Supervisor, Gov. & Community Relations

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.

Starting Salary Range: $94,000.00 - $114,700.00

Position Summary

On behalf of the BWL, this position acts as liaison to and communicates directly with Greater Lansing neighborhood and community organizations, local government, businesses, schools, BWL customers and other officials and organizations. Directs outreach or other programs as assigned and serves as community liaison for projects and special events. Reports directly to the Director of Governmental and Community Relations.

Essential Functions

- Communicates frequently and directly with local neighborhood and community leaders, governmental officials, business leaders, school officials, other organizations, BWL customers and individual citizens of the Greater Lansing area.

- Maintains a high level of accessibility to external entities, accepting any and all feedback to the BWL.

- Assists the Director of Governmental and Community Relations in writing speeches, preparing visual aids, and making public presentations.

- Coordinates internal employee programs.

- Coordinates with community organizations for promotional events and BWL-provided services.

- Works with diverse internal and external groups; assists in planning, organizing and participating in BWL company and community events such as Adopt-a-River, Silver Bells in the City, General Manager’s Roundtable, Meals on Wheels, golf outings, and other events throughout the year.

- Builds relationships with the internal and external stakeholders involved in planning and coordinating community events, including some mid-day and evening or weekend meetings or outings.

- Monitors local and state legislation that impacts the BWL and interacts directly with elected officials and their staff.

- Assists with monitoring of local, state, and federal funding and grant opportunities.

- Participates in a multi-person off-hours on-call rotation for weather-related outages or other emergencies, monitoring and communicating through social media and direct personal contact.

- Serves as social media and news media backup and an on-call communications representative, which includes speaking with media on behalf of the organization when it is required.

- Required to participate in emergency response/recovery scenarios requiring 24/7 staffing rotation as community/governmental liaison.

- Required staffing of some night and weekend meetings and events.

- Required to follow BWL Safety Manual and wear all required personal protective equipment.

- Attends all required training for safety awareness and/or skills improvement as required by manager, BWL, or governmental agency.

- Supervise Government and Community Relations staff.

- Provides ongoing feedback to staff and conducts annual performance appraisals.

- Expected to comply with all BWL policies and work rules.

- Predictable and reliable attendance.

- Other duties as assigned by Management.

Required

Job Specifications:

- This position requires knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Community Relations, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.

- This position requires a minimum of five years of community relations experience.

- This position does have management or supervisory responsibilities.

- Must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

- Proficiency with PCs and common business software such as Microsoft Office Suite.

- Proficiency with mobile technology and social media.

- Adept at and comfortable with public speaking.

- Ability to speak on-camera.

- Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

- Possess excellent oral and written communications skills.

- Extraordinarily organized.

- Ability to work with diverse groups.

- Ability to be creative and innovative.

- Ability to display tact and professionalism at all times, including in high-stress situations.

- Knowledge and understanding of and ability to implement fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of public relations, governmental relations, and communications.

Preferred

- Demonstrated extensive relationships with community and governmental officials within BWL service territory.

- Project management experience.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day. The person in this position needs to move about inside the office environment. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/ below the knee level or reach above head. On occasion, may need to use stairs.

Constantly works in a temperature-controlled office environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills that may be required of the employee. Management reserves the right to add, remove, or otherwise alter these duties, responsibilities, and skills at any time. Why Should You Apply?

Competitive wages, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.

Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, parental leave and 11 paid holidays.

Comprehensive benefits package offered including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program.

Voluntary benefits including vision, supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, and BWL's Home Purchase Plan – Forgivable $5,000 loan for purchase of a home in Lansing.

Retirement programs including 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan (DC) (100% company paid up to 9.5 % of base salary for BU positions and up to 13% of base salary for NBU positions), 457 Deferred Compensation matches up to $2,500 per year.

Post retirement benefits offered at the respective level of coverage, co-pays and health care premium, at the same level as active employees.

Two fitness centers located on site open 24/7, work life balance program, employee assistance program, free parking and much more!

About BWL

The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly-owned utilities.

The Location:

Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation’s premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER