**Job Summary** Manager Public Affairs is responsible for designing and executing public affairs engagement strategies, plans and tactics that enhance the knowledge and understanding of the state operating company among the company's key stakeholders. Works collaboratively with State Operating Company leadership and NiSource corporate communications to develop and execute integrated public affairs engagement strategies. Oversees public affairs resources and territories. Achieves external environment support of the state operating company so that business objectives may be achieved in a seamless manner across the organization, and across NiSource as appropriate. Serve as NiSource's key community and media contact. **Essential Functions** + External outreach and issues management + Works with state leadership team to develop and implement a strategic, integrated public affairs and communications strategy + Generates positive media coverage on issues and initiatives, and through involvement/support of community activities + Provides communications counsel across all organizational levels. + Represents Company, as appropriate, as a good corporate citizen through development of solid relationships with key stakeholders. + Business Partner + Develop and maintain positive collaborative relationships with key management to support operations, regulatory and other functions and to leverage their expertise and support in dealing with issues and incidents that may impact the company + Provide strategic external and internal communications support and counsel: facilitate effective relationships with municipalities, government agencies and key media; identify opportunities to favorably position Company; strategic support to effectively engage local advertising, sponsorships; crisis communications planning and execution + Bring best practice expertise regarding: meeting planning and management, public speaking, coaching + Issues Identification and Management/Operations Support + Identify the need for develop and implement communication plans to address external and internal audiences, including strategies, timelines and vehicles. + In concert with Operations management, develop and maintain positive relationships with key media and executive management to not only support operations, but to leverage their support in dealing with issues and incidents that may negatively impact the company. + Coordinate and help to position the company as one that promotes safety, customer service and reliability. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: coordination of media campaigns on issues as required; coordination of notification of actions to public and elected officials. + Media Relations + Be knowledgeable and aware of all media outlets and reporters within your service territory, as well as issues within the company that may attract media attention. + Generates positive media coverage on company initiatives, industry news, and other company activities. + Community Relations + Represents NiSource on community boards. + Implements local charitable giving programs. + Plans and executes special events in support of community and NiSource initiatives. + Financial Management + Accountable for the productive use of financial budget + Adheres to annual budget and adjusts accordingly + Talent Management + Proactively develops direct reports to ensure strong succession and bench strength + Develops a team that reflects our priorities for diversity and inclusion + Takes employee engagement personally and ensures robust plans are in place to create positive employee experiences **Travel within the community of COH footprint (2-3 hours for meetings with community officials/events biweekly)** **Required Qualifications For Position** + Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Affairs or other related concentration + 4-6 years of experience in communications + Public relations, communications or related experience + Building partnerships-Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships + Building trust-Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization + Building Strategic Working Relationships-Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of goals + Initiating Action-Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive + Strategic Thinking-Obtaining information and identifying key issues and relationships relevant to long-range goal or vision after developing alternatives based on logical assumptions, facts, available resources, constraints and organizational values + Communication-Clearly conveying information and ideas in a manner that engages the individual or group audience and helps them understand the message + Adaptability-Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes, adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, process, requirements, or cultures + Decision making-Identifying and understanding issues, problems and opportunities, comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probably consequences + Contributing to Team Success-Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals + Facilitating Change-Encouraging others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities; facilitating the implementation and acceptance of change within the workplace + Excellent relationship-building skills/savvy + Strong written, verbal and social media communication skills + Ability to deal with ambiguity and effectively manage multiple projects at one time + Ability to analyze and solve problems + Ability to establish credibility and support the organizations preferences and priorities + Ability to manage during an emergency situation + Media relations + Event planning **Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position** + External communications experience + Internal communications experience + Utility or other regulated industry experience The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position. **Work Authorization** Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. **Inclusion & Diversity** Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners. Respect and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent all walks of life and all backgrounds. Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment. **Equal Employment Opportunity** NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle. **By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.** **Safety Statement** Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits. **Salary Range:** $110,200.00 - $165,300.00 **Posting Start Date:** 2025-02-19 **Posting End Date (if applicable):** 2025-03-05 **Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.** At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers. We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.