Senior Public Affairs Specialist

Job Title: Senior Public Affairs Specialist 

Location: Valparaiso, Indiana  

Job Summary: The Senior Public Affairs Specialist plays a key role in building understanding and trust between the state operating company and its communities. This position leads local public affairs and stakeholder engagement efforts, working closely with internal business partners and NiSource Corporate Communications to develop and execute integrated public affairs strategies. The role serves as a primary point of contact for community leaders, municipalities, and media, supporting major projects and ongoing operations through thoughtful communication, outreach, and relationship‑building. 

* This role will serve as the public‑facing connector between major NIPSCO infrastructure projects and the municipalities they impact, representing the company in high‑visibility community settings. 

**The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, and comfortable working with ambiguity, with strong follow‑through and a service‑oriented mindset when partnering across internal teams and external groups. 

Essential Functions 

• Serve as the company spokesperson for assigned area(s), leading local public affairs efforts 

• Resolve customer and public issues in partnership with Operations, Construction, Engineering, and other business partners 

• Work independently while maintaining close communication with the Manager, Public Affairs, and collaborating across the Public Affairs team 

• Lead and facilitate stakeholder meetings and public forums with community leaders, local governments, chambers of commerce, school districts, and economic development organizations 

• Plan and execute community outreach and “giving” events; proactively identify new opportunities to engage local communities 

• Develop stakeholder communication materials such as newsletters, project summaries, talking points, videos, and presentations 

• Track and document project requirements to support both internal and external customer needs 

• Project‑manage operating company–wide initiatives and assigned public affairs programs 

• Serve as the public face for NIPSCO in assigned areas and support outreach efforts across additional territories as needed 

• Proactively identify and act on local opportunities that positively impact NIPSCO and the communities it serves 

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure commitments are met and messages are aligned 

• Take the lead on resolving customer and municipal issues with support from internal partners 

• Support additional local and broader public affairs initiatives as needed 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with public officials, industry partners, company affiliates, and contractors 

• Provide 24/7 support during crisis situations, as required 

Required