Community Affairs Representative

MDU Resources Group, Inc.; Montana; On-site; USD 63,860 - 79,830; Full time

Job summary

MDU Resources Group, Inc. is seeking a candidate for a role focused on community relations and public affairs in Montana. This position involves building relationships with local officials and stakeholders, organizing events, and supporting initiatives that align with company goals. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least three years of experience in community or government relations. Offers typically made between $63,860 - $79,830.

Qualifications

• Three years professional work experience in local government affairs, community relations, or public policy.
• Experience in local community or economic development is preferred.
• Must reside within a Montana Dakota Utilities service territory.

Responsibilities

• Builds relationships with community leaders and local officials.
• Participates in community committees and initiatives.
• Plans and executes regionally focused events.

Skills

Community Relations

Public Policy

Strategic Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, public policy, environmental policy, or political science

Job description

Supports the communication of the Company’s vision, mission, value and business strategies through engagement activities that enhance the Company’s reputation and strengthen relationships at the local and regional level. Assists in implementing programs and initiatives that support Company goals by helping educate community stakeholders; inform employees; and identify and respond to issues and concerns affecting key audiences, including employees, media, the public, local and regional government officials, and business and trade organizations. Works collaboratively with Company leadership and internal teams to support community, government, and public affairs efforts that foster effective engagement with local and regional government entities, and coordinates with contract governmental affairs representatives and affiliated associations when appropriate. Responsible for placing safety as #1 priority in day-to-day work routine for self and others.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, public policy, environmental policy, political science; and
• Three years professional work experience and demonstrated ability in local government affairs, community relations, public policy, or environmental policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in local community or economic development; environmental or decarbonization policy; or state or local government preferred.
• Desired background or interest in energy, utilities and utility regulation, economic and community development, environmental sustainability, resource adequacy, or decarbonization inclusive of gaseous fuels.
• Strategic communication skills and understanding of industry and policy issues.
• Reside within a Montana Dakota Utilities service territory.

Other Requirements

• Must take all measures necessary to protect networks, devices, programs and data from cyber-attack, damage or unauthorized access.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United State, no sponsorships considered.
• Subject to pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Required to maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Requires travel: Extensive (50% and over).
• Must reside in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wyoming.

Job Responsibilities

• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with community leaders, local officials, and other key stakeholders within the assigned territory, supporting constructive dialogue on Company activities and community issues.
• Establishes and maintains an active presence with local and regional organizations, including chambers of commerce, realtor and builder associations, economic development organizations, landowners and landowner groups, labor and employee-based organizations, civic and other community organizations.
• Participates, where appropriate, in community committees, task forces, and initiatives, including climate or planning-related efforts, and works collaboratively with community and environmental stakeholders to support awareness and understanding of the Company’s role, projects, and services.
• Plans, organizes, and executes regionally focused virtual and in-person events that promote awareness of Company initiatives, projects, activities and, where applicable, environmental or sustainability-related efforts.
• Represents the Company at community meetings, energy-related events, economic development forums, industry gatherings, stakeholder discussions, landowner meetings, and similar venues.
• Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Offers typically made between $63,860 - $79,830