Prin Community Affairs Mgr

Location:

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, US

Company: Consumers Energy

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. 

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and may be assigned to the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, or Kalamazoo headquarter.  The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Principal Community Affairs Manager is responsible for developing and/or maintaining strong relationships with local government, business and community stakeholders while also acting as a leader and subject matter expert for the team. The incumbent shares accumulated knowledge and experience to help strengthen the team, takes on a variety of roles to ensure the company is recognized as a world-class performer delivering hometown service, and will think, act and carry themself as a customer advocate and company ambassador, always protecting Company reputation and brand.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Plan, direct, communicate and collaborate with company executives to maximize the brand and key strategic relationships
Maintain and strengthen corporate citizenship inspiring coworkers closest to the work to participate in volunteer activities to promote the Company's priorities and brand
Engage with municipalities, communities and economic development organizations and associations by cultivating trusted relationships - establish self as key point of contact when leaders of those organizations need information or assistance - and proactively promote, engage and educate about projects, forestry, renewable development and other Company initiatives and goals
Serve as goal owner, tracking in Planner, COMET or appropriate locations
Gain favorable visibility and recognition through leadership and/or engagement in strategic community events, looking for new opportunities to promote the Company brand
Serve as subject matter expert in dealing with complex customer complaints to appropriate operations personnel for quick and effective mitigation
Develop and track Business Plan Deployment goals, schedule operating reviews and assist team members to be successful
Maintain and own budget for regional team & approve sponsorships
Coordinate franchise schedule and collaborate with team to ensure agreements are signed and returned to corporate legal team prior to expiration of previous agreement
Assist with corporate philanthropic efforts through identification of strategic and tactical grant and sponsorship opportunities that align with company goals and priorities as well as review of Foundation grant and sponsorship requests.
Collaborate with renewable project coordinators to enhance community engagement by building trust, ensuring clear and transparent communication, and involving local stakeholders early in the planning and development process.
Work closely with the engagement team to develop and implement strategic plans that guide major project initiatives, strengthen community outreach efforts, and ensure consistent, proactive communication with key stakeholders.
Other duties as assigned or may be necessary

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

"Plan and lead public meetings on behalf of the Company "
"Communication, public speaking, writing and problem-solving abilities "
"Ability to collaborate within a diverse audience "
Knowledge of utility best practices and procedures
Knowledge of social media practices to leverage company brand
Work independently, proactively and effectively within territory
time-management skills
Knowledgeable in responding to urgent and unplanned events

Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree in Public relations, communications or related area of study and 7+ years of experience developing relationships with local government, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and other community organizations, Presenting company information, & budgetary responsibility.
[OR] Bachelor's degree in Public relations, communications or related area of study and 9+ years of experience developing relationships with local government, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and other community organizations, Presenting company information, & budgetary responsibility.
[OR] Assocaite's degree in Public relations, communications or related area of study and 11+ years of experience developing relationships with local government, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and other community organizations, Presenting company information, & budgetary responsibility.

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

Competitive compensation packages
Medical, Dental and Vision
401k with company match
Paid parental leave
Up to 13 paid Holidays
Paid time off
Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

Nearest Major Market: Grand Rapids
Job Segment: PR, Regulatory Affairs, Compliance, CSR, Marketing, Legal, Customer Service, Management

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