Wildfire Public Information Manager

Location negotiable within Montana major division office locations – Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena or Missoula

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

– Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, Economics, Marketing, Communications, Engineering or minimum of five years relevant equivalent experience
– Ability to demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
– Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as collaboration and interpersonal skills
– Proficient in social media including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram
– Ability to interact with the public and develop positive customer and community relations
– Ability to adhere to brand standards and incorporate into material development
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
– Demonstrable leadership, conflict resolution and change agent skills
– Ability to travel up to and in excess of 60% of the time and be available to represent NorthWestern Energy at various evening, weekend or emergent needs
– Willing to be on call and responsive during critical events
– Ability to lift and carry supplies up to 35 pounds
– Ability to pass an employment physical, a drug test and a background check
– Experience in media relations and public speaking preferred

DUTIES INCLUDE:

– Establish productive, positive and effective relationships with safety partners, government agencies, national forest representatives, land management organizations, local government and community leaders
– Lead in the creation and management of NorthWestern Energys Community and Customer Engagement Plan as related to its Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP)
– Organize and lead community outreach initiatives including town hall meetings, presentations to county level leaders (fire departments, law enforcement, elected officials, other government leaders) as well as other organizations throughout NWEs operating area
– Explore opportunities to expand wildfire public outreach efforts as necessary
– Create annual budget and track, monitor and recommend adjustments to budget as needed to execute activities related to the wildfire customer and community engagement plan
– Work closely with the Communications, Operation Managers, Key Account Managers and Community Relations Managers to identify wildfire specific engagement strategies appropriate such that efforts are coordinated and lead to improved customer awareness
– Include updates to and execution of the Public Safety Power Shutoff Communication Plan
– Produce informative and creative on-brand multimedia presentations and coordinate/lead speaking engagements and public presentations
– Coordinate with County Departments of Emergency Services and other state, federal or municipal organizations to support customer needs in the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
– Provide immediate and consistent communication to the public, government agencies, and internal stakeholders during wildfire events, which includes responses outside of normal working hours and over weekends as needed during forecasted weather forecasts and wildfire related events
– Promote preventive measures such as fire safety tips, evacuation procedures, and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) information before and during a wildfire event
– Engage with local communities and neighborhoods at risk to build trust and foster preparedness before wildfires occur
– Facilitate or participate in community meetings to provide updates regarding NorthWestern Energys Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) and obtain feedback on utility operations
– Represent NorthWestern Energy at public meetings and forums and act as company spokesperson in response to media and interview requests
– In coordination with Communications, write engaging content for multi-media distribution – this includes social media, news, web, public service announcements, etc. Represent NorthWestern Energ on non-profit Boards
– Adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
– Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energys values, mission, Code of Conduct and Ethics, and strategic business objectives

Full-time position.

$81,200 – $120,000 annually, depending on experience. Benefits include: 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%; healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision; Health Savings Account (HSA); healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA); Employee Assistance Programs; Life Insurance; paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays.

Apply by October 30, 2024.