Public Affairs Program Manager SD/WY

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:

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.

Pay Range: $84,600 - $126,900 / Grade 15 (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: Rapid City, South Dakota; Casper, Wyoming or Gillette, Wyoming

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 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 executive a proactive media relations strategy to support local and company-wide initiatives; form relationships with local media and respond to media inquiries appropriately.
* Issues Management: This position partners 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.
* Community Impact: As a representative of Black Hills in the community, you will be expected to facilitate the state's sponsorship, donation and volunteer initiatives with a local steering team available to support and implement. This position is also expected to support the company's Black Hills Cares initiative and facilitate partnerships with local energy assistance providers.
* Travel: To build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners, this position requires frequent overnight 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.

What Is Desired:
* 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.

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.