JOB SUMMARY:
Nicor Gas’ Community Affairs organization works across the company and service territory to clear the way for safe and efficient infrastructure work; develop and maintain positive relationships internally throughout the company and externally with public officials, staff and community organizations; make meaningful impact in the communities we serve through volunteerism and philanthropy; support communications of special projects to communities, customers and employees; and develop the next generation of Nicor Gas employees through workforce development initiatives. In addition, the Community Affairs organization supports an engaged, connected workforce through the management of select employee engagement initiatives.
The Regional Manager of Community Affairs is responsible for maintaining an overall management action plan for the curation of a constructive operational environment through positive community relationships with local government officials, business and other influential stakeholders. The Regional Manager will work to ensure Nicor Gas’ brand awareness and community reputation throughout defined territory.
The Regional Manager will also maintain consistent communication with municipal constituents throughout defined territory to address escalated and potentially escalated complaints and concerns, renew expired and nearly-expired franchise agreements, and communicate municipal planning/growth objectives with Nicor Gas planning leadership to facilitate efficient coordination and mitigate potential conflicts. The Regional Manager will also perform the following activities relating to building and maintaining positive and substantive community relationships:
•Provide regular in-person communication and visits with local government officials and other community stakeholders, including public works and fire service personnel.
•Engage with locals Councils of Governments (COGs)/Mayor’s and Manager’s Associations as well as regional MABAS and other Fire Chief’s Associations.
•Coordinating with fire service personnel to deliver fire safety presentations throughout defined territory.
•Prepare and execute presentations to community groups highlighting key Nicor Gas initiatives and other activities.
•Support Nicor Gas energy efficiency and energy assistance community engagement activities.
The Regional Manager is also responsible for supporting Nicor Gas operations by effectively communicating planned and existing utility community infrastructure and other special projects throughout defined territory, including, when necessary, running interference between project leadership, municipal leadership and/or other involved development stakeholders.
Regional Manager will also coordinate with Nicor Gas media relations staff and engage with local media, if necessary, to serve as company spokesperson during field incidents.
At all times, the Regional Manager will maintain an accurate directory of community contacts while also tracking substantive public engagements and other interactions utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) software.
JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)
Education:
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, Political Science or related field.
OR
Equivalent education and experience.
Preferred: Master’s Degree in related field and position-related certifications
Work experience:
Required:
3-6 years community relations experience; community engagement with a large public organization or public utility.
3-6 years of progressive management experience with a regulated utility of business.
Specific skills/knowledge:
Required:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships
Exemplify a high level of diplomacy and decorum
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience in negotiating conflict resolution
Public speaking and media relations skills
Familiarity with public and non-profit sectors
Customer service oriented
Preferred:
Experience in negotiating and conflict resolution
Media relations experience
Familiarity with local government – structure, processes, decision makers
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Specify major duties performed by the job and % of time spent on duties.
Develop strategic action plan for execution of community affairs strategy and initiatives in defined territory
Build and maintain positive working relationships with municipal and other community stakeholders in given territory, including attending meetings, addressing basic queries, developing and delivering presentations on utility operations and initiatives.
Collaborate with external stakeholders to execute community affairs initiative/goals.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to execute community affairs initiatives/goals.
Address escalated community complaints and concerns regarding utility operations.
Duties Discretion:
Employee receives clear instructions from supervisor regarding what to do and how to do it.
Tasks follow set guidelines or procedures.
Employee must consider alternative courses of action and then decide after considering the options.
Employee has the authority to make significant choices and decisions, without specific guidance or direction from the supervisor.
Explanation: The Regional Manager, Community Affairs develops and leads significant programs, projects and initiatives receiving guidance, but little specific direction from their leadership team.
Task Complexity:
Tasks are straight-forward, routine, and often repetitive.
Tasks are varied and fairly complex.
Assignments are quite varied and highly complex.
Explanation: The Regional Manager, Community Affairs has a broad range of complex strategies to develop and lead.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com .
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 17400
Job Category: Communications & External Affairs
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Nicor Gas
Pay Range: 102,154 - 160,527.40 USD Annually: Base salary varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, and at the time of this posting, this is the reasonable salary range for this role.
