Sr. Manager, Community Affairs & Stakeholder Relations

Black & Veatch Family of Companies•Olathe, KS

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Community Affairs & Stakeholder Relations develops and executes community engagement strategies that support successful project development and long-term business growth. The role serves as the primary liaison between the company and local communities, government entities, economic development organizations, and other external stakeholders. It builds trusted relationships, promotes positive project narratives, mitigates risks through proactive engagement, and fosters alignment among community, political, and business interests. The position partners with project development, permitting, communications, legal, engineering, operations, and executive leadership teams to integrate stakeholder perspectives into project planning and execution. Success is measured through relationship effectiveness, stakeholder sentiment, regulatory process support, community engagement outcomes, and business value generated through strategic stakeholder partnerships. Diode Ventures is an industrial land use and infrastructure developer focused on creating infrastructure-ready sites for technology and manufacturing companies. Founded in 2017 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Black & Veatch, Diode combines an entrepreneurial development team with its parent company's global engineering, infrastructure, and technical capabilities. It works to de-risk large-scale development—including land, power, cooling, and community engagement—and help clients move complex projects from opportunity to execution. The position involves travel up to 50%. Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days, at the manager's discretion and based on job performance and work assignments. The role is an individual contributor position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Administration, Political Science, Economic Development, Community Development, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
At least 7 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years in community relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, economic development, government relations, or a related field.
Experience building and managing relationships with government officials, economic development organizations, community leaders, and external stakeholders.
Experience facilitating public meetings, community engagement programs, or stakeholder outreach initiatives.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple organizational levels and functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, industrial, real estate, or data center development projects.
Experience with permitting, land development, zoning, public policy, or governmental processes.
Knowledge of economic development programs and incentives.
Experience managing community engagement consultants, communications firms, or public outreach programs.
Demonstrated success influencing complex stakeholder environments and achieving business outcomes through relationship management.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement immediate and long-term community engagement and stakeholder relations strategies that support business objectives and project development.
Identify external stakeholders, community leaders, public officials, economic development organizations, and civic groups that influence project outcomes.
Establish engagement plans that promote transparency, trust, and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
Build and maintain relationships with political, governmental, business, and community stakeholders in current and prospective project locations.
Design and lead outreach activities such as public meetings, listening sessions, focus groups, surveys, educational events, and community forums.
Foster relationships with residents, community organizations, educational institutions, and business leaders.
Represent the company at community events, public hearings, industry meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
Create educational programming and materials about company investments, project activity, economic impact, and community benefits.
Serve as the primary point of contact for community questions, concerns, and feedback regarding development projects.
Communicate project objectives, status updates, opportunities, and potential impacts through appropriate channels and for varied audiences.
Shape and promote positive narratives about data center development and the company's integration into local communities.
Develop stakeholder communications, presentations, and messaging tailored to diverse audiences.
Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and state government officials, economic development partners, and regulatory stakeholders.
Represent and support the company in public processes, Authority Having Jurisdiction presentations, permitting discussions, and other government-related forums.
Help project teams navigate community, regulatory, and governmental processes that may affect project timelines or outcomes.
Identify and resolve community-level obstacles that could create project delays or risks.
Collaborate with project development, permitting, communications, legal, engineering, and operations teams to integrate stakeholder considerations into project planning and execution.
Facilitate alignment between community needs and business objectives.
Support regional project managers by addressing stakeholder concerns and assisting with community engagement activities.
Coordinate communication across business functions to ensure consistent messaging and strategic alignment.
Gather, analyze, and synthesize community feedback to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and stakeholder sentiment.
Maintain accurate records of engagement activities, stakeholder interactions, commitments, and outcomes.
Develop and track stakeholder engagement performance indicators, including fiscal value realization, project acceleration, permitting efficiencies, and relationship effectiveness.
Prepare reports and executive-level updates on engagement activities, emerging concerns, risks, and successes.
Evaluate external consulting, public relations, and community engagement services for opportunities to insource or optimize.
Develop and manage budgets for community engagement programs and initiatives, including educational materials, outreach campaigns, economic impact studies, and community events.
Recommend strategic investments that support community relationships and project success.
Ensure engagement activities are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and accessible.
Promote equitable participation among diverse stakeholder groups and underrepresented communities.
Use engagement approaches that reflect community values and local priorities.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Disability insurance
Wellness program
Flexible work schedules
Paid vacation
Paid holidays
Sick time and dependent sick time
Company-matched 401(k) plan
Adoption reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement
Vendor discounts
Employment referral program
AD&D insurance
Pre-tax accounts
Voluntary legal plan
B&V Credit Union
Potential eligibility for a performance-based bonus program
Employee stock ownership and participation in financial rewards through stock ownership