**Job Summary** The primary responsibility of a Manager – State Affairs is to enable the success of the State extended leadership team . This position will act as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the State President who can be called on at any moment to provide support. This role will actively work to understand the business direction, the business needs and quickly assess issues that serve as barriers to a team or organization operating at maximum effectiveness. This role will be responsible for day-to-day tasks, builds trust with the state leadership team allowing the executive to focus on larger strategic organizational initiatives. This role will establish, maintain and enforce the cadence of the business, continually driving alignment to the core segment priorities. The candidate for this role should be extremely well-organized; have superior interpersonal skills across all levels of the internal organization and the ability to engage with governmental and regulatory officials; be able to work independently; be a strong and clear communicator; be able to maintain the highest of confidences; and possess the ability to anticipate issues and plan next steps. The candidate should also be comfortable working in an environment with rapidly changing priorities and a fair measure of ambiguity. **Essential Functions** + Collaborate with the State President to establish and refine strategic priorities, identifying key focus areas and metrics for success. Regularly assess progress and recalibrate as necessary. + Aggregate and synthesize essential information to keep the State President well-informed across all areas of responsibility, including acting as liaison with other key functions. + Provide targeted support in regulatory matters, ensuring that IT initiatives and process improvements are effectively integrated into rate cases. Assist with public affairs, including zoning and permitting, while tracking financial details aligned with the annual financial plan . + Assist in reviewing state risk mitigation priorities, status of compliance issues and tracking of capital planning processes + Utilize benchmarking and company data to formulate actionable recommendations that streamline decision-making processes. + Prepare for and follow up on meetings by reviewing the week’s agenda, ensuring the State President is equipped with all necessary information, and distributing agendas or documents to participants as needed. + Oversee the strategic planning process, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and standardization in practices, processes, and metrics. + Manage the Environmental Equity and Justice initiatives, promoting sustainable practices across the organization. + Drive the execution of large-scale, cross-functional projects in support of the President, aligning with Gas Operations, Construction, Engineering and other departments as necessary asand NiSource Stakeholder Commitments. + Spearhead the annual strategic planning process for the operating company, ensuring alignment with overall organizational goals. + Create and maintain dashboards to monitor key performance indicators, facilitating data-driven decision-making. + **Required Qualifications For Position** + Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Technical discipline + Three (3) or more years experience in organizational development, finance, operations; experience in change management + **Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position** **Physical Demands** + Standing - Occasionally + Walking - Occasionally + Sitting - Constantly + Lifting - Rarely + Carrying - Rarely + Pushing - Rarely + Pulling - Rarely + Climbing - Rarely + Balancing - Rarely + Stooping - Rarely + Kneeling - Rarely + Crouching - Rarely + Crawling - Rarely + Reaching - Rarely + Handling - Occasionally + Grasping - Occasionally + Feeling - Rarely + Talking - Constantly + Hearing - Constantly + Repetitive Motions - Frequently + Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Frequently + 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:** $125,800.00 - $188,600.00 **Posting Start Date:** 2025-01-08 **Posting End Date (if applicable):** 2025-01-23 **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.