elected officials when appropriate.
• Strategic Partnerships: Build and sustain stakeholder relationships and strategic partnerships that maximize the value of National Grid's economic development activities and deliver mutual benefits.
• Economic Development Results: Demonstrate a proven record of success in advancing economic development initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in economics, finance, public policy, urban or regional planning, political science, or a related field, plus at least five years of relevant experience; equivalent work experience may be considered.
• Experience developing and implementing proactive strategies.
• Experience engaging state and local development agencies, private developers, customers, regulators, and other key stakeholders.
• Experience managing business relationships and developing tailored customer or client solutions.
• Ability to manage a large, diverse workload involving multiple stakeholder groups and complex projects.
• Strong commitment to delivering excellent service to clients.
• Effective project and program management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Sufficient knowledge and experience to independently lead economic development programs and projects.
• Experience managing customer or client relationships and presenting to community groups, businesses, and professional organizations.
• Knowledge of economic development practices, applicable legislation and regulations, current industry trends, and emerging policy developments.
• A valid driver's license and the ability and willingness to use a personal vehicle for company business.
• Availability, if necessary, for evening events.
• Ability and willingness to travel within National Grid's U.S. service territory.

The closing date for this vacancy is Midnight 23 November 26, with interviews due to take place w/c 30 November 26 onwards. We encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date. National Grid's recruitment periods can and may vary. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.

National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise. We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve. National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.

#LI-RB2

#LI-hybrid