Regional Community Affairs Manager

JOB SUMMARY:  

Nicor Gas’ Community Affairs organization works across the company and service territory to clear the way for safe and efficient infrastructure work; develop and maintain positive relationships internally throughout the company and externally with public officials, staff and community organizations; make meaningful impact in the communities we serve through volunteerism and philanthropy; support communications of special projects to communities, customers and employees; and develop the next generation of Nicor Gas employees through workforce development initiatives. In addition, the Community Affairs organization supports an engaged, connected workforce through the management of select employee engagement initiatives.

The Regional Manager of Community Affairs is responsible for maintaining an overall management action plan for the curation of a constructive operational environment through positive community relationships with local government officials, business and other influential stakeholders. The Regional Manager will work to ensure Nicor Gas’ brand awareness and community reputation throughout defined territory.  

The Regional Manager will also maintain consistent communication with municipal constituents throughout defined territory to address escalated and potentially escalated complaints and concerns, renew expired and nearly-expired franchise agreements, and communicate municipal planning/growth objectives with Nicor Gas planning leadership to facilitate efficient coordination and mitigate potential conflicts. The Regional Manager will also perform the following activities relating to building and maintaining positive and substantive community relationships:
•Provide regular in-person communication and visits with local government officials and other community stakeholders, including public works and fire service personnel.
•Engage with locals Councils of Governments (COGs)/Mayor’s and Manager’s Associations as well as regional MABAS and other Fire Chief’s Associations.
•Coordinating with fire service personnel to deliver fire safety presentations throughout defined territory. 
•Prepare and execute presentations to community groups highlighting key Nicor Gas initiatives and other activities. 
•Support Nicor Gas energy efficiency and energy assistance community engagement activities.

The Regional Manager is also responsible for supporting Nicor Gas operations by effectively communicating planned and existing utility community infrastructure and other special projects throughout defined territory, including, when necessary, running interference between project leadership, municipal leadership and/or other involved development stakeholders.

Regional Manager will also coordinate with Nicor Gas media relations staff and engage with local media, if necessary, to serve as company spokesperson during field incidents.  

At all times, the Regional Manager will maintain an accurate directory of community contacts while also tracking substantive public engagements and other interactions utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) software.  

JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)

Education:
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, Political Science or related field.

OR

Equivalent education and experience.

Preferred: Master’s Degree in related field and position-related certifications

Work experience:
Required: 
3-6 years community relations experience; community engagement with a large public organization or public utility. 
3-6 years of progressive management experience with a regulated utility of business.

Specific skills/knowledge:
Required:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships
Exemplify a high level of diplomacy and decorum
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience in negotiating conflict resolution
Public speaking and media relations skills
Familiarity with public and non-profit sectors
Customer service oriented

Preferred:
Experience in negotiating and conflict resolution
Media relations experience
Familiarity with local government – structure, processes, decision makers

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Specify major duties performed by the job and % of time spent on duties.

Develop strategic action plan for execution of community affairs strategy and initiatives in defined territory
Build and maintain positive working relationships with municipal and other community stakeholders in given territory, including attending meetings, addressing basic queries, developing and delivering presentations on utility operations and initiatives. 
Collaborate with external st