Primary Purpose
Leads the planning, implementation and evaluation of Sempra Infrastructure's community engagement strategy, initiatives and social investment in the United States. Ensures the community program has strategic alignment with the business and the United Nations SDGs and measures the impact of initiatives in the communities in which we operate. This role oversees the execution of programs, promotions and special events, and ensures consistent and strong stakeholder engagement with local government officials and community leaders. Advises the business regarding emerging trends and community issues and in support of fostering and maintaining a positive company reputation. Leads, supports and develops the two-person Community Outreach and Engagement team. Collaborates with government relations, communications, supply, people and culture, project teams and operations to develop holistic approach to external affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the planning, development and implementation of community stakeholder engagement plans, social baseline studies, community perception studies, programs and events in support of strategic goals and objectives in the U.S. Implements community relations activities in support of business priorities to positively impact company reputation and meet local content commitments
• Develops and manages social performance strategy to support the advancement of projects in the U.S. region, in alignment with the UN SDGs. Implements outreach plan to support company position and goals.
• Monitors and maintains current knowledge and awareness of public opinion/reaction to company activities to proactively build and manage relationships.
• Serves as company representative at community functions and public meetings. Communicates company's position on issues to a broad array of stakeholder groups as well and helps develop communications materials as needed.
• Oversees the development and implementation of community stakeholder events including leading local project initiatives, employee engagement activities, and managing vendor contracts and relationships.
• Leads, develops and manages a high-performing community outreach and engagement team.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, community development, communications, marketing or a related field required.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in public relations, community development or communications with an emphasis on community relations and public affairs required required.
• 8+ years of industry experience and knowledge in energy industry in the Gulf States region - in particular, Texas and Louisiana required.
• 5+ years of experience in event planning and implementation for activities including community events, public meetings and hearings, and project milestone celebrations. Proven ability to create and implement comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans that advance the company's goals and business objectives. The ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously and move them to completion working with a cross-section of colleagues and communities. Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strategic thinking, judgment and sound decision making are essential, with ability to work effectively on multiple projects with deadlines and under pressure.
• Knowledge of environmental justice communities' outreach and engagement strategy and planning.
• Exceptional communications and relationship-building skills to productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority both internally and externally.
• Strong ability to deliver dynamic and persuasive presentations and company message points to a wide range of stakeholder groups.
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to develop and draft engagement plans, presentations and other materials that clearly communicate information effectively and persuasively.
• Strong background and knowledge in event planning and execution; includes making site visits, locating resources, coordinating on-site arrangements and appropriate staffing; contract negotiations with vendors, budget management and other event-related activities.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong decision-making ability with an ability to work independently while maintaining managing a high-performing team.

Other Qualifications

• Position is based in Houston. Ability to travel frequently is required. This position is 70% field and 30% office and requires an ability to:
  • Work in field/remotely (driving/commuting, varying hours including weekends).
  • Work at events (driving, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting/turning, climbing, standing, stooping, overhead reaching, lifting/carrying and/or pushing/pulling and/or other actions).
  • Work in the office (driving, typing/keyboarding, sitting, standing, lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling). Must be able to adhere and comply to stringent safety standards both in the office and at any project/job sites. Driving to project or stakeholder sites is required. Note that work environment may evolve as project(s) move further to construction/operations.

Note: The Company strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

Sempra Infrastructure offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.