Public Awareness Program Manager - Ohio

Way of Work: Hybrid (3 days per week in-office, 2 days per week Remote)

Reporting Location: Flexible across Ohio

Job Summary
Manage the strategic development and implementation of programs and events designed to improve public safety and highlight corporate compliance and citizenship within the Columbia Gas service territory.
The manager will work collaboratively with company Operations, Communications, Public Affairs and Compliance personnel to effectively document all efforts to assure compliance. In addition, the manager is responsible for gathering and preparing the necessary documents and materials for, as well as participate in, any internal or external audits of the company's Public Awareness Plan. The individual will leverage strong communications, training, leadership and technical skills to strategically manage effective plans and tactics as it pertains to public awareness of key safety messages.



Essential Functions

• Drive the improvement & continued implementation of a comprehensive public awareness program consistent with 49 CFR 192.616 and API RP-1162
• Schedule and deliver natural gas training programs, integrating classroom training, hands-on practice and simulation to maximize learning
• Document natural gas training programs to meet or exceed 49 CFR 192.616 and API RP-1162 compliance requirements
• Develop a collaborative working relationship with Field Operations, Construction, Communications, Public Affairs and Compliance to further safety messaging across the company’s footprint
• Manage and execute all external safety messaging including any communications developed for the known excavator community and emergency responders. Assure execution of outreach in collaboration with Communications and Public Affairs to the Public Officials and Affected Public audiences
• Provide strategy to drive and enhance delivery of safety messages by various channels to external stakeholders, including the affected public, public officials, excavators, and emergency responders
• Partner with Communications and Damage Prevention personnel to drive consistent and efficient messaging
• Maintain accurate records for Public Awareness Program documentation
• Conduct and document periodic evaluation of the training programs for quality and effectiveness, industry best practices, and compliance with RP-1162
• Build relationships and collaborate with key business partners in the organization
• Lead and provide documentation for any regulatory proceeding to report on or audit any Public Awareness Initiative. This support includes, but is not limited to, the tracking, management, and organization of all programmatic and expense documentation; responding to discovery requests; providing deposition testimony; and filing and testifying at hearings if necessary
• Serve as an active member on company’s DIMP Steering team, providing subject matter expertise on public awareness
• Drive the development and delivery of key safety messages to communities across the company’s service territory
• Plan and help facilitate public meetings and safety education events
• Develop and ensure consistency of messaging between various audiences, representing the company's interests
• Represent the company and actively participate on industry association committees and panels
• Perform as a self-starter, identify needs and take initiative
• Engage as a team player and leader both internally and externally
• Maintain focus in demanding situations
• Create new/monitor existing data that inform public awareness strategies, including but not limited to damage 2metrics, survey results, focus group/advisory panel input, DIMP performance metrics, industry best practices, PHMSA advisories, etc.

Required Qualifications For Position

• Bachelor's Degree communications, management, business administration, emergency management/response or similarly applicable discipline or equivalent work experience
• 4-6 years communication, compliance, operations or emergency management experience with emphasis on presentation and technical training skills
• Demonstrated skills that result in clear, concise and effective safety messaging
• Ability to demonstrate leadership and project management in a team environment
• Strong knowledge of on-site or site specific emergency operations, with proven experience working with the Incident Command System
• Trained to National Incident Management Level (NIMS) IS-700 or above
• Certified by a public safety agency to conduct training, such as a Fire Instructor I, or equivalent certification, training and education
• Demonstrated experience in training public safety agencies, conducting public education outreach, and course development
• Superior communication, presentation and training skills
• Demonstrated ability to perform in a corporate environment
• Ability to identify and segment audiences and monitor emerging gas safety issues
• Proven PC skills and experience with Microsoft Office suite of tools
• Ability to prioritize, deal with ambiguity and effectively manage multiple tasks

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five years of experience in a leadership position in the fire service or natural gas industry
• Experience working closely and collaboratively with business partners, external stakeholders and executive leadership
• Intimate knowledge of the company’s gas system, risks and opportunities to increase safety
• Continuous Improvement experience
• Understanding of PHMSA Compliance requirements, including but not limited to those associated with 49 CFR 192.616 and API RP-1162
• Event planning
• External communications experience
• Internal communications experience
• Utility or other regulated industry experience
• Media relations
• Government relations

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [email protected] or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish) If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away

Salary Range*:

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience , as well as internal pay equity .

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Posting End Date (if applicable):

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.