Executive Speechwriter

New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that: Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy. Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York. Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy. Job Overview NYSERDA is seeking and Executive Speechwriter to create executive speeches, talking points, briefings and select written collateral for the Chief Executive Officer/President. Working under the direction of the Director of Corporate Communications, the speechwriter will serve as a thought-partner to help articulate NYSERDA’s mission and vision in support of New York’s Climate Act. The ideal candidate for this role is an exceptional writer with strong interpersonal skills, strategically minded and mission oriented, and comfortable making recommendations for the application of existing and new content frameworks. In addition, this individual has an affinity for staying abreast of current national and international climate and clean energy trends and priorities, is an independent, self-motivated researcher who is comfortable reaching out to subject matter experts to solicit expertise (as needed), and is eager to immerse themselves in, and to get up to speed quickly on New York’s clean energy history, communities, and policy development to provide informed and strategic guidance for each executive-level opportunity. Primary Responsibilities Serve as a lead on drafting executive remarks and briefings for public speaking engagements with the ability to deliver them in a timely manner; coordinating with internal leadership and colleagues to ensure accuracy and consistency Be a creative storyteller with a keen understanding of audience, probing for details that will make messages relevant and relatable, and taking into consideration current events and the external environment, including industry news, energy and economic trends, and political and regulatory developments Provide suggestions on appropriate messages for various audiences and offering guidance on visuals, delivery, and tone; work with the Director of Corporate Communications and the Vice President of Corporate Communications, Events and Marketing as needed for sensitive and significant issues Provide suggestions on top tier/high-profile clean energy and climate conferences for President/CEO participation and attendance; work with the Director of Corporate Communications and the Vice President of Corporate Communications, Events and Marketing on advancing recommendations and track appropriate conference opportunities working with Corporate Events liaison Develop and maintain close working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and event organizers in development of executive materials Work closely with social media colleagues to develop and execute NYSERDA messaging across social media platforms Work jointly with other departments ensuring that all items meet the highest professional standards of accuracy, clarity and style. Liaise with internal departments including marketing, web and social media to ensure consistency of message Build networks within NYSERDA, NY Green Bank and other energy and environment agencies Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community. Perform other responsibilities as assigned Minimum Qualifications 5 years’ related experience directly working in a corporate or government communications or public relations with a Bachelor’s degree preferably in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field Demonstrated success with formal and informal remarks at the executive level; experience in the climate and clean energy sectors preferred Excellent work ethic, resolute integrity, detail oriented with a commitment to delivering a high-quality and accurate work product with a track record of putting the success of the team first Ability to assess potential effects of NYSERDA decisions on public attitudes, effectively apprise Director of Corporate Communications and Vice President of Corporate Communications, Events and Marketing of such factors and help inform decision making for public response Ability to work effectively with event organizers, members of the news media, executives in NYSERDA and colleagues in other state agencies and industry stakeholders and organizations Excellent writing, journalistic, presentation, and interpersonal skills that resonate with a variety of audiences; ability to communicate persuasively, concisely and unambiguously The ability to express complex technical and organizational concepts in terms understandable to the various audiences including the news media and public Strong project management skills; ability to work well under pressure and a respect for internal and external deadlines; manage multiple diverse activities simultaneously, deliver on commitments and varying deadlines, and operate/make decisions with speed, accuracy and strong judgment Strong computer skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Asana, etc.) Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree with 4 years’ experience directly working in a corporate or government communications or public relations department; demonstrated success with formal and informal remarks at the executive level; experience in the climate and clean energy sectors preferred Travel Requirements Travel required approximately 10% of the time to staff president and ceo at speaking engagements, support general communications/media events as needed, and travel in between NYSERDA offices as needed. Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume. [INDASF]