Public Affairs Manager (Hybrid Schedule)

SDG&E is not just an energy company, we are the architects of a brighter, cleaner future. Our employees power everyday life for 3.7 million people - bringing the energy to support their passions, ambitions, and the heartbeat of our community.

We call Southern California our home. It's where we chase our dreams and raise our families. That's why the people who live here deserve an energy company unlike any other, and that's why every day, SDG&E employees strive to be at the forefront of innovations to reduce emissions, modernize the electric grid, and enable our customers to make the transition to clean technologies. We're redefining sustainability, advancing zero-emissions solutions, and driving the electric vehicle revolution.

It takes the best to build the best - join us!

Primary Purpose:

Manages Company relations with county, city, and other local government jurisdictions in an assigned region of the Company service territory. Responsibilities include developing and executing strategic outreach plans, engaging with local stakeholders, government officials, and community leaders, advocating for company policies, and managing public perception on key energy issues within the San Diego region. The role also requires program and infrastructure support throughout the service territory and may also require support during emergency operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represents the Company before county, city, and other local governments in an assigned region of the Company service territory. Establishes and maintains an effective working network of county, city, and other local government elected, appointed, and administrative officials on behalf of the Company. Thoroughly understands county, city, and other local government decision-making processes, and identifies, monitors, and engages in hearings, meetings, and legislative processes at all levels of local government, as appropriate. Facilitates approval of local permitting for Company infrastructure and other projects. Assists in negotiations with county, city, and other local governments to obtain permits and other approvals. Serves as liaison to local offices of state and federal legislative representatives on Company priority issues, programs, and initiatives, and on state regulatory and legislative energy policies and proposals.
• Anticipates, identifies, monitors, analyzes, and vets significant local regulatory, administrative and legislative initiatives, including policy, political, and community trends, and propose and coordinate Company strategic responses.
• Leads strategic and effective communications that inform local government stakeholders on Company priority issues, programs, and initiatives, and on state regulatory and legislative energy policies and proposals. Develops and maintains a continuing real-time understanding of Company priority issues, programs, and priorities. Identifies and engages non-profit, private sector, government agency, and other local stakeholders to promote Company priority issues, programs, and initiatives.
• Builds and maintains positive collaborative relationships across multiple disciplines and client business units within the Company.
• Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Hybrid Schedule:

• Although the schedule may vary, typically this will allow the employee to work onsite three days per week and remotely on the remaining workdays.
• Must reside in Southern California or be willing to relocate upon hire.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree Or equivalent, preferably in political science, public administration, public relations or communications.
• 5 years experience representing business or other similar organization clients at county, city, or multi-jurisdictional governments.
• Requires private or public sector experience working laterally and vertically in a complex organization.
• Requires exceptional and comprehensive writing skills, listening skills, verbal communication skills, and an ability to articulate complex regulatory and legislative issues concisely and effectively.
• Requires ability to coordinate and work collaboratively across many different disciplines, to understand and synthesize new information from a variety of sources, and to identify and set priorities.
• Requires ability to perform under extreme time constraints.
• Requires ability to quickly forge new business and political relationships with external and internal contacts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working in county, city, or multi-jurisdictional governments is preferable.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

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

SDG&E 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 other 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.