Director Workplace Connection

Job Summary
The Director, Workplace Connections plays a mission-critical role in building a culture where every employee feels they belong, are valued, and can do their best work. This leader is responsible for designing and implementing enterprise-wide strategies that strengthen employee engagement, elevate inclusion, and amplify NiSource's core values. In collaboration with HR COEs (Talent Acquisition, Talent Strategy, Total Rewards) the Director leads the development and delivery of programs that bring the company's employee value proposition to life, ensuring it is deeply embedded in business practices and drives the employee experience. Partnering closely with HR, business leaders, and Employee Resource Groups, this role champions belonging, shapes leadership expectations, and activates systems and mindsets that create a connected and inclusive workplace. The Director serves as a trusted advisor and coach, enabling leaders to foster environments where people thrive.

Essential Functions

• Develop and lead the strategic roadmap for culture, engagement, and belonging over a 2–3-year horizon aligned with company goals.
• Embed inclusion and belonging into leadership development, organizational policies, and day-to-day business operations.
• Guide and provide oversight to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to amplify employee voice, foster connection, and ensure equitable frameworks.
• Partner with HR Business Partners and COEs to define and activate the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) across the employee lifecycle in the delivery of an integrated, proactive people strategy.
• Partner with People Analytics to design employee engagement strategies that drive engagement, retention, and productivity.
• Establish and track meaningful KPIs to assess the effectiveness of belonging and culture initiatives; use data to guide action and accountability.
• Promote psychological safety and inclusive leadership through education, workshops, and coaching.
• Review and update workplace policies to remove systemic barriers and enhance equity, inclusion, and access.
• Collaborate with Communications to deliver compelling messaging and storytelling that reinforces culture and values.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners and communities to support talent pipelines and diverse representation.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team to execute culture, engagement, and belonging strategies with excellence.

Required Qualifications for Position

• Proven ability to develop and execute culture and engagement strategies in complex, cross-functional environments.
• Deep expertise in inclusive leadership, organizational culture, and employee engagement principles.
• Demonstrated success translating strategy into tactical execution with clear metrics and outcomes.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and change leadership skills.
• Strong data acumen; able to use insights to shape strategies and measure impact.
• High emotional intelligence, presence, and ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Track record of leading with empathy, building trust, and fostering environments where people feel seen and heard.
• Experience partnering with Employee Resource Groups, talent teams, and business leaders to drive culture forward.

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.​

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its compa