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Public Affairs Program Manager

Job Overview

Job Description

Job Specifications

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today—for our customers, communities and each other.

Position summary:

Strategic management of external relationships with stakeholders, local officials, community partners and media to achieve successful results in reputational, issue and crisis management.

Pay Range: $86,700 - $130,050 (This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.)

Reporting Relationship: Public Affairs Regional Manager

Location: Casper, Gillette, or Cody WY

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.

Essential Functions:
•    Proactive Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate effective communications channels and foster strong relationships with community, business, local and state governing agencies, civic and other leaders that position the company for growth and community impact. Position is expected to develop and execute a proactive media relations strategy to support local and company-wide initiatives.
•    Issues Management: Partners with company leaders, public affairs colleagues, and other internal partners to implement strategic communications plans that support regulatory, legislative, business development, franchise negotiations, and crisis response.
•    Community Impact: As a representative of Black Hills Energy in the community, this position is expected to facilitate the state’s sponsorship, donation and volunteer initiatives with a local steering team available to support and implement.
•    Travel: To build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners, this position requires frequent travel to communities across the state.

Additional Responsibilities:
•    Participate in company and public affairs team functions and projects.
•    Manage other projects as necessary.

What Is Required:
•    Bachelor's Degree in relevant fields, including Communication, Communication Studies, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration and Journalism or a combination of education and experience required.
•    Minimum of 5 years of experience in the utility industry or a related field, i.e. communications, public administration, business administration and/or marketing required.
•    Proven ability to cultivate and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders and community leaders to promote the company’s interests.
•    Experience in productive communications including public speaking, networking, and written reports and articles.
•    Proven teamwork and collaboration skills are critical to the success of this position.
•    Effective project management skills, including planning & organization.
•    Solid understanding of Microsoft Office – Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
•    Position requires frequent travel to communities throughout the state. Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
•    This position requires driving responsibilities. You must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets company and insurer standards.
•    This role will be required to travel up to 50% of the time.

What Is Desired:
•    Knowledge of utility operations and utility regulatory and legislative processes is preferred.
•    Experience in media relations to include strategy, messaging, creating press releases, and interviews.
•    Experience in implementing crisis communication strategies.
•    Experience in managing charitable donations and sponsorships.
•    Experience in managing a budget.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package!  Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), critical illness, accident & group hospital insurance, pet insurance, an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.  If there is anything that may show up in these reports that may conflict with the position requirements, feel free to contact the Black Hills Energy recruiting team at jobs@blackhillscorp.com. 

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.  If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit  careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.