• Job Description

  Req#: REF564C

  Company Description

  The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

  As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

  The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

  The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of it employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a hybrid schedule.

  Relocation Assistance is available.

  Job Description

  Under the general direction of the Vice President, manages the day-to-day operations and staff of the Communications and Public Relations department. Develops a corporate communications strategy, policies, and marketing materials for external and internal use. Ensures a single, consistent public voice for the ISO so that our broad range of stakeholders have the information they need, when they need it and in a way that works for them. Serves as the main media spokesperson for the corporation and as the supervisor of the Joint Information Center (JIC). Builds and maintains relationships with various organizations and media outlets and creates a positive image or reputation for the organization within its broader community. Supervises a public relations team including public information and social media staff within the department who also interact with the media. Directs web and creative services staff that support internet and intranet websites and phone application design and implementation, presentation and graphic materials, and company promotional products.

  What You Will Be Doing:

  Manages the day-to-day for the Communications and Public Relations operations and staff. Responsible for providing broad direction and guidance, identifies training needs, coaches and gives feedback on employee performance, develops staff performance plans, makes recommendations with respect to the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion or any other change in the status of direct reports, and performs related activities as appropriate.

  Department responsibilities encompass communications; public and media relations; editorial and graphic support for internal and external publications/messaging; website, intranet, and phone application design, management and upkeep; graphics support for corporate events; and management of the company store/merchandise.

  Develops and directs proactive communications plans to advance the corporation’s strategic goals in collaboration with executive leadership and subject matter experts. Manages the development of communication materials on key topics and keeps them up to date for use in external and internal communications.

  Serves as main spokesperson to the media, and communicates ISO messages to the public and market participants to maintain a consistent and positive corporate image.

  Oversees the Joint Information Center (JIC) and plays a key role in the incident command structure to develop appropriate communications in emergencies, communicate effectively with communications counterparts among a broad range of stakeholders and across state agencies, and direct the corporation’s engagement with television, radio, social media, and other communication channels.

  Develops relationships and coordinates with partner state and customer counterparts on shared announcements and communications.

  Manages creation of digital, video, audio and print content consistent with overall communications strategy.

  Manages the coordination of select tours and speaking opportunities to educate external audiences about the ISO and its strategic objectives.

  Coordinates with Human Resources and executive team to support employee event planning to improve morale, facilitate communications, and instill a sense of pride among ISO employees.

  Qualifications

  Level of Education and Discipline:

  A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related discipline. Master’s Degree preferred.

  Amount of Experience:

  Equivalent years of education and training, plus ten (10) or more years related experience.

  Type of Experience:

  • Proven work experience as a Communications Director or similar role

  • Leadership, management and coaching experience

  • Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in communications technologies

  • Experience building relationships and establishing media relations is a plus

  • Knowledge of copywriting, graphic design and publishing principles

  • Familiarity with social media platforms and marketing strategies

  • Technical knowledge of the fundamentals of electric utility operations is a plus

  Additional Skills and Abilities:

  Ability to think strategically and devise solutions to problems in keeping with multiple considerations. Must demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking when making decisions. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as team leader, facilitator and team member. Strong analytical and quantitative skills required. Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, writing and editing skills required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex materials and concepts. Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work well independently. Strategic mindset with a strong collaborative style.

  Additional Information

  The Opportunity:

  The California Independent System Operator (ISO) maintains reliability on one of the largest and most modern power grids in the world and operates a transparent, accessible wholesale energy market. Our mission is to operate the world’s most reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable power system. The new Director comes at a time when we have integrated more than 21,000) MW of clean energy onto the grid in the last 10 years. The rapid transformation is driven both by state policy goals, climate change, and the ever-present possibility of external events such as devastating wildfires or the COVID-19 pandemic. We have a bold strategic plan that looks out five years to strengthen reliability today while keeping us on a long-term path for a clean, reliable grid of the future.

  The ideal candidate for the Director of Communications and PR will be an authoritative narrator for the organization, a skilled strategist with the ability to distill technical information into clear messages to our key stakeholders. They will have experience in cultivating a strong and dynamic team that fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. If this sounds exciting to you and you want to join our team, we invite you to apply for the position.

  The pay range for this position is $160,575 - $267,625 / annually.

  All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

• About the company

  The California Independent System Operator is a non-profit Independent System Operator serving California.

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