Public Affairs Manager

Job Title: Public Affairs Manager Job Summary  The Public Affairs Manager serves as NiSource's key community and stakeholder engagement contact. This person engages in and manages an external and internal environment to support NiSource so that the company can realize its financial and non-financial business objectives in a consistent and seamless manner across the organization.   Assigned County Territory (9) Saint Joseph, Elkhart, LaGrange, Steuben, Marshall, Kosciusko, Noble, DeKalb, Whitley Essential Functions   1.) 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 engagement activities Employee engagement/communications support Provides stakeholder engagement counsel across all organizational levels. Represents company, as appropriate, as a good corporate citizen through development of solid relationships with key stakeholders. 2.) Issues Identification and Management/Operations Support: Identify the need for develop and implement stakeholder community engagement plans to address external and internal audiences, including strategies, timelines and vehicles. In concert with Operations management, develop and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, communities, 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 stakeholder and community engagement campaigns on issues as required; coordination of notification of actions to public and elected officials. 3.) Business Partner: Provides strategic external and internal communications support and counsel: facilitate effective relationships with key stakeholders; identify opportunities to favorably position market leaders; 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 and presenting. 4.) Media and Stakeholder Relations: Be knowledgeable and aware of all media outlets and stakeholders within your service territory, as well as issues within the company that may attract media and stakeholder attention. Generates positive media coverage on community engagement activities, company initiatives, industry news, and other company activities. 5.) Community Relations: Represents NiSource on community boards. Implements local community engagement programs. Plans and executes special events in support of community and NiSource initiatives.

5+ years of public relations, communications, local government, nonprofit or related experience  Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships  Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of goals  Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive  Obtaining information and identifying key issues and relationships relevant to long-range goals or vision; developing alternatives based on logical assumptions, facts, available resources, constraints, and organizational values  Clearly conveying information and ideas in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand the message  Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes and adjusting effectively to new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures  Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources, drawing conclusions, and developing appropriate solutions