Area Manager (Govt & Community Affairs)

JOB SUMMARY Develops, maintains, and enhances relationships with area community groups and local government officials. Implements corporate strategy within the assigned area to support operational initiatives as they relate to capital projects and community relations. BUSINESS DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Negotiates with local government units when local public policies/rules/ordinances impact the Company's business. Implements a full range of corporate initiatives within the Operating Company business plan including capital project approvals, project support, economic development, tree clearance and vegetation management education, and customer complaint resolution. Cultivates relationships with community organizations, associations, and other groups to promote an understanding of company mission and values. Conducts public open houses, public informational meetings and key influencer leadership summits required for obtaining capital project approvals, acts as company spokesperson at these meetings. Provides technical guidance for the routing of transmission lines and the siting of substations with special focus on the community and social aspects; coordinates with other company departments early in development as routes and sites are identified. Prepares and obtains building permits for company projects. Assists with identification and review of charitable giving opportunities within assigned area. Takes on special projects and initiatives to support corporate objectives. REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree or relevant equivalent experience and/or education. Minimum of five (5) years relevant experience developing relationships with governmental officials, community members or customers in either a regulated environment or as a government official, or relevant, equivalent industry experience. Working knowledge of technical routing and siting requirements for capital projects and/or land use regulation preferred. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills, including: the ability to convey complex information clearly, concisely, and effectively and a demonstrated ability to create and deliver presentations to audiences of varying knowledge level and size. Must be diplomatic and can build relationships with a strong professional presence and demonstrated ability to influence others. Ability to negotiate on Company's behalf. Demonstrated ability to handle adversarial situations effectively and diplomatically. Basic understanding of engineering terminology preferred. Ability to read and interpret site drawings preferred. Ability to represent the Company at meetings outside of normal business hours and ability to travel locally and regionally. Valid Driver's License required. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.