NIPSCO Economic Development Community Manager

059 Northern IN Public Serv Co LLC; Merrillville (IN); On-site; USD 114,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource is seeking a Community & Economic Development Manager to serve as the primary liaison for NIPSCO and GENCO in growth communities and energy infrastructure expansion.

You will build relationships with local governments, economic developers, businesses, stakeholders, and elected officials to support generation, transmission, and energy investments. You will lead engagement efforts and coordinate with internal teams to advance regional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in community relations, public administration, engineering, economic development and planning, government affairs, public affairs, external affairs, communications, utility operations, or related fields.
• Experience with local government and working with elected officials and economic development organizations.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and executive presence skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead as the primary liaison with mayors, town councils, county commissioners, chambers of commerce, and development organizations.
• Develop and execute community engagement strategies for generation and transmission projects.
• Present infrastructure investments and economic development opportunities to diverse stakeholder audiences.
• Coordinate with Government Affairs and Public Affairs to align outreach and community investments.
• Support workforce development and regional growth initiatives.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Local government experience

Relationship-building

Public speaking

Executive presence

Strategic partnership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Summary

The Community & Economic Development Manager serves as the primary representative for NIPSCO and NiSource Generation Company (GENCO) in communities experiencing economic growth, large-load development, and energy infrastructure expansion. This role builds and maintains relationships with local governments, economic development organizations, businesses, community stakeholders, and elected officials to support generation, transmission, and electric and gas infrastructure investments. The Manager leads community engagement efforts, public outreach, and stakeholder partnerships while serving as a key liaison between the company and external stakeholders. Working closely with Operations, Generation, Transmission, Engineering, Government Affairs, Regulatory, Customer Growth, and Communications teams, this role supports economic development opportunities, large-load customer growth, community investment initiatives, and major capital projects. As a trusted advisor to community leaders, the position helps advance regional economic growth, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and support community alignment for current and future generation, transmission, and infrastructure investments.

Essential Functions

Serve as NIPSCO's primary liaison with mayors, town councils, county commissioners, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and community leaders in communities experiencing large projects and growth. Serve as the community engagement lead for generation and transmission projects, supporting stakeholder outreach, relationship management, and public acceptance efforts throughout project development and implementation. Build and maintain strategic relationships within communities throughout the service territory. Represent NIPSCO and GENCO at community meetings, public forums, industry conferences, economic development events, and stakeholder engagements. Develop and execute community engagement strategies that support business objectives and operational initiatives. Act as a trusted resource and point of contact for community concerns, opportunities, and partnership discussions tied to economic development and growth projects. Partner with Economic Development, New Business, Major Accounts, Engineering, and Operations teams to support seamless infrastructure growth in targeted communities. Engage with developers, site selectors, economic development organizations, and large-load customers regarding prospective projects, including data centers, advanced manufacturing facilities, electrification initiatives, transmission expansion opportunities, and generation-related growth. Support responses to economic development inquiries, prepare high-level project responses, and create economic benefit proposals. Identify emerging growth opportunities tied to generation expansion, transmission development, and community investment initiatives, while communicating market intelligence to internal stakeholders. Assist in advancing strategic projects that enhance economic growth and utility development. Plan, facilitate, and lead public meetings, stakeholder sessions, and community engagement activities. Present NIPSCO and GENCO initiatives, infrastructure projects, generation investments, reliability improvements, and economic development opportunities to community and public audiences. Deliver communication strategies that foster transparency, trust, and positive stakeholder relationships. Address community concerns related to utility projects, energy infrastructure development, and economic growth initiatives. Collaborate closely with Government Affairs and Public Affairs teams to coordinate outreach efforts. Lead public engagement activities associated with generation, transmission, and infrastructure projects, helping communicate project benefits, timelines, economic impact, and reliability outcomes to stakeholders. Support local government engagement strategies and municipal relationships tied to community investment and growth. Partner with project development, transmission, generation, regulatory, and government affairs teams to support local stakeholder alignment and community readiness for major capital projects. Identify opportunities for community partnerships and local investment. Ensure community investments align with business priorities, infrastructure strategies, and regional needs. Support workforce development and community development initiatives. Ensure community investments align with business priorities and regional needs.

Required Qualifications for Position

• Bachelor's degree 5+ years of experience in community relations, public administration, engineering, economic development and planning, government affairs, public affairs, external affairs, communications, utility operations, or related fields.
• Local government experience - working directly with elected officials, municipalities, and economic development organizations.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with community leaders, government officials, business stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and executive presence skills, with the ability to represent the organization in community, industry, and governmental settings.
• Knowledge of community engagement, economic development, and business attraction strategies that support organizational and regional growth objectives.
• Understanding local government processes, planning and zoning activities, and regulatory considerations impacting community and infrastructure development.
• Ability to manage stakeholder concerns, resolve conflicts, and navigate sensitive issues with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions, influence without direct authority, and drive results through partnership and alignment.
• Effective problem-solving and decision‑making skills, with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and competing priorities.
• US Driver's License Preferred

Additional Qualifications for Position

• Utility or regulated industry experience a plus.

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position. As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners. We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission‑focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle. By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320.

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSourceparticipates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*: $113,500.00 - $170,300.00 *The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job‑related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date: 2026-11-09 Posting End Date (if applicable): 2026-11-23 Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers. We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.