Manager - State & Local Public Affairs (Eastern Region) #3181

Primary purpose:

The Manager, State & Local Public Affairs, is a key position within the Government and Public Affairs (G&PA) department which 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 the community and with key stakeholders such as elected officials, regulatory agencies, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and industry associations.

Candidates should have experience within the energy industry, relationships across Eastern and Midwestern states, and experience serving as a company spokesperson.

This position has initial responsibility for Tallgrass’ efforts within the Eastern Region of the US.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

1. Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Develop engagement strategies, approaches and tools to achieve business objectives and minimize risk.
2. Identify emerging issues early, make recommendations, and build fit-for-purpose advocacy plans.
3. Develop strong external relationships with communities, businesses, government, industry associations, advocacy groups, and non-governmental organizations.
4. Implement strategies for local community outreach and relationship development with key stakeholders such as local chambers of commerce and trade associations, government officials, and emergency response personnel.
5. Proactively build meaningful relationships with local and state government, community, private and non-profit agencies and organizations in the areas where Tallgrass has operations.
6. Monitor and analyze local and state government policy changes, elections, city and town ordinances, board, and council activities and work closely with the Internal teams to ensure timely awareness and participation.
7. Share community knowledge across the organization to move projects and operating assets towards successful outcomes while balancing company and community needs.
8. Ensure proactive, timely and effective communications with community leaders on siting, permitting, construction and maintenance activities.
9. Represent Tallgrass at community gatherings or forums and serve as the local point of contact for stakeholders.
10. 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.

Minimum requirements:

Education:

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

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• A minimum of eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible experience with a proven record of accomplishment.
• A minimum of eight (8) or more years of experience in government affairs, lobbying or public affairs activities.
• Previous experience managing projects and operating at a senior level.
• Demonstrated superior leadership outcomes in the areas of leading self, leading others, and leading an organization.
• Proven ability to drive positive changes with continuous improvement.
• Proven track record of delivering performance results.
• Demonstrated success in managing project budgets.
• Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Teams 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, display a high level of initiative.
• Ability to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
• Ability 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, color 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:

• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• 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:

• Yes

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, or a related field.

Compensation:

• The annual salary for this position will be $100,000 - $130,000/yr.

Other responsibilities:

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

About Us:

Tallgrass was named one of the 2023 Top Workplaces USA and highlighted in Colorado's Top Workplaces for the past seven consecutive years. Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that power our nation and enable our quality of life.

At Tallgrass, we value our teams and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their contributions are valued. We aim to support employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.

• Industry competitive pay
• Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Infertility Coverage
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%
• Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off
• Identity theft protection
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Company-paid holidays and floating holidays
• Company vehicle (if applicable)
• Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more
• Networking and employee engagement events
• Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests

Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position; however, all Tallgrass positions accept applications for at least five business days from the posting date. This position is open and still accepting applications.

Compensation: Compensation ranges are provided in good faith based on what we anticipate when researching wages for this position at the state and national levels. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

Notice to External Search Firms: Tallgrass does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Tallgrass property; therefore, Tallgrass will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral. Approved vendors may be invited to refer talent for specific positions at Tallgrass's request only. A fully executed agreement with Tallgrass must be in place and current in these cases.

EEO Statement: Tallgrass complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) affirmative action laws and regulations. Tallgrass does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or other status protected by law.