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.

Essential Functions

• 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

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.

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasionally

• Walking - Occasionally

• Sitting - Constantly

• Lifting - Rarely

• Carrying - Rarely

• Pushing - Rarely

• Pulling - Rarely

• Climbing - Rarely

• Balancing - Rarely

• Stooping - Rarely

• Kneeling - Rarely

• Crouching - Rarely

• Crawling - Rarely

• Reaching - Rarely

• Handling - Occasionally

• Grasping - Occasionally

• Feeling - Rarely

• Talking - Constantly

• Hearing - Constantly

• Repetitive Motions - Frequently

• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Frequently

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Inclusion & Diversity

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 and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent 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.

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.

Salary Range:

$150,900.00 - $226,300.00

Posting Start Date:

2024-10-22

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2024-11-06

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

At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers.

We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.