Community & Government Affairs Manager

The Role:

For over 165 years, NW Natural has provided safe, affordable, and reliable energy across the Northwest. Our public affairs team supports the continued growth of Oregon and Southwest Washington by fostering strong communities and relationships with public officials as well as advancing innovative solutions.

The Government & Community Affairs Manager – Washington builds and maintains relationships with government officials, community leaders, business and civic organizations, allied trades and labor, and other key stakeholders to work together with NW Natural in addressing complex energy and community challenges. This role engages at both the local level (Clark County) and state level (Washington) to support reliable, affordable energy delivery for our customers and improve the Company’s operating environment.

Based in Southwest Washington (Vancouver Service Center), the manager represents NW Natural across a range of settings, including government and community meetings, legislative engagement in Olympia, and coordination with internal teams and regional partners. The role supports initiatives such as infrastructure development, climate action planning, and community investment, while helping stakeholders understand key issues including energy reliability, safety, and emerging technologies.

This position serves as a key connector across government relations, community engagement, and business priorities.

• Local Government Relations:
  • Serves as the primary liaison to Clark County and city jurisdictions, building relationships, supporting consensus-building, and navigating complex policy and community issues with agency staff and elected officials
  • Represents the company in public forums and digital advocacy as needed
  • Is part of the Local Government Affairs Team and reports to the Director of Local Government Affairs

• State Government Relations:
• • Supports the Director of State and Federal Government Affairs in State of Washington and partners with the state affairs team to maintain relationships with legislators and agency staff, and represents company interests (including NW Natural Water)
  • Monitors and responds to legislative (and sometimes regulatory) developments

• Community Engagement:
  • Advances NW Natural’s presence as a community partner through participation in business, civic, and economic development organizations
  • Identifies and coordinates community investment opportunities in partnership with the Community Relations team

This role requires strategic thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing priorities. The ideal candidate is a proactive relationship-builder and strategic thinker who can operate effectively across diverse stakeholders and help deliver measurable outcomes aligned with company and community goals.

Day to Day:

• Support the Company’s commitment to a culture of safe work practices
• Build and maintain relationships with government, business, labor, and community stakeholders to support service territory retention, franchise management, economic growth, streamlined permitting, energy literacy, and healthy communities
• Represent NW Natural in community, civic, and governmental settings (including written and verbal testimony), communicating company priorities and advancing strategic partnerships
• Monitor and analyze local and state policy, regulatory activity, and community issues; develop strategies to advance op