Community Relations Program Manager

Job Description

Job Specifications

CLOSING DATE:  This position will close at midnight CDT on March 30, 2023.

Handle community affairs for Black Hills Energy, in partnership with your community affairs colleagues, to achieve successful results in meeting its goals and objectives.  Represent the utility to external partners to build and maintain strong/collaborative relationships with communities and customers through essential communication actions and messages.

SALARY RANGE:   $80,550 - $120,800 (Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:   Regional Manager, Community Affairs

LOCATION:   Kearney, Nebraska

• A comprehensive relocation package is offered for this position! Details about this package will be shared during the interview and offer process.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Community & Stakeholder Relations: Develop and improve effective communications channels and relationships with community, business, local and state governing agencies, civic and other leaders. This will assist the organization in positioning the company for opportunities, establish and enhance key community relationships and address key community issues effectively.
• Franchise Negotiations: Successfully renew franchise agreements through solid community relationships and proactive communications.
• Communications Planning: A communication plan provides the platform to achieve desired success.  By proactively planning for critical communications per state, business unit and/or project/initiative, we can work to enhance our brand in given any situation.
• Messaging: Develop messaging that consistently improves our brand and increases the knowledge base of our internal ambassadors (modify messaging as appropriate for specific initiatives). 
• Media Relations: Develop and executive a proactive media relations strategy; form relationships with local media and respond to media inquiries appropriately. 
• Social Media Management: Act as a strategist in collaboration with the Digital Media team to assist with social media content development.
• Sponsorships/Donations/Volunteerism: As a representative of Black Hills in the community, you will be expected to facilitate the state’s sponsorship, donation and volunteerism initiatives with a local steering team available to support and implement.
• Black Hills Cares: You will be expected to support all Black Hills Cares initiatives, including, but not limited to, energy assistance programs, Energy-Saving Trees, etc. 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent Community Affairs and support communications and community relations as it relates to: Community Events, Franchise Negotiations, Internal Communications, Advertising, Sponsorships/Donations and any other event in which Community Affairs plays a meaningful role.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of (5) five years of experience in the utility industry or a related field, i.e. communications, public administration, business administration and/or marketing 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 is required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of communications, operations, franchise laws and regulatory and legislative processes is preferred
• Solid understanding of Microsoft Office – Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Effective project management skills, including planning & organization.
• Strong communications skills, both written and verbal; interpersonal skills; collaboration skills; and presentation skills.

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), 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. 

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.