Manager - Public Relations

Essarsteelmn; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance with HSA option

401(k) with 6% company match

Paid Time Off (PTO) up to 200 hours for 10+ years

Comprehensive dental coverage

Job summary

Essarsteelmn is seeking a Public Relations Manager for its Integrated Steel Plant in Paducah, Kentucky. You will lead communication initiatives and stakeholder outreach, safeguarding the organization’s reputation.

The ideal candidate has 12-15 years of experience in public relations, focusing on large-scale industrial projects. The role includes developing engagement strategies with local communities and regulators to support project developments.

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of experience in Public Relations or External Affairs.
• Proven experience managing PR for industrial projects.
• Strong experience in public consultations and local community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop public relations and community engagement strategies.
• Lead media relations activities and ensure accurate messaging.
• Coordinate with teams to ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Public Relations

Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations or related field

Master’s degree (MBA or related)

Job description

About Mesabi Metallics

When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship and generatingvaluefor all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s mining history: Mesabi Metallics’ cutting‑edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Mesabi Metallics is also building a 1.8 MTPA Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) plant to strengthen the U.S. low‑carbon metallics supply chain. The DRI project is envisioned as a next‑generation metallics and steel manufacturing hub aligned with the rapidly expanding U.S. electric arc furnace (EAF) steel sector.

More importantly, you'll be immersed in a positive, supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values: sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination and performance, and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day.

At Mesabi Metallics, you are part of a legacy of excellence, playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.

Position Summary

The incumbent will lead all public communication, community engagement, and stakeholder outreach initiatives for an Integrated Steel Plant with Direct Reduced Iron (DRI). The role is responsible for building and sustaining strong relationships with local communities, regulators, government authorities, and media to support project development, approvals, and long‑term operations. This position plays a critical role in protecting and enhancing the organization’s reputation while ensuring transparent, proactive communication throughout project evaluation, construction, commissioning, and operational phases.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive public relations and community engagement strategies to support Integrated Steel Plant and DRI project development, approvals, and operations.
• Act as the primary interface with local communities, municipal and state authorities, regulators, civic leaders, and other external stakeholders at project and plant locations.
• Lead media relations activities, including press releases, media briefings, interviews, site visits, and crisis communication, ensuring consistent and accurate messaging.
• Partner with Project Management, Engineering, Environment, and Operations teams to provide strategic communication support during feasibility, permitting, construction, and operational phases.
• Manage stakeholder communication related to environmental compliance, sustainability, safety, social impact, and economic benefits of steel and DRI operations.
• Plan and execute public consultations, town halls, public hearings, and stakeholder meetings required for regulatory approvals and social license to operate.
• Track public perception, media coverage, and stakeholder feedback; proactively address risks and recommend corrective communication strategies.
• Coordinate with legal, environmental, and technical teams to ensure regulatory compliance, transparency, and alignment of external communications.
• Represent the organization at public forums, regulatory hearings, industry conferences, and community events.
• Prepare internal briefings, reports, and dashboards to keep senior leadership informed of external stakeholder sentiment and reputational risks.

Skills and Qualifications

• Candidates with 12‑15 years of progressive experience in Public Relations, Corporate Communications, or External Affairs. Proven experience managing PR and stakeholder engagement for large industrial, steel, DRI, mining or manufacturing projects.
• Ability to design and execute long‑term PR, media, and stakeholder communication strategies aligned with large‑scale project milestones.
• Strong experience in public consultations, town halls, public hearings, and engagement with local communities, regulators, and elected officials. Familiarity with digital platforms, social listening tools, and online reputation management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making ability.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, or equivalent field.
• Master’s degree (MBA, Public Administration, Communications, or related field) preferred.

Physical Requirements

• None

Salary Range

• $130,000 – $150,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 6% company match.
• Lincoln STD, LTD, & Life Insurance: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 0‑5 Years – 120 hours per year.
  5‑10 Years – 160 hours per year.
  10+ Years – 200 hours per year.
  Plus 9 paid holidays.

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our success.