Manager of Public Affairs and Communications

Job Description

Job Description

Join our growing team and discover why Summit Utilities, Inc. continues to earn national and regional recognition as an employer of choice. Our recognitions include Best Places to Work in Maine (2019–2025); Best Places to Work in Arkansas (2020, 2023, 2025); Best Places to Work in Oklahoma (2022–2025); Best Places to Work in Missouri (2023 and 2026); Best Places to Work in Colorado (2025); Forbes America’s Best Small Employers (2023); and, most recently, Proud and Purposeful Employer (2026).

Summit is a growing natural gas utility that’s committed to delivering reliable energy to homes and businesses in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence and innovation, committing to safety each and every day, and doing all that we can to serve each other, our customers, and the communities where we live. We aim to bring warmth and energy to everything we do.

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Manager I, Public Affairs and Communications (SGL35) to join our team. This hybrid role may be based in one of our offices in Little Rock, Fort Smith, or Fayetteville, Arkansas.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead our Public Affairs and Internal Communications efforts. This role is pivotal in shaping our organization's narrative, fostering relationships with media outlets, and ensuring cohesive internal communication strategies. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, an exceptional communicator, and a relationship builder who can manage both external and internal communication needs effectively. This role is designed to bridge external and internal communication efforts, ensuring the organization is well-represented publicly while fostering a cohesive and informed internal culture.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Public Affairs:
  • Develop and execute strategic communication plans to enhance the organization's public image.
  • Build and maintain relationships with local and national media outlets.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for press inquiries, managing media relations and ensuring accurate representation of the organization.
  • Prepare and distribute press releases, media kits, and other public relations materials.
  • Monitor and analyze media coverage to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
  • Handle crisis communication, including developing response strategies to protect the organization's reputation.
  • Proactively identify and celebrate organizational achievements while managing sensitive stories to align with the organization's goals.
• Internal Communications:
  • Lead the internal communications program to ensure employees are informed, engaged, and aligned with the organization's mission and values.
  • Supervise and mentor an internal communications team member, fostering their professional growth.
  • Develop and implement internal communication strategies that promote transparency and collaboration.
  • Create and manage content for internal channels, including newsletters, intranet, and announcements.
  • Organize and facilitate employee engagement activities, town halls, and recognition programs.
  • Collaborate with leadership and HR to align internal messaging with organizational objectives.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in public affairs, media relations, or internal communications.
• Proven track record of managing media relations and internal communication programs.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Experience in crisis communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and analytics.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships across diverse groups.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Experience in supervising or mentoring team members.
• Familiarity with public relations’ best practices and ethical standards.
• Knowledge of internal communication platforms and tools.
• A strong network of media contacts is a plus.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.

Summit offers competitive pay and medical/dental/vision and other benefits that provide flexibility, choice, and support to our employees when they need it most. We understand that home and family are essential pieces of your life, and our benefits are designed to support you both at work and at home.

Summit Utilities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or veteran status.