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.

Required Qualifications  

• 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 

• Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals 

• Encouraging innovative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities; facilitating the implementation and acceptance of change 

• Strong written, verbal, and social media communication skills 

• Ability to deal with ambiguity and effectively manage multiple projects at one time 

• Ability to establish credibility and support organizational priorities 

• Ability to manage during an emergency situation 
• Event planning 

Preferred Additional Qualifications  

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Business or other related concentration  

• Internal and/or external 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.

As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection
We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

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 also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement
Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*:

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

Posting End Date (if applicable):

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.