Senior Manager, Strategic Growth and Community Affairs

Xcel Energy•Denver, CO

2d•$130,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Xcel Energy is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company serving millions of customers across eight states. The company is dedicated to improving energy services, reliability, resilience, and sustainability. Xcel Energy offers opportunities for growth, skill development, and leadership in the clean energy transition, with meaningful rewards and support. The company values its employees as the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping them be their best. Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model, with many roles expected to work onsite three days per week, though specific location expectations vary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public affairs, communications, business or related field, or equivalent experience
8 years of demonstrated experience in state or local government affairs, community relations, external relations, public policy, communications, or advocacy ideally in an energy, infrastructure, or large-scale development context
Very strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex political and community issues
Ability to work independently and be a self-starter
Must be willing to work non-traditional hours to attend community, state and local government meetings

Nice To Haves

Masters preferred but not required
Experience integrating policy and community relations functions within a single strategic role
Familiarity with Colorado's legislative, community, and regulatory environment
Experience partnering with central/enterprise teams to align local execution with broader brand and messaging strategy

Responsibilities

Lead development and execution of a proactive Colorado narrative and stakeholder strategy that protects and strengthens Xcel Energy’s brand while positioning Colorado to competitively serve data centers and other large load customers.
Provide leadership in executing PSCo’s Colorado state and local government energy policy priorities supporting large load customers and infrastructure siting and construction.
Translate growth priorities into a proactive Colorado strategy that aligns state legislation, local government rules and regulations, franchise, public affairs, regulatory, economic development, and community engagement activities before major customer or infrastructure decisions move forward.
Lead the early identification and assessment of political, state, municipal, community, regulatory, and reputational risks affecting large load growth or infrastructure siting and construction.
Build, maintain, and lead implementation of a statewide advocacy and ground-game playbook for large load customers and infrastructure projects.
Provide PSCo and enterprise leadership with timely context and situational awareness on Colorado political, municipal, community, regulatory, and reputational matters affecting growth and infrastructure development.
Lead special projects requiring cross-functional coordination, analysis, and issue resolution to advance PSCo priorities.