Manager-State & Local Public Affairs, Sr.

     Primary Purpose: 

The Manager of State & Local Public Affairs (Wyoming) 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 relevant Colorado communities and with key stakeholders such as elected officials, regulatory agencies, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and industry associations.

Candidates should have an extensive knowledge of the energy industry, strong relationships across the West, in particular Wyoming, and experience serving as a company spokesperson.

This position has initial responsibility for Tallgrass’ efforts within Wyoming in the G&PA Western region.

  Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain relationships with Wyoming project stakeholders at all levels. Develop engagement strategies, approaches, and tools to achieve business objectives and minimize risk. 

   

• Candidate will need to be able to identify emerging issues early, make recommendations, and build fit-for-purpose advocacy plans.

   

• They will develop strong external relationships with local communities, businesses, government, industry associations, advocacy groups, and non-governmental organizations within Wyoming and beyond, where relevant.

   

• Implement project support strategies with key stakeholders such as local chambers of commerce, labor union associations, agriculture organizations, government officials, and emergency response personnel.

   

• 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.

   

• Share community knowledge across the organization to move projects and operating assets towards successful outcomes while balancing company and community needs.

   

• Ensure proactive, timely, and effective communications with community leaders on sitting, permitting, construction, and maintenance activities.

   

• Represent Tallgrass at community gatherings or forums and serve as the local point of contact for stakeholders. 

   

• 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 ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience with a proven record of accomplishment in the energy industry, including within Wyoming.
• A minimum of ten (10) or more years of experience in government affairs, lobbying, or public affairs activities, preferably within Wyoming.
• Previous experience managing cross-functional teams 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 change and continuous improvement.
• Proven track record of successful, innovative leadership and delivery of performance results.
• Demonstrated success in managing large departmental budgets.
• Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Teams, Access, PowerPoint 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 with a high level of initiative.

• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.

• Must be able 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, 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:

• Travel ~30%

• 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.

Other responsibilities:

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