Public Affairs Manager

Responsibilities

• External outreach and issues management: Works with state leadership team to develop and implement a strategic, integrated public affairs and communications strategy Generates positive media coverage on issues and initiatives, and through involvement/support of community activities Employee engagement/communications support Provides communications counsel across all organizational levels. Represents company, as appropriate, as a good corporate citizen through development of solid relationships with key stakeholders.
• Issues Identification and Management/Operations Support: Identify the need for develop and implement communication plans to address external and internal audiences, including strategies, timelines and vehicles. In concert with Operations management, develop and maintain positive relationships with key media and executive management to not only support operations, but to leverage their support in dealing with issues and incidents that may negatively impact the company. Coordinate and help to position the company as one that promotes safety, customer service and reliability. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: coordination of media campaigns on issues as required; coordination of notification of actions to public and elected officials.
• Business Partner: Provides strategic external and internal communications support and counsel: facilitate effective relationships with key media; identify opportunities to favorably position market leaders; strategic support to effectively engage local advertising, sponsorships; crisis communications planning and execution. Bring best practice expertise regarding meeting planning and management, public speaking, coaching.
• Media Relations: Be knowledgeable and aware of all media outlets within your service territory, as well as issues within the company that may attract media attention. Generates positive media coverage on company initiatives, industry news, and other company activities.
• Community Relations: Represents NiSource on community boards. Implements local charitable giving programs. Plans and executes special events in support of community and NiSource initiatives.

Requirements

• 5+ years of public relations, communications, or related experience
• Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships
• Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of goals
• Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive
• Obtaining information and identifying key issues and relationships relevant to long-range goals or vision; developing alternatives based on logical assumptions, facts, available resources, constraints, and organizational values
• Clearly conveying information and ideas in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand the message
• Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes and adjusting effectively to new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures
• Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources, drawing conclusions, and developing appropriate solutions
• Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals
• Encouraging innovative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities; facilitating the implementation and acceptance of change

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Affairs or other related concentration
• Internal and/or external communications experience
• Utility or other regulated industry experience