Purpose
The Manager, Community Affairs & Strategic Accounts leads the company's engagement with strategic and high-value accounts, including major commercial, industrial, municipal customers and local elected officials. This role is responsible for driving growth, retention, and partnership strategies that strengthen customer loyalty, attract new investment, and enhance the company's reputation in the communities it serves. By bridging strategic account management, economic development, and community relations, the Manager ensures that customer and community priorities are aligned with company objectives for reliable, sustainable, and inclusive growth.
Accountabilities
• Lead the management of the company's largest and most complex commercial, industrial, and municipal accounts across multiple commodities (electric, gas, water).
• Build trusted, executive-level relationships and ensure delivery of strategic, value-added service.
• Oversee account planning, performance tracking, and contract compliance.
• Manage escalations for high-impact service issues and ensure timely resolution.
• Develop customer-specific strategies to support retention, expansion, and satisfaction goals.
• Partner with state and regional economic development agencies to identify and secure new investment in the service territory.
• Develop and negotiate strategic service proposals for new or expanding large accounts.
• Promote water efficiency, conservation, and sustainability partnerships with key customers.
• Represent the company at business councils, trade shows, and development boards.
• Serve as the company's public-facing representative to municipal leaders, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
• Build and maintain relationships with local elected officials within their territory (mayors, town managers, city council).
• Lead community engagement strategies related to infrastructure, sustainability, and workforce development.
• Oversee community investment, sponsorship, and volunteerism programs that strengthen the company's reputation.
• Coordinate responses to community inquiries related to service, construction, or regulatory changes.
Education and Experience
Bachelor degree or equivalent in relevant field of study
5+ years experience in community relations, economic development and/or strategic account management.
Our purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business and as an employee team.
As the successful candidate
What we offer
Collaborative environment with a genuine flexible working policy
401k Plan with matching
Share purchase/match plan
Leadership Development Program
Volunteer paid days off
Employee Assistance Program
Achievement fund
Free parking
Variety of Health & Wellness programs
Discount and Perks program
We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role and are not confident you meet all the qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply to investigate the opportunity further.
