External Affairs Program Manager

LCEC•North Fort Myers, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The External Affairs Lead is responsible for developing and executing LCEC's External Affairs strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and executive leadership direction. This position serves as the cooperative's primary point of contact for government and community stakeholders, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and external factors that may impact operations, growth, and organizational positioning. This position manages higher-impact stakeholder relationships and represents LCEC in strategic external engagements, leads resolution of complex community and governmental challenges and provides coordinated solutions related to stakeholder risk, community sentiment, and engagement strategy. The position works collaboratively across departments and supports organizational objectives through proactive issue identification, coordination, and external representation. Working closely with Key Accounts, Operations, and Business Continuity, this role ensures alignment between day-to-day operational execution and long-term external strategy. The External Affairs Lead supports LCEC's ability to proactively navigate an evolving political and regulatory environment while maintaining strong community relationships and advancing organizational resilience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, public affairs, political science, public relations, business administration, or a related field or experience commensurate to degree. (Required)
7+ Years progressively responsible experience in lobbying, government relations, public affairs, community engagement, or stakeholder relations, including engagement with local governments, community organizations, and public-sector stakeholders, and experience with public speaking and presentations. (Required)
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. (Required)
Proven ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships in complex environments. (Required)
Ability to exercise judgment, manage sensitive issues, and coordinate across departments. (Required)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). (Required)
Valid driver's license upon hire (Required)

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree business, marketing, energy management, or related field. (Preferred)
5+ Years Utility, infrastructure, or regulated-industry experience. (Preferred)
Knowledge of the local service area and community environment. (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead LCEC's government relations, legislative affairs, and external stakeholder engagement efforts, cultivating relationships with policymakers, governmental leadership, and influential community stakeholders to support organizational priorities and long-term strategic objectives.
Manage relationships with governmental entities in their capacity as policymakers, regulators, and community decision-makers rather than as utility customers or account holders.
Assess emerging legislative, regulatory, political, and community issues; develop engagement strategies and provide recommendations to executive leadership regarding organizational risks, opportunities, and stakeholder impacts.
Monitor local, state, and federal legislative actions, ordinances, and policy discussions that may impact LCEC and assess potential impacts to the organization.
Facilitate cross functional alignment to support timely resolution of government-related challenges, inquiries, or concerns. Support development of response strategies and recommendations for leadership as needed.
Prepare and deliver information to government stakeholders related to LCEC initiatives, infrastructure projects, service issues, rate-related matters, and outage or restoration activity.
Provide input into messaging approaches and support leadership briefings related to governmental matters. Ensure consistency of messaging with internal guidance and organizational priorities.
Represent LCEC in high-visibility or contentious settings requiring independent judgment and discretion.
Support coordination with government partners during emergency events or organizational activations.
Participate in targeted community or civic activities directly related to government relationships.
Operate independently with external stakeholders, manages multiple complex issues simultaneously, and provides frequent updates (verbally & written) and strategic recommendations to leadership.
Maintain effective working relationships with employees and customers at all levels within LCEC. Ensure smooth operations, productive communications, and effective understanding during all interpersonal contacts. Provide current and accurate information to all requesters, courteously and in a timely manner.
Support Storm Restoration efforts when needed. Work in emergency storm situations (i.e. hurricanes) and work long hours (>12 hours per day) for many continuous days/weeks as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.