Community Engagement Coordinator

Manifest Solutions is currently seeking a Customer and Community Liaison for a position in Fort Wayne, IN. Establish and maintain productive relationships with landowners through regular and proactive communication. Listen to and understand property-specific concerns, questions, and interests. Provide responsive, professional, and respectful support while building trust and credibility. Tailor communication and engagement approaches to meet individual landowner needs and preferences. Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned landowners throughout transmission project development, easement acquisition, construction, and restoration activities. Participate in community meetings, open houses, stakeholder briefings, and public engagement activities. Support implementation of project-specific engagement plans and outreach activities. Communicate community perspectives and concerns to project teams. Build relationships with local organizations, agricultural groups, chambers of commerce, community leaders, civic organizations, Farm Bureau representatives, and other stakeholder groups. Issue Resolution and Coordination Document customer and community interactions, concerns, commitments, and action items. Coordinate responses with engineering, siting, environmental, right-of-way, legal, communications, and construction teams. Track commitments through completion and ensure timely follow-up. Escalate significant customer and community concerns and emerging project risks when appropriate. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, business, agriculture, community development, political science, or related field; or equivalent experience. Three (3) years of experience in stakeholder engagement, community relations, customer service, public affairs, account management, project coordination, right-of-way, real estate, outreach, or related field. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Valid driver’s license required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Ability to navigate complex issues Must have good public speaking skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to explain complex information in a clear and understandable manner. Demonstrated conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail. Strong organizational and project coordination skills. Ability to work effectively with customers, community stakeholders, contractors, and cross-functional teams. Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive issues. Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Preferred Qualifications Experience in the electric utility, energy, infrastructure, real estate, agriculture, or construction sectors. Experience working with landowners, easement acquisition, right-of-way, or property-related issues. Experience supporting public infrastructure or capital projects. Familiarity with transmission development, siting, permitting, or construction processes. Experience engaging with rural communities and agricultural stakeholders. Experience utilizing CRM, case management, or stakeholder tracking systems. Physical Requirements and Travel Ability to travel frequently within assigned service territory. Ability to attend evening meetings and community events as required. Ability to conduct field visits on private property and construction sites #J-18808-Ljbffr