Community Relations Manager

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills, talents and education to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A professional position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.

Summary

This position is responsible to manage effective working relationships with our communities, counties, and key community organizations in order to: enhance the Company's image; obtain and retain our franchise agreements; increase throughput by assisting in local economic vitality; and protect the Company's assets within the community- electric transmission and distribution operations; gas construction and operations; generation; community and economic development; and public affairs. Be the Ombudsman for resolving neighborhood-level outage complaints. Each CRM is assigned responsibility for between 15 and 60 reginal communities, ranging from large metropolitan communities to rural townships with populations less than 100.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with the local governments in the communities and territories we serve, working with cross-functional teams as appropriate. Build positive relationships with assigned communities through proactive professional contact with elected officials, community leaders, city officials and county boards. Maintain a comprehensive understanding of local issues. Be the focal point between local government and Company operations. Manage issues where there is real or potential conflict between Company and community position. Lead Company's decision-making process on controversial community issues. Keep community officials informed of Company work practices, business decisions, and programs which impact customers and the community. Build customer loyalty and satisfaction by responding with urgency to community requests and concerns. Participate and provide leadership to cross-functional Company team on issues of state-wide concern.
• Protect critical company business interests. Initiate, negotiate and obtain, and ensure implementation of gas and electric franchise agreements. Understand and effectively communicate potential impacts of proposed and enacted local regulations to city officials; work within company and with city officials to achieve favorable outcomes. Keep community officials and leaders informed of critical industry issues, Company policies and emergency situations. Facilitate process for obtaining complex permit approvals for significant distribution, transmission, substation and generation projects vital to Company. Manage the presentation of Company's testimony before local governmental units. Monitor and deter competitive threats, ie municipalization, other power suppliers, other service providers, and co-generators.
• Be the Ombudsman for resolving neighborhood-level outage complaints. Lead resolution of community/neighborhood outage concerns. Communicate concerns to Area Engineering and other organizations, as appropriate, and facilitate prompt and complete resolution. Be the main point of contact with community leaders and/or local elected officials. Coordinate and/or facilitate Xcel Energy resources to participate in community meetings/forums, as appropriate. Provide regular internal communications about community interaction regarding ongoing investigations or work plans, as appropriate.
• Develop and manage community service involvement and support. Ensure Company participation in key community-based organizations and initiatives and initiatives. Manage Company financial support for key community organizations. Manage discretionary contributions program for assigned area and provide input to corporate contributions.
• Enhance Company growth opportunities. Provide leadership and support to state, regional and local community economic development and community development initiatives and organizations; initiating and supporting Company Economic Development projects and programs. Promote sales of Company programs/services/products. Obtain and disseminate with Company information on relevant changes within communities; ie business growth or decline, demographic trends, community issues, and opportunities.

Requirements

• College degree in related field or equivalent experience. (6 years of relatable experience can supplement for the degree)
• Understanding of Company policies, procedures, and functions desirable.
• Project management experience required.
• Very strong interpersonal skills are critical.
• Ability to work with complex issues in a public setting.
• Ability to work independently and be a self-starter.
• Must be willing to work non-traditional hours to attend city councils meetings, etc.

Preferred

• Strong preference will be given to individuals with experience working with external businesses, nonprofits, and elected officials in the North Eastern Metro region.
• Five years of public affairs or relatable experience
• Past experience working within public service (economic development/commissions/chambers)

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

COVID-19 continues to significantly impact our employees, families and communities. With employee health and safety as our top priority, Xcel Energy requires all new persons be fully vaccinated or receive a formal medical or religious accommodation prior to their start date, unless prohibited by state or local law.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

Posting Notes: MN - White Bear Lake || MN - White Bear Lake || United States (US) || OpCos || 08100:Community Service || Full-Time || Non-Bargaining ||

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $87,000 to $123,666 per year