**Job Summary** The Manager, Public Awareness Communications is responsible for enhancing the knowledge and understanding of NiSource and its companies to key audiences and local communities. The role is located at our Columbus, OH, location. **Essential Functions** + Creates and implements a strategic, integrated public affairs and communications strategy and plans by working closely with State Leadership and Communications Colleagues. This includes writing, reviewing, and managing state-specific updates, leadership messaging, and ad-hoc communications. + Generates positive media coverage on issues and initiatives, and through involvement/support of community activities + Represents NiSource, as appropriate, as a good corporate citizen through development of solid relationships with key stakeholders. + Facilitates and maintains effective relationships with municipalities, government agencies and key media and identifies opportunities to favorably position NiSource and enhance community relations. + Manages complex, fast-moving, and unexpected communications challenges with an ability to look around corners for trends and risk. + Represents NiSource on community boards. + Implements local charitable giving programs across our six jurisdictions. + Plans and executes special events in support of community and NiSource initiatives. **Required Qualifications For Position** + Bachelor's Degree in communications, journalism, or related field. + 5+ years experience in public affairs or communications with proven results. + Experience building partnerships and identifying opportunities to build strategic relationships. + Experience managing crisis communications and navigating sensitive issues with professionalism and integrity. + Demonstrated success in forging strong relationships and collaborating with members of the community, the media, executives, and other key stakeholders. Expertise in identifying, developing, and telling impactful stories across multiple channels. + Ability to handle multiple priorities concurrently, produce quality work under tight deadlines, and move projects forward with minimal direction. + Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for different audiences and communication channels. + Understanding of regulations and principles specific to communications for a publicly traded utilities company. **Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position** + Master's Degree + 4-6 years media relations experience. + Experience in the utilities sector. 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:** $110,200.00 - $165,300.00 **Posting Start Date:** 2025-02-06 **Posting End Date (if applicable):** 2025-02-21 **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.