Area Manager (Govt & Community Affairs)

Itc Holdings Corp. - Novi, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

Novi, MI

Management of Companies and Enterprises

About the position

The Area Manager (Govt & Community Affairs) plays a crucial role in developing, maintaining, and enhancing relationships with local community and government groups and officials. This position is responsible for implementing corporate strategies within the assigned area to support operational initiatives related to capital projects and community relations. The Area Manager will negotiate with local government units when local public policies, rules, or ordinances impact the company's business operations. This role requires a proactive approach to cultivate relationships with community organizations, associations, and other groups to promote an understanding of company-wide issues. In addition to relationship management, the Area Manager will conduct public open houses, informational meetings, and key influencer leadership summits necessary for obtaining capital project approvals. Acting as the company spokesperson at these meetings, the Area Manager will provide technical guidance for the routing of transmission lines and the siting of substations, with a special focus on community and social aspects. Coordination with other company departments is essential early in the development process as routes and sites are identified. The Area Manager will also be responsible for obtaining or negotiating renewals of municipal franchise agreements and preparing building permits for company projects. Furthermore, this position involves assisting with the identification and review of charitable giving opportunities within the assigned area and taking on special projects and initiatives to support corporate objectives. The Area Manager must possess a strong understanding of the local community dynamics and be able to effectively represent the company in various settings, including meetings outside of normal business hours.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with area community and local government groups and officials.
• Implement corporate strategy within the assigned area to support operational initiatives related to capital projects and community relations.
• Negotiate with local government units regarding public policies that impact the company's business.
• Conduct public open houses and informational meetings for capital project approvals.
• Act as the company spokesperson at public meetings and key influencer leadership summits.
• Provide technical guidance for routing transmission lines and siting substations, focusing on community and social aspects.
• Obtain or negotiate renewals of municipal franchise agreements.
• Prepare and obtain building permits for company projects.
• Assist in identifying and reviewing charitable giving opportunities within the assigned area.
• Take on special projects and initiatives to support corporate objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Communications, Mass Communications, Organizational Management, Management, Engineering or relevant equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years relevant experience developing relationships with governmental officials, community members, or customers in a regulated environment or as a government official.
• Working knowledge of technical routing and siting requirements for capital projects preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to create and deliver presentations to diverse audiences.
• Diplomatic skills with a strong professional presence and ability to influence others.
• Ability to negotiate on the company's behalf.
• Demonstrated ability to handle adversarial situations effectively and diplomatically.
• Basic understanding of engineering terminology and ability to read and interpret site drawings.
• Ability to represent the company at meetings outside of normal business hours and travel locally and regionally.
• Valid Driver's License required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in community engagement and public relations.
• Familiarity with local government processes and regulations.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations related to capital projects.