Sr Director Reputation Management

Columbus, OH, United States

The Senior Director, Reputation Management is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance our brand and reputation, engage stakeholders, and drive business objectives. The Senior Director, Reputation Management plays a critical role in shaping the narrative of our company and building strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. They also have a clear view of how communications is evolving and the role of storytelling. As a trusted partner and advisor, this person drives well-designed, high-impact communications that elevate brand visibility and thought leadership across channels and audiences. The Sr Director oversees media relations, crisis communications, channel management, all ESG efforts, and leads our charitable foundation.

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.

Leads brand positioning to effectively communicate the NiSource story, value proposition, and strategic initiatives, and delivers executive visibility programs that turn ideas into compelling narratives, frameworks, and creative storytelling concepts.

Oversees media relations, including proactive outreach, press releases, media interviews, and crisis management, and builds and maintains relationships with key media contacts, influencers, and industry stakeholders to enhance the company's visibility and reputation.

Develops and manages content for various communication platforms, including press releases, website, social media, and internal communications.

Serves as a member of the Communications Leadership Team, providing direction, counsel, and mentoring to geographically distributed teams and aligning work to meet business needs. Leads diverse team of qualified communication professionals with authority to hire, terminate, promote, demote, coach, develop and performance manage to create compelling content, campaigns, and initiatives that enhance brand image and engagement.

Leads NiSource's ESG communication efforts including development of annual reports and provides strategic guidance for NiSource charitable foundation.

Stays updated with the latest communication trends and best practices, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovative communication, and applies an advanced understanding of crisis communications and reputation management, leading practices and external benchmarks to the development and ongoing strategic direction for the Communications team.

Leads 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.

12+ years of experience in communications with proven results across internal and external channels.

10+ years of leadership experience.

1-3 years of experience managing crisis communications and navigating sensitive issues with professionalism and integrity.

Strategic mindset, business maturity, and experience advising and working with senior executives. 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

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for different audiences and communication channels. High

Understanding of regulations and principles specific to communications for a publicly traded utilities company. Medium

Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate high-performing teams to achieve their full potential. High

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

Master's Degree

Proven work experience coordinating marketing and design teams

Experience with preparing well-structured storytelling using various communication channels.

Physical Demands

Standing - Occasionally

Walking - Occasionally

Sitting - Constantly

Lifting - Rarely

Carrying - Rarely

Pushing - Rarely

Pulling - Rarely

Climbing - Rarely

Stooping - Rarely

Kneeling - Rarely

Crouching - 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.

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, genetic information, 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:

$181,100.00 - $271,800.00

Posting Start Date:

2024-06-27

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2024-06-27

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.

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