Manager Community Affairs

Are you ready to lead with purpose, drive impactful change, and inspire others to make a difference? We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as our Manager of Community Affairs. If you are passionate about creating positive social impact, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

In this position you will manage Alliant Energy's charitable contributions, community support, sponsorship activities, and the programs of the Alliant Energy Foundation to advance the corporate strategic direction. You will guide the development of the department and Alliant Energy Foundation's philanthropic strategy while developing long- and short-term plans and programs to implement that strategy, including internal and external communications concerning the programs. In this position, you will also serve as the Executive Director of the Alliant Energy Foundation.

This is a hybrid-remote position reporting to the Madison, WI or Cedar Rapids, IA office. Candidates must reside in Wisconsin or Iowa.Travel is estimated to be approximately 40%, consisting of primarily day trips across Alliant Energy service area, with some overnight travel expected.

What you will do:

• Performs all leadership duties including, but not limited to, hiring and rewarding talent, fostering an inclusive and safe workplace, partnering with employees to set clear goals and expectations, providing timely and specific feedback on performance, developing improvement plans to address performance gaps, addressing conflict with care and respect, identifying opportunities for growth and development, embracing and modeling a mindset of lifelong learning, ensuring employees report to work fit for duty, adhering to our Code of Conduct and modeling Alliant Energy’s Core Values at all times. 
• Responsible for the management and administration of all programs that sustain the company's charitable giving and community support activities, including corporate contributions, sponsorships, advertising, and Alliant Energy Foundation-sponsored programs. 
• Responsible for day-to-day strategy and management to ensure all programs advance both the company's mission and the Alliant Energy Foundation’s focus areas of impact. 
• Responsible for and assists in strategy, program effectiveness, and execution both with the evolution and life span of new and existing programs. 
• Researches, recommends, and develops innovative projects and programs that could be underwritten by the Alliant Energy Foundation to expand its outreach as its endowment allows. 
• Prepares recommendation for board approval for the annual Alliant Energy Foundation’s contributions budget based on community, communications plans, and contribution strategy. 
• Develops and enforces policies and procedures required to effectively execute the company’s charitable contributions and sponsorship activities and the Alliant Energy Foundation’s grant-making programs. 
• Represents Alliant Energy and its management team by creating strategic connections to the community, key stakeholders, and emerging groups throughout the company’s service territory. 
• Responsible for the content and structure of the Alliant Energy Foundation’s Board of Directors’ quarterly meetings. 
• Engages in other duties as needed that support Alliant Energy’s Values and helps deliver on our Purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree is preferred.

Required Experience:

• 7-10 years of experience in developing communications or public relations plans and programs. 
• 3 years supervisory experience or equivalent (Equivalent supervisory experiences may include project management, providing work direction, leadership experience through temporary assignments, roles in the community or external organizations, or other demonstrated leadership experience.)

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license. 
• Promotes and supports diversity initiatives and equal employment opportunity. 
• Must be willing to travel. Travel can include occasional overnight stays.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated effective leadership skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to implement strategic initiatives. 
• Demonstrated financial skills such as budgeting and basic accounting. 
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and project management).

Key Skills:

• Audience Segmentation 
• Budget Management 
• Campaign Development 
• Community Outreach 
• Data Analysis 
• Project and Program Management 
• Public Affairs Strategies 
• Reputation Management 
• Researching 
• Strategic Communication 
• Leadership