Transmission Siting and Outreach Manager

American Electric Power•Fort Wayne, IN

1d•$136,539 - $177,503•Onsite

About The Position

This position will support AEP Transmission projects, organizational management, and implementing best practices in the Outreach and Siting departments. Responsible for coordinating the siting and outreach efforts and activities of a regional AEP Transmission team. This position is responsible for building/maintaining relationships with federal/state/local community members, supervision of region siting/outreach team members, and providing regulatory support, including testimony, as a transmission siting witness for regulatory proceedings. Works closely with leadership in Project Management, Line and Station Engineering, Right of Way, Environmental Services, Project Outreach and Operating Companies to implement best practices and to improve project success. Interfaces with or supports interaction with internal groups and external audiences including individual customers, local officials, siting authorities, state and local agencies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, landscape architecture, planning, business, public relations, public affairs, environmental science or related field.
Six years of experience in outreach, utilities, corporate communications, siting, operations, engineering, environmental or related field.
Excellent written, organizational, presentation, oral communication and time management skills.
The ability to handle multiple projects and assignments is critical.
May require extended hours to accomplish assigned tasks to meet requirements and schedules.
Some overnight travel to facilities and projects (field work) is required periodically.
Position requires some travel and exposure to situations which require knowledge, understanding, and adherence to applicable safety procedures, and ability to hike one to three miles.

Nice To Haves

Previous regulatory testimony preparation and supervisory experience is desired.
Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office computer applications is desired.

Responsibilities

Engages in the development of strategies and best practices to meet AEP Transmission's business objectives and achieve line routing success.
Develop and create tools and templates for consistency of siting and outreach activities within designated region and systemwide.
Develops policies, practices and standards of the Company for siting and ensures projects are performed in accordance with the regulations and procedures as required by federal, state or local regulatory agencies.
Provide testimony to federal, state, local regulatory agencies when necessary.
Responsible for identifying and developing siting and outreach strategies, tools and approaches to work with affected or potentially affected landowners.
Represents AEP Transmission and projects to external affairs teams, educates the public (landowners, thought leaders, elected officials) about proposed transmission projects.
Directs and approves siting/outreach strategies that improve two-way communication and line routing success at the project level.
Provide oversight of outsourcing activities related to siting/outreach.
Collaborate closely with External Affairs, Environmental Services, Project Management, Right of Way, and Engineering on all aspects of projects.
Foster strategic relationships and initiatives that demonstrate AEP's values when interfacing with internal and external parties.
Manage project outreach/siting specialists and project workflow for competitive and non-competitive projects.
Foster AEP's values and culture as part of regular interactions with various internal and external stakeholders.