Communications Manager

Position Summary:

Communications strategist that will work with an assortment of internal and external customers. We are seeking someone that has experience with multiple channel communications, writing, working with executive leadership, and talking to a variety of audiences. Facilitates the strategic planning and budgeting process as well as the delivery of strategic and effective communications around all business area activities. Provides strategic and business planning leadership and consultation to ensure alignment and achievement of plans and objectives. Partners with leaders within the business area to develop and deliver impactful metrics and other analytics. Leverages business area systems. Leads a variety of key initiatives and special programs on behalf of the business area.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Strategic: Consults with leaders on identifying goals to be achieved by the business area. Responsible to ensure that business unit strategies are integrated across the business area and are in alignment and contribute to the achievement of Xcel Energy. Facilitates the process to create an implementation plan and distribute assets or resources needed for success. 
• Strategic Planning: Works with leaders to facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of the overall business area strategy and operational plans. Designs and facilitates the use of systematic tools and techniques e.g., SWOT analysis, to identify priority issues and articulate and challenge strategic assumptions. Works closely with leaders to monitor progress of plans against business results. 
• Communication: Ensures the effective delivery of strategic communications around all business area activities. 
• Project/Program Management: Provides overall project leadership within a business area or company-wide. Directs activities including project analysis, needs assessment, budget, and strategic implementation. 
• Analytics/Metrics: Leverages business area systems and data to identify, develop and deliver impactful metrics and other analytics and/or automated solutions. Facilitates the use of systematic tools and techniques to establish priorities and targets. 
• Budget Management: Works with leaders within the business area to develop, implement, and monitor the budget. Partners with Financial Operations to ensure alignment with company objectives. Ensures that leaders have an understanding of the process for developing the content for the budget. 
• Direction of Others: Has formal management responsibility.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field. Advanced degree preferred. 
• At least seven years related experience. 
• Demonstrated experience in strategy and with business and operational performance measures. 
• Experience in communications with demonstrated ability to deliver effective and strategic messages to audiences ranging from front line employees to senior executives. 
• Experience leveraging technology. 
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in project management. 
• Demonstrated ability to meet business and financial objectives. 

This position requires a behavioral assessment prior to being considered for an interview.