Manager, Community Relations

Job Summary:

The Manager, Community Relations is responsible for developing and executing strategic community engagement and communications plans (encompassing public relations, local government relations, community engagement and related communications support) for Tenaska's development efforts, including solar, wind, energy storage and carbon capture projects. The Manager implements community engagement strategies that align with local development milestones, build key stakeholder relationships and foster a positive environment for energy development.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and execute strategic community engagement and communications plans to support the development of solar, wind, energy storage, carbon capture and other energy projects across the United States.

• Research project locations and identify key stakeholders (elected officials, landowners, neighbors, etc.) in order to tailor strategies specific to each community.
• Manage community engagement activities to grow key stakeholder relationships and foster support for development.
• Identify opposition and related risks to project success and implement mitigation strategies.
• Develop budgets and provide cost accountability, as necessary.

• In collaboration with the Director, Community Relations, coordinate with Tenaska customers/partners on community engagement strategies, with an objective of achieving project success while also protecting the reputation and integrity of both Tenaska and its customers/partners. Ensure project-specific community engagement strategies align with customers' public relations philosophy, ESG goals and community giving practices.
• Coordinate with a network of public relations consultants and community representatives that support the local engagement efforts for Tenaska development projects. Identify and vet consultants as needed.
• Aid land acquisition efforts for development projects through the development and management of collateral materials for land agents and landowner communications, as well as management of landowner and community meetings and related activities to support land control.
• Aid due diligence efforts for potential development projects.
• Regularly participate in communications/community engagement calls for relevant trade associations (SEIA, ACP, Clean Grid Alliance, etc.).
• Manage special projects and events, including community events, landowner events, news conferences and presentations, including development of supporting materials such as invitations, news releases, fact sheets, displays and remarks and management of logistics for venue and catering.
• Write for and plan support for the full spectrum of modern communication, to include press releases, fact sheets, presentations, websites, social media, electronic messages, audio and visual programming and mass media communication.
• Use and monitor traditional and social media in support of Tenaska's development projects.
• Respond to media requests and participate in and prepare team members for media interviews.
• Introduce efficiencies that enhance work processes.
• Travel as required.
• Collaborate with Tenaska's PRGR team, as needed.
• Modeling integrity and ethical business practices is essential, as is reliable, dependable and predictable attendance.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations/journalism/mass communications/multimedia communications/political science or related field
• Minimum of five years of experience in public and government affairs, specifically in communications strategy, grassroots organizing and community outreach
• Excellent writing, editing and communication skills

Preferred Requirements:

• Energy industry experience
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Portfolio of results demonstrating communication and presentation skills; team leadership and coordination; meeting facilitation and strong follow-up
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word
• Ability to execute a number of parallel tasks and work with cross-functional teams
• Ability to independently prioritize and make sustained progress toward a deadline
• Passion for building and launching new projects
• Experience in social media and word-of-mouth communication practices
• Analytical
• Positive, self-starter attitude with strong work ethic

At Tenaska we care about the wellbeing of our employees and their families. That's why we offer our employees a comprehensive benefit package. Benefits included below:

• Health, dental, vison, disability, and life insurance
• Excellent 401(k) plan
• Incentive-based, competitive salary packages
• Health/dependent care flex accounts
• Tuition assistance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Adoption benefits
• Employee assistance program
• Paid vacations and holidays
• Generous sick leave
• Charitable giving program
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Wellness programs

TENASKA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUINTY EMPLOYER