Manager-State & Local Public Affairs (East)

Position Overview:

The Manager of State & Local Public Affairs (Eastern) is a key position within the Government and Public Affairs (G&PA) department and is responsible for executing the company’s external affairs strategies.  

This position provides comprehensive support to the Projects, Commercial, and Operations departments by representing the company in relevant communities and with key stakeholders such as elected officials, regulatory agencies, nongovernmental organizations,  and industry associations. Candidates should have an extensive knowledge of the energy industry and strong relationships across the region which could include, but is not limited to, IL, IN, OH, WV, and KY.

**The position will be open to remote consideration, especially in the OH region.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Develop strong external relationships with local communities, businesses, government officials, industry associations, advocacy groups, and non-governmental organizations. Develop engagement strategies, approaches, and tools to achieve business objectives and minimize risk. 

• Monitor and analyze local and state government policy changes, elections, city and town ordinances, board, and council activities; identifying emerging issues early and building fit-for-purpose advocacy plans to achieve company objectives. 

• Ensure proactive, timely, and effective communications with community leaders on siting, permitting, construction, and maintenance activities.

• Represent Tallgrass at community gatherings or forums and serve as the local point of contact for stakeholders. 

• Advise senior leadership on potential risks and opportunities and provide guidance on how to navigate complex regulatory and political environments, aimed at the most favorable long-term results for the company.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Public Policy, Communications, Public Relations, or a related discipline.

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in the energy industry serving in government affairs, lobbying, or public affairs roles.

• Demonstrated superior leadership outcomes in the areas of leading self, leading others, and leading an organization. 

• Proven ability to drive positive change and continuous improvement.

• Proven track record of successful, innovative leadership and delivery of performance results.

• Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Teams, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.

• Strong analysis, decision making, and logic skills.

• Self-motivated with a high level of initiative.

• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.

• Must be able to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.

• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.

• Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.

• Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets; position will be filled depending on qualifications, experience, and skill sets of the successful candidate. 

Physical Demands:

All of the physical requirements listed below are those that may be necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting; standing; walking or moving throughout facility; driving; talking; seeing (specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus); hearing; feeling; bending or stooping; squatting or crouching; reaching; kneeling; pushing; pulling; lifting up to 25 lbs.

• Minimal safety hazards; general office working conditions.

• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.

• The employee is regularly required to use hands to type, touch, handle, or feel.  The employee is required to talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• Travel ~50%

• Required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.

• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including credit report for certain positions, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• No

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Above the minimum requirements, not required but advantageous in this position:

• Advanced degree in Business Management, Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, or a related field.

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position will be $125,600-$188,400/yr.

Other responsibilities:

• The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.