Dir Corporate Citizenship & Crisis Communications

at  NiSource

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Corporate Citizenship & Crisis Communications is responsible for strategically delivering a portion of the overall reputation plan by ensuring NiSource shows up in our communities aligned with our values and in partnership with those we serve. The role will also directly oversee risk management and crisis communication planning, and support the NiSource Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1990 to support the communities where NiSource customers and employees live and work. The Director has extensive experience in reputation management, crisis communications, and nonprofit management, including the development and execution of crisis scenarios, community relations campaigns, and hands-on work with a foundation or other nonprofit.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITION

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications, journalism, or related field.
• 10+ years experience in communications with proven results across internal and external channels.
• 1-3 years Previous experience and proven track record leading philanthropic or corporate citizenship giving strategies for large, multinational corporate organizations or non-profit organizations.
• 1-3 years Previous experience and a strong aptitude for streamlining complex information into succinct and simplified frameworks to be presented regularly to internal stakeholders and senior executives.
• 4-6 years Experience in the utilities industry
• 4-6 years Experience managing crisis communications and navigating sensitive issues with professionalism and integrity.
• Has a strong understanding of the media environment, with a proven track record building media relationships and shaping stories that drive conversations. High
• Ability to navigate in dynamic business environments and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and teams to drive desired outcomes. High
• Expertise in identifying, developing, and telling impactful stories across multiple channels. High
• Ability to handle multiple priorities concurrently, produce quality work under tight deadlines, and move projects forward with minimal direction. High
• Demonstrated attention to detail, with the ability to understand and communicate complex issues clearly and accurately. High
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for different audiences and communication channels. High
• Detail-oriented, well-organized self-starter with the ability to work well and provide counsel with all levels of management. High
• Understanding of regulations and principles specific to communications for a publicly traded utilities company. Low

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITION

• Master’s Degree
• 12+ years of experience in communications with proven results across internal and external channels.

• Develops proactive reputation management strategies to elevate brand awareness and reputation while diffusing negative news, including reactive media statements and mitigating risk through the development and execution of a proactive crisis playbook.
• Applies an advanced understanding of crisis communications and reputation management practices and external benchmarks to the development and ongoing strategic direction of the Communications team.
• Develops and manages content for various communication platforms, including press releases, website, social media, and internal communications.
• Helps lead company’s citizenship communication efforts including development of annual reports.
• Serves as the President of the NiSource Foundation, providing strategic guidance, Board management and oversight of donations, and the giving process.
• Manages and administers CSR tool and programs: reviews and responds to inquiries around corporate donations, matching gifts, fundraising, volunteering, volunteer grant, giving campaigns and disaster relief.
• Creates compelling content, campaigns, events, and initiatives that enhance brand image and engagement.
• Stays updated with the latest communication and nonprofit trends and best practices, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovative communication.
• Identifies volunteer project options for teams by contacting organizations or local teams.
• Leads a diverse team of qualified individuals with authority to hire, terminate, promote, demote, coach, develop and performance manage