Strategic Community & Government Relations Manager

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Karpower is seeking a seasoned External Affairs & Community Relations Manager to serve as the primary interface with Brownsville communities, local government, and external stakeholders. Based in Austin with regular on-site presence in Brownsville, you will build trust and relationships to support project development and long-term operations.

You will lead community engagement programs, manage permitting-related relationships, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to address community

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, Business, or related disciplines.
• 7+ years of external affairs/ stakeholder engagement experience with local programs.
• Experience with US local government officials and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to represent an organization in public forums and manage sensitive issues.
• Strong English and Spanish proficiency.
• Willingness to travel regularly and maintain on-site presence in Brownsville/Austin area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a Brownsville stakeholder engagement plan aligned with project milestones and community needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with local government officials, regulatory bodies, community leaders, and organizations.
• Serve as the company’s local point of contact for community and government stakeholders with timely follow-through.
• Design and manage community engagement programs and outreach activities.
• Represent Karpower at public meetings and local forums with clear messaging.
• Support permitting processes through stakeholder coordination and addressing community concerns.
• Monitor local government agendas and community sentiment to provide early issue alerts.
• Document and escalate community concerns, coordinating with internal teams for responses.
• Prepare stakeholder briefings, presentations, and updates for Communications and technical teams.
• Coordinate local media inquiries and public communications as an authorized spokesperson.
• Identify and manage community partnerships and investments within approved budgets.
• Coordinate with project teams on communicating construction activities to the community.
• Advise leadership on stakeholder expectations and engagement strategies.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Spanish language

English language

Relationship building

Travel availability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs (or related)

Job description

Karpower is seeking a seasoned External Affairs & Community Relations Manager to serve as the primary interface with Brownsville communities, local government, and external stakeholders. Based in Austin with regular on-site presence in Brownsville, you will build trust and relationships to support project development and long-term operations.

You will lead community engagement programs, manage permitting-related relationships, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to address community