Public Affairs Program Manager SD/WY

$84,600 - $126,900/Yr

Black Hills - Gillette, WY

Full-time - Mid Level

Gillette, WY

1,001-5,000 employees

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

Black Hills Energy is seeking a public affairs professional who embodies our core values and represents our mission of improving life with energy throughout Wyoming and South Dakota. This role will be responsible for building and maintaining strong/collaborative relationships with communities and customers through essential communication and engagement. The public affairs manager will work in partnership with local operations teams and internal business partners throughout northern Wyoming including Casper and Gillette, and across the black hills of South Dakota to achieve successful results in meeting company goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate effective relationships with community, business, local and state governing agencies, civic and other leaders that position the company for growth and community impact.
• Develop and execute a proactive media relations strategy to support local and company-wide initiatives; form relationships with local media and respond to media inquiries appropriately.
• Partner with public affairs colleagues and company leadership to craft and implement stakeholder engagement and communications plans to support regulatory, legislative, business development, franchise negotiations, rate cases, and crisis management.
• Facilitate the state's sponsorship, donation and volunteer initiatives with a local steering team available to support and implement.
• Support the company's Black Hills Cares initiative and facilitate partnerships with local energy assistance providers.
• Participate in company and public affairs team functions and projects.
• Manage other projects as necessary.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of communications, operations, franchise laws and regulatory and legislative processes is preferred.
• Proven teamwork and collaboration skills are critical to the success of this position.
• Effective project management skills, including planning & organization.
• Strong communications skills, both written and verbal; interpersonal skills; collaboration skills; and presentation skills.
• Solid understanding of Microsoft Office - Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Benefits

• 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)
• Employee assistance program and well-being benefits
• Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance