Manager - Public Relations

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC•Paducah, KY

13h•$130,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The incumbent will lead all public communication, community engagement, and stakeholder outreach initiatives for an Integrated Steel Plant with Direct Reduced Iron (DRI). The role is responsible for building and sustaining strong relationships with local communities, regulators, government authorities, and media to support project development, approvals, and long-term operations. This position plays a critical role in protecting and enhancing the organization’s reputation while ensuring transparent, proactive communication throughout project evaluation, construction, commissioning, and operational phases.

Requirements

Candidates with 12 to 15 years of progressive experience in Public Relations, Corporate Communications, or External Affairs. Proven experience managing PR and stakeholder engagement for large industrial, Steel, DRI, mining of manufacturing projects.
Ability to design and execute long-term PR, media, and stakeholder communication strategies aligned with large-scale project milestones.
Strong experience in public consultations, town halls, public hearings, and engagement with local communities, regulators, and elected officials. Familiarity with digital platforms, social listening tools, and online reputation management.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical and decision-making ability.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, or equivalent filed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA, Public Administration, Communications, or related filed) preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive public relations and community engagement strategies to support Integrated Steel Plant and DRI project development, approvals, and operations.
Act as the primary interface with local communities, municipal and state authorities, regulators, civic leaders, and other external stakeholders at project and plant locations.
Lead media relations activities, including press releases, media briefings, interviews, site visits, and crisis communication, ensuring consistent and accurate messaging.
Partner with Project Management, Engineering, Environment, and Operations teams to provide strategic communication support during feasibility, permitting, construction, and operational phases.
Manage stakeholder communication related to environmental compliance, sustainability, safety, social impact, and economic benefits of steel and DRI operations.
Plan and execute public consultations, town halls, public hearings, and stakeholder meetings required for regulatory approvals and social license to operate.
Track public perception, media coverage, and stakeholder feedback; proactively address risks and recommend corrective communication strategies.
Coordinate with legal, environmental, and technical teams to ensure regulatory compliance, transparency, and alignment of external communications.
Represent the organization at public forums, regulatory hearings, industry conferences, and community events.
Prepare internal briefings, reports, and dashboards to keep senior leadership informed of external stakeholder sentiment and reputational risks.