Governmental Affairs Manager

Company Overview

We are committed to understanding the needs of the homes and businesses we serve. That's why we're always looking for driven, collaborative people to join our team. Because we believe that offering our customers the best service means bringing together the best people. 

And we find the best by hiring those who share our values of safety, inclusion and integrity, and demonstrate the competencies that bring the Spire vision, mission and culture to life: 

• Adaptability: We embrace change, continuously seeking opportunities for improvement while remaining open-minded and flexible in response to evolving conditions and customer, stakeholder and company needs. 

• Collaboration: We achieve more together through a foundation of respect, embracing healthy conflict, actively seeking and providing actionable feedback and fostering an environment where everyone’s input is welcomed. 

• Ownership: We see things through, demonstrate accountability, honor commitments, take responsibility for outcomes and demonstrate initiative. 

By living our values and competencies, we strive to create an environment where employees feel welcome, respected and valued. 

Summary

Spire is seeking a Governmental Affairs Manager. The Governmental Affairs Manager position is a community relations role intended for professionals who have been in the position for at least one year and have demonstrated proficiency in the fundamentals of local government and community relations. Governmental Affairs Manager manages local government, business and community relationships and issues within Spire Energy's service territory and oversees and coordinates local philanthropy in support of corporate and community objectives, with minimal oversight and daily direction. Through integration with internal partners, employees in this position develop, implement and monitor strategies for the success of Spire Energy's business objectives and issues. Key responsibilities include local government and key leader relationship management and community engagement, continuous education of stakeholders on issues of importance to Spire Energy, and creation of grassroots advocacy for Spire Energy's business positions. Influences outcomes of issues that affect Spire Energy's image and reputation in the community. 

Duties and Responsibilities

30%, Relationship management 

Contacts and confers with members of local government and other public officials, including state and local, to influence the passage, defeat or amendment to local ordinances or legislation of interest that impacts Spire Energy's business objectives. 

Manages area governmental, business and community relationships and contacts within Spire Energy service territory on behalf of Spire Energy business units to ensure business unit objectives can be successfully achieved and effectively promotes and enhances the Corporation's image and reputation. 

Represents Spire in strategic industry/associational/chamber organizations. 

Own and manage the total customer relationship, including interfaces with other Spire Energy departments, including Spire Energy executives. 

Remains abreast of trends and developments in the political climate and current public policy issues affecting the Company. 

Studies and evaluate proposed ordinances to determine impact on the Company affecting things such as taxes, fees, ability to effectively locate and relocate our facilities, service charges, etc. 

Manages the successful execution of new franchise agreements (NC) and municipal service agreements (SC) for municipalities Spire Energy serves that facilitates our "license to operate" within municipal limits. Facilitates the process of establishing business plans with targeted municipalities and counties. 

30%, Project and Issues Management 

Identifies and resolves various issues, events and activities affecting Spire Energy.  

Identifies and develops plans to resolve issues to preserve/enhance community relationships and the Corporation's reputation. Must remain knowledgeable of enterprise-wide issues and is responsible for serving as lead negotiator and frequent decision maker, to resolve issues affecting Spire Energy business units operating within the Spire Energy service territory. Often serves as a media spokesperson on various issues in the community. Must have broad and deep knowledge of corporate issues. Examples including but not limited to: 

Company and industry wide issues and policies 

New generation strategies 

Right-of-Way management and line clearance issues 

Facilities placement, managing requests for overhead to underground conversion of distribution facilities, etc. 

Air and water quality environmental issues, Lake Management issues, Sale of Spire Energy assets (land and buildings). 

20%, Philanthropy 

Develop local philanthropic strategies to use Spire Energy Foundation, community development and business enhancement funds in a strategic way for the communities we serve. 

Develop budgets and community relations programs and deploy resources. 

20%, Education and Advocacy 

Educated and knowledgeable of Spire's public policy, regulatory and business positions      

to accurately collaborate with local communities and Government agencies. Develop strategies to educate external constituencies to build advocacy for Spire Energy positions. 

 Develop and maintain comprehensive working knowledge of electric systems and components, including those associated with the Company's transmission and distribution system, as well as the effect of the interface with the customer's systems. 

Ensure that effective communication and education channels are established and maintained to share key information and assistance between Spire Energy and assigned customers/stakeholders. Prepare and present to customers/associations information about pertinent emerging issues. Keep contact information updated on salesforce.com for company campaigns.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A 

Required Education (certifications, licenses)

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Engineering, Communications, Business or other related degree with 7 years of related experience 

Master’s degree in Business preferred 

In Lieu of degree, High School/GED with 7 years related experience 

1 year minimum experience in local government and community relations role

Required knowledge, skill and abilities

Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills 

Analytical/problem-solving skills; base knowledge of Spire Energy corporate and utility business and enterprise strategy 

Demonstrated experience in managing relationships 

Demonstrated understanding of state and local political process 

Extensive & thorough knowledge of electric distribution and transmission systems & grid operations 

10-plus years’ experience with Spire Energy, or equivalent experience with lead responsibility for managing governmental and/or business and community relations. 

Comprehensive financial and business acumen. 

Demonstrated experience managing relationships with utility's largest and most complex customer and/or key stakeholders. 

Political savvy and understanding of local and state political processes. 

Demonstrated conflict resolution and management skills, excellent leadership skills, and good facilitation skills at all levels, both internal and external, to Spire Energy. 

Physical demands, environment and schedule

Tasks are straightforward, routine and often repetitive Rarely or Never (0%-5%) 

Tasks follow set guidelines or procedures Occasionally (6%-50%) 

Employee must compare alternative courses of action and make a decision after considering options Almost Always (>95%) 

Employee receives clear instructions from supervisor regarding what to do and how to do it Rarely or Never (0%-5%) 

Employee has the authority to make significant choices and decisions without specific guidance or direction from the supervisor Majority (51%-95%)

Posting Requirements

Spire accepts online applications through our career site at jobs.spireenergy.com 

Posting requirements: The above posting description is intended to describe the general nature of the level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Spire, Inc., and its subsidiaries are Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all areas, including but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, selection, training, education, compensation, benefits, promotion, job transfer, upgrading, separation and recall regardless of the individual’s race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, and/or other protected categories under all Federal, State, and local laws. For more information, please view our Integrity and Inclusion pages of our career site.