Community Affairs Manager

Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you! With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.

PSE's Government Affairs & Public Policy team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open Community Affairs Manager position!

Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.

Job Description

The person in this role will develop and sustain relationships with local communities in areas impacted by PSE’s utility infrastructure projects. They will actively engage with local communities to build support for the design, implementation, and construction of projects. They will build a local support network for additional needs relates to PSE’s clean energy transformation. And, this role will develop and execute strategies to address customer and PSE-related community interests.

The individual who fills this role may be responsible for working with communities in Pierce County, King County, Skagit County, Whatcom County, Island County and/or Kittitas County depending on business needs.

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.

Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

Job Responsibilities

• Creates and delivers strategies for engaging local communities on PSE-initiated infrastructure projects and leads efforts to manage expectations through proactive communication.
• Serves as primary point of contact for public outreach in addressing customer and community issues related to PSE infrastructure updates, clean energy projects, and other issues.
• In collaboration with other PSE departments, maintains robust working knowledge of community sentiment, outreach opportunities, and organizations in local project areas. Provides strategic recommendations with risk mitigation and stakeholder analysis to internal project teams and other PSE departments.
• Develops strategic short-term and long-range work plans for local communities as it relates to each initiative or project.
• Meets regularly with community leaders, customer groups, and key PSE/service provider representatives to listen to community needs and educate about PSE projects.
• Identifies and invests in community needs to support PSE’s local partnerships; evaluates organizations for corporate giving and serve as a liaison for the PSE Foundation.
• With coordination across PSE departments, takes the lead to address community issues/concerns arising out of project details which are not resolved at the project development/construction level.
• In a storm event, serves as lead contact with key community-based organizations to provide timely and accurate information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public relations, communications; or equivalent combination of education and/or relevant work experience.
• Seven years community relations and/or related utility operations experience.
• Excellent customer relations skills, including problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Excellent communications skills (oral, written, listening).
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a matrix environment.
• Strong teambuilding and interpersonal skills.
• Uncompromising ethics and integrity.
• Ability and flexibility to travel within service region

Desired Qualifications

• Gas and/or electric industry experience.
• Working knowledge of public policy and jurisdictional procedures.
• Prior experience as Community Engagement Representative.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement in public processes.
• Critical thinking and strategic coalition building.
• Experience community organizing or political campaign / initiative work.
• Familiarity with local communities across western Washington.

Additional Information

To be considered for this role, please submit a cover letter with your application. At PSE we value and respect our employees and provide them opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive compensation and rewards package.

The pay range for this position is $88,000.00 - $146,500.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses.

PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP). For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan. Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year. Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - Why Work For Us.

Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy.

Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.

Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at jobs@pse.com or 425-462-3017.