Media Relations Manager jobs in Manhattan, KS

JOB SUMMARY

Leads a regional team of professionals who are the visible points of contact between municipal governments, state and local boards, organizations, residents and businesses and the Company.  Develops, maintains and enhances relationships with all area community and local government groups and officials.  Implements corporate strategy within the region to support operational initiatives as they relate to capital projects and community relations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Negotiates with local government units when local public policies/rules/ordinances impact the Company's business.
• Leads the effort to develop relationships with local government stakeholders and state organizations that enable the Company to meet its strategic and business objectives.
• Implements and directs a full range of corporate initiatives within the region devoted to capital project approvals, project support, police and fire education, municipal emergency preparedness response training, tree clearance and vegetation management education, franchising and customer complaint resolution.
• Conducts public open houses, public informational meetings and key influencer leadership summits required for obtaining capital project approvals.  Acts as Company spokesperson at these meetings. 
• Provides technical guidance for the routing of transmission lines and the siting of substations with special focus on the community and social aspects.  Coordinates with other Company departments early in development as routes and sites are identified. 
• Obtains or negotiates renewals of municipal franchise agreements. 
• Coaches, mentors, trains, develops, motivates and supervises staff.   Assigns and reviews work and appraises employees.

REQUIREMENTS

• Mass Communications, Organizational Management, Management or Engineering or relevant, equivalent experience and/or education.
• Master's degree in public administration, public policy, business administration, or engineering preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years relevant experience developing relationships with governmental officials, community members or customers in either a regulated environment or as a government official. 
• Minimum of four (4) years of supervisory experience.
• Advanced working knowledge of local and state government processes and operations. 
• Working knowledge of technical routing and siting requirements for capital projects. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access).
• Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills, including: the ability to convey complex information clearly, concisely and effectively and a demonstrated ability to create and deliver presentations to audiences of varying knowledge level and size.
• Diplomatic, relationship builder with strong professional presence and demonstrated ability to influence others.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.