Head US Complex Project Engagement

At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. But it's so much more than that. National Grid supplies us with the environment to make it happen. As we generate momentum in the energy transition for all, we don't plan on leaving any of our customers in the dark. So, join us as the Head of US Complex Project Engagement for our Corporate Affairs team and find your superpower.

National Grid is hiring a Head of US Complex Project Engagement for ourCorporate Affairs team. This position will be located in our Washington, DC office, with hybrid working.

The Head of US Complex Project Engagement will lead stakeholder engagement, public affairs, and strategic communications for National Grid's large-scale and high-impact infrastructure projects. Reporting to the Global Head of Social Impact & Community Engagement, this role will manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, community organizations, government officials, and industry partners. They will ensure that complex projects are delivered with strong public support, regulatory alignment, and minimal community disruption, aligning with National Grid's Responsible Business Charter and corporate objectives.

Strategic Leadership & Project Integration:
* Develop and implement comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies for complex infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with National Grid's business goals and social impact objectives.
* Collaborate with project managers, regulatory teams, and corporate affairs to integrate stakeholder engagement into project planning and execution.
* Lead the development of risk mitigation strategies to address public concerns, regulatory challenges, and reputational risks.
* Ensure all engagement activities comply with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management:
* Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, government officials, community leaders, non-profits, and industry partners.
* Serve as the primary liaison for complex projects, facilitating transparent, timely, and effective communication with all stakeholders.
* Develop and implement strategies for public consultation, community outreach, and stakeholder feedback.
* Address stakeholder concerns and grievances proactively, ensuring issues are resolved in a timely and effective manner.

Public Affairs & Communications:
* Lead the development of strategic communications plans to support complex project engagement.
* Collaborate with internal communications and media teams to craft clear, consistent messaging for diverse audiences.
* Oversee the creation of public materials, including press releases, presentations, fact sheets, and social media content.
* Represent National Grid at public meetings, hearings, and industry events, acting as a spokesperson on complex projects.

Regulatory & Policy Engagement:
* Work closely with regulatory affairs teams to ensure project compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
* Engage with policymakers to advocate for supportive policies and frameworks that facilitate project success.
* Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may impact complex projects, providing strategic guidance to internal teams.

Measurement, Reporting & Continuous Improvement:
* Develop metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement and public affairs activities.
* Provide regular reports and insights to the Global Head of Social Impact & Community Engagement and senior leadership.
* Use data-driven insights to recommend improvements and drive continuous enhancement of engagement strategies.
* Ensure lessons learned from completed projects are integrated into future engagement plans.

Team Leadership & Development:
* Lead and develop a team of professionals responsible for stakeholder engagement and public affairs for complex projects.
* Set clear performance objectives, provide mentorship, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
* Ensure effective coordination among cross-functional teams, including project management, regulatory, legal, and communications.

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.
• At least 8 years of people management experience.
• Extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, public affairs, or related fields within the energy, infrastructure, or utility sectors in the US.
• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills with a proven ability to manage complex projects and navigate regulatory environments.
• Expertise in public consultation, community outreach, and relationship management.
• Knowledge of US regulatory frameworks, environmental policies, and industry best practices.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with experience addressing diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage risks and resolve conflicts.
• Experience working in a matrixed organization and managing cross-functional teams.