Strategic Partnerships Program Manager | External Affairs

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.  

Summary

Strategic Partnerships Program Manager | External Affairs

  At APS, we believe strong community relationships are the foundation of a sustainable energy future. As a Strategic Partnerships Program Manager, you’ll lead efforts to build and maintain trusted partnerships with Arizona communities and key constituencies. Your work will help strengthen APS’s presence, foster collaboration, and ensure our outreach reflects the values and priorities of the communities we serve.

 

What your day would be like:

You are responsible for:

• Develop and Implement Strategies: Create and execute outreach plans that enhance APS’s standing and engagement with Arizona communities.
• Build Relationships: Maintain strong, trusting connections with stakeholder groups and community leaders.
• Monitor and Respond: Track emerging issues within constituencies that may impact APS business or interests.
• Educate and Advocate: Share information on energy-related topics and APS initiatives to promote understanding and support.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with internal departments and external organizations to manage strategic relationships and deliver measurable results.

 

Who we’re looking for:

• Relationship Builder: Skilled at fostering trust and collaboration with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to design and implement outreach strategies that align with business goals and community needs.
• Strong Communicator: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with varied audiences.
• Problem Solver: Adept at identifying issues and developing proactive solutions.
• Community Advocate: Passionate about creating positive impact and advancing Arizona’s energy future.

Minimum Requirements

Strategic Partnerships Program Manager | External Affairs

 

• BA/BS degree
• PLUS eight (8) years experience in community development and/or community relations, communications or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience in coordination of community, non-profit and work-related events, programs and activities in support of a variety of constituencies.
• Organizational awareness and interpersonal communication skills, as well as public speaking, negotiation, presentation and writing skills.
• Ability to interpret business requirements and determine strategies and programs to support business needs.
• Strong project management and process improvement focus. 
  
  Preferred special skills, knowledge and experience:
  
  
• Prior leadership experience. Certificate in Corporate Community Involvement or Corporate Citizenship Management.
• Position involves statewide travel.

Major Accountabilities

1) Develop and maintain trusting relationships with Arizona constituencies. Maintain frequent quality contacts with community leaders. Perform service on relevant boards and represent APS at meetings and events.
2) Recommend strategies to enhance APS outreach to communities. Partner with APS departments (i.e. Customer Experience, Transmission & Distribution, Public Affairs, Economic Development) that support communities to develop integrated outreach plans. Engage regularly with the Employee Networking Groups. Collect and evaluate research data to inform company strategies. Benchmark successful outreach programs in the utility industry and in Arizona.
3) Continuously monitor for issues that may involve APS. Team with Public Policy, Customer and Operations, and others as necessary to resolve community issues or leverage opportunities. Conduct periodic needs assessments and evaluation for results. Participate in listening posts and provide feedback loop back to internal partners.
4) Educate communities on issues of importance to APS and Arizona's energy future. Maintain active social media presence as appropriate. Maintain list of key contacts for potential calls to action around issues. Serve as guest speaker at appropriate events.
5) Manage APS participation and presence at events and sponsorships. Develop and execute a strategy for community engagement.
6) Support APS management in the development and maintenance of strategic partnerships. Strengthen relationships between community le