Director of Public Affairs

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:

Leads public affairs, corporate citizenship and communications strategies for the company and its natural gas and electric utilities located in eight states and in more than 800 communities. Manages team of public affairs professionals located across the company's service territories. Develops and leads the stakeholder relationship strategies in partnership with cross-functional teams, including the natural gas and electric operations leadership teams.

Pay Range: $137,700 - $227,000 (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: Chief Sustainability Officer

Location: Our Corporate Headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.

Essential Functions:
* Lead the Public Affairs function and supervise a team of representatives located across the company's service territories, including Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.
* Develop strategies and ensure the successful achievement of business strategies, including negotiation, renewal and administration of franchises and service territory authority.
* Develop and improve effective communications channels and relationships with community, local governing agencies, civic, business and other leaders to position the company for opportunities and address key community issues effectively.
* Plan critical communications for business unit and/or project/initiative to enhance the company's reputation in the communities we serve.
* Develop messaging that connects customers and our communities to the services the company provides and increases the knowledge base of our employees to be brand ambassadors.
* Develop and implement a proactive media relations strategy that includes building relationships with media to effectively communicate to customer and partners.
* Act as a strategist to support the Corporate Communications team's development of brand communications, advertising, internal communications and digital communication strategies.
* Lead the company's corporate citizenship strategy, including the company's non-profit foundation and volunteerism strategies, and support state-level sponsorship and donation strategies.
* Partner with other leaders to identify, develop and implement brand and reputation strategies in support of the company's vision, mission, values, strategic goals and initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities:
Responsibilities also include oversight of the following objectives and programs:
* Community partnerships with community officials, leaders and organizations.
* Alignment of the company's strategic goals with community relationship strategies, plans and communications.
* Crisis and emergency response planning and oversight.
* Coordinated community involvement and communications plans.
* Development and management of a consistent company reputation and communications program.

What Is Required:
* Bachelors degree in communications, public relations, public administration, business administration and/or marketing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
* Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications, public relations, public administration, and/or marketing or related experience is required.

What Is Desired:
* Detailed knowledge of communications, public relations, business operations, local government, franchise laws and regulatory and legislative processes.
* Consistent track record leading, running and supervising a team of professionals.
* Excellent project management skills, including planning & organization.
* Strong communications skills, both written and verbal; leadership skills; interpersonal skills; collaboration skills; and presentation skills.
* Personal drive, creativity, and initiative to build opportunities to influence brand representation.
* Evidence-informed ability to lead and manage teams, processes, and procedures.
* Ability to analyze sophisticated issues, interpret and communicate them in a concise, understandable format.
* Ability to advise, influence and communicate company positions to key partners.
* Demonstrated skills in forward planning, corporate strategy, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
* Dedication to meeting ethical business and personal standards.

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.