Specialist, Public Awareness

Description

The incumbent will work a hybrid schedule of 2-3 days in the office per week and business needs may necessitate a change in schedule.

Manage Virginia Natural Gas' local government, public safety and military base engagement to ensure consistent business operations. This employee will support key business initiatives such as our pipeline replacement program and multiple compliance related programs.

Representative Duties and Responsibilities:

Local Government:

• Collaborates to develop and execute government affairs strategies in the market/state that advance the goals and objectives of the company at the municipal level of government.
• May oversee and respond to inquiries, problems and issues raised by municipalities, state and federal officials or agencies.
• Works with other VNG departments to assist with permitting, right of way, and other relevant issues.
• Develops and implements tactical plans for department including priorities, objectives, and timelines to meet performance goals.
• Send regular communications to municipalities for major projects
• Tracks franchise agreements and renewals at the local and state level (where applicable).
• Testifies/presents at state/municipal meetings, as necessary, to represent and advocate for the company's interests on any matters that may have the potential to impact the business.
• Strategize with other stakeholders on issues that impact the company
• May develop policies and procedures to standardize practices to assist with company's interactions with local governments

Community:

• Coordinate with fire service, police and public works personnel to deliver fire safety information and education throughout the VNG service territory as defined in the company's Public Awareness Program
• Provide regular in-person communication and visits with local government officials and other community stakeholders, including public works and fire, police, other emergency responders, and service personnel.
• Assist with Public Education and Awareness activities and maintain documentation required by API RP 1162
• May represent Virginia Natural Gas in non-profit or business-related boards and events that have business impact or to secure stakeholder engagement.
• Supports the Community Affairs department to support the execution of community events that align with public policy issues.
• Establishes and leverages strong partnerships with key departments and internal/external customers
• Support Gas community engagement efforts/reputation management initiatives.

Required experience:

4 years' experience in utility industry or related experience

OR

4 years' public affairs experience, including developing and maintaining professional municipal and business relationships.

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships
• Exemplify a high level of diplomacy and decorum
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience in negotiating conflict resolution
• Public speaking and media relations skills
• Familiarity with public and non-profit sectors
• Customer service oriented

Preferred:

• Experience in negotiating and conflict resolution
• Media relations experience
• Familiarity with local government - structure, processes, decision makers

Major job responsibilities:

• 50% Build and maintain positive working relationships with municipal and other community stakeholders in given territory, including attending meetings, addressing basic queries, developing and delivering presentations on utility operations and initiatives. Providing public awareness and education presentations and materials as needed
• 30% Assist with public education and awareness activities as assigned to support the program.
• 15% Working with public officials and permitting offices to facilitate permitting of Gas projects.
• 5% Assists in development of public education and awareness initiatives in the Region.

Disclaimer: This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.

Southern Company Gas provides for the energy needs of millions of U.S. households and businesses. As the largest natural gas-only distribution company in the United States, with more than 150 years of history behind us, we're working to ensure that Americans have access to an abundant, safely delivered supply of natural gas for decades to come. We offer our customers a wide range of energy services under one umbrella: seven regulated utilities as well as non-regulated businesses that offer retail, wholesale and storage services.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is America's premier energy company, with 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined natural gas consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in four states, natural gas distribution companies in seven states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, recognized among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company has earned a National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development and is continually ranked among the top energy companies in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Field: Government & Regulatory Affairs

Job Type: Standard

Primary Location: Virginia-Coastal Virginia-Virginia Beach

Operating Company: Virginia Natural Gas

Other Locations: Virginia-Coastal Virginia-Newport News

Job Type: Standard

Travel (Up to): Yes, 25 % of the Time

Work Location(s):

VNG Virginia Beach - 544 S. Independence Blvd (544VirginiaBeachCODE)

544 S. Independence Blvd

Virginia Beach, 23452

VNG Newport News - 746 Diligence Drive (746NewportNewsCODE)

746 Diligence Drive

Newport News, 23606

Req ID: GAS2004354