Public Affairs Communications Manager

Xcel Energy•Denver, CO

19h•$112,200 - $159,400•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing strategic public affairs and communications direction, counsel and support to executive leadership and business units, and individual project teams and management. Along with individual project participants, this position will: lead the development of public affairs and communications strategies to promote the success of Operations business areas. Lead multi-utility teams in the development of plans to build relationships and conduct effective communications with media, governmental units, tribal nations, city, county and township organizations, the public and affected landowners, and other stakeholders as identified in project areas (e.g., local business community, neighborhood organizations and others); manage communications in support of the collaborative planning effort; and serve as liaison between project management and legislative, regulatory and technical project areas. This role is based in Denver and will support Xcel Energy Transmission capital projects for our Colorado and Texas/New Mexico service territories. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience supporting major infrastructure projects requiring public outreach, including education and engagement, serving as public spokesperson, and managing public affairs consultants. This role requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills, working with internal and external stakeholders, and will involve travel across our service territory.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in journalism or communications, public affairs, political science, business or related field required.
Minimum of ten years of experience required in the areas of public affairs, communications, government and community relations.
Demonstrated experience supporting major infrastructure projects requiring public outreach, including education and engagement, serving as public spokesperson, and managing public affairs consultants.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, working with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in public policy, communications, political science, or related field preferred.
Experience in regulatory area desirable.

Responsibilities

Works with executive staff and project teams to identify critical issues that may impede or enhance the success of Operations projects and develops strategic plans to effectively address such issues.
Establishes and manages system to monitor related developments in the utility and related industries and brings current knowledge and best practices to the organization.
May include leadership of one or more staff responsible for managing interface with critical local, state or federal officials and agencies that have significant influence on business area projects (e.g. city councils, legislators, government agencies, etc.).
Develops and implements communication strategies, key messages, presentations and public events to enhance the public perception of the Company.
Provides communications guidance, support and counsel on legislative and regulatory relations.
Leads communication team and coordinates communications strategies with project management, community relations, regulatory and project permitting/routing leads on relevant projects.
Manage major project websites, social media tools and video opportunities to expand the visibility of the company's transmission work.
In collaboration with the media relations team, directs the development and implementation of media relations programs to ensure the Company and business area vision is clearly understood by the public and to provide accurate information regarding Operations projects.
Oversees the work of external communications/public affairs consultants.
Develops departmental priorities and goals in support of project and corporate goals.
Develops and delivers strategy and status reports to utility executives and to project development managers, as applicable.