Community Relations Area Manager (Hybrid)

Job ID: 6499

Functional Area: Public Affairs

Position Type: Full-Time Regular

Relocation Provided: No

Location: Wichita, KS

Department: PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Internal / External: Internal and External

Experience Required: 3 - 5 Years

Position Description:

Are you being referred by a ONE Gas employee? If so, reach out to that connection and ask about the employee referral program. They can send you a link to apply directly so they can receive credit!

Job Posting End Date: August 25, 2025

The Community Relations Manager will report to the State Manager, Community Relations to support Kansas Gas Service’s public advocacy efforts. The community relations manager will be responsible for promoting and maintaining a positive company image through strategic engagement with local government officials, community leaders, and business stakeholders. This role involves building strong relationships with key influencers, monitoring local government activities for potential company impact, and collaborating with public works, operations teams, and key customers. A strong understanding of local government operations across the state of Kansas is essential for success in this role.

What You Will Do

Promote and maintain positive company image through strong business relations with government officials and key local community and business leaders and works to ensure beneficial local policies.

Build and maintain strong relations with local and state government officials, business and community leaders, community organizations, local media, public works department, office/field operations, and key customers to enhance company image.

Assist in franchise and rate case negotiations with local officials. Ensure agreement complies with company policy. Ensure compliance with notification requirements. Coordinate with local field operations.

Assist with negotiations and communications with cities or other entities on regulatory actions.

Monitor policy action by local governments and work with local elected officials in the best interest of the company.

Work with the rates department, legal and community relations as part of the team to develop strategy and communication with cities other entities.

Support financial growth through interaction with community organizations including Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development groups.

Promote corporate citizenship through selection and support of our participation in community programs.

Present programs to local field operations personnel to inform employees of Company campaigns, promotional programs and news items.

Respond to field incidents which draw attention of news media. Provide announcements and other necessary Company communications with media, public official and emergency control personnel.

Monitor activities of City Council and other local government bodies for policies that may impact the company.

Regular and reliable attendance is required in performance of job.

Employee may perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

What You Will Need

Preferred bachelor's degree business, communications, marketing, other related field

Experience establishing and maintaining community relations to enhance our image relative to its customers, employees, and general public.

Knowledge of distribution operations Experience with application of math and statistics.

Experience in use and function of office equipment including microcomputers and applicable software.

Experience and/or training related to:

- Public speaking/interpersonal communication skills

- Organizational structure and system operations

- Communicating through use of various mediums (print/electronic)

- Industry trends

- Media relations training

Experience researching and interpreting franchise agreements, local community issues, industry publications, government regulations, economic development proposals, financial statements, rate tariffs, and company policies and procedures.

Experience preparing, and composing reports, economic development proposals, contact profiles, membership information, contribution data, budgets, handouts, speeches, multi-media presentations, responses to media sources, , and correspondence.

Experience interacting, advising, and communicating effectively.

Experience developing information, conducting meetings, making formal presentations, speaking from prepared text and extemporaneously, and conducting media interviews.

Read and write fluently in English

Applicable driver's license

Mobility to travel in and around office and outdoor environments and to a variety of work sites.

Communicate and exchange information or instructions; conduct oral presentations.

Visual abilities to perform job responsibilities.

Diversity at ONE Gas

Inclusion & Diversity is so important to us that we made it one of our core values, values that guide and direct our actions as we go about our daily business. We know that every employee makes a difference and contributes to our success through their unique talents and abilities. We also acknowledge that we can accomplish great things by listening and learning from each other.

ONE Gas has great benefits! Here are just a few:

- Medical/Dental/Vision packages that fit your family's needs.

- Paid Time Off

- 401K that is 100% matched up to 6%.

- Profit Sharing Plan

- Paid Parental Leave

- Basic and Optional Employee Term Life Insurance

- Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

Position Requirements:

The job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of One Gas. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

ONE Gas, Inc., and its divisions will provide equal employment opportunity for qualified persons without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, military status or genetic information.