Sr Manager, Public Affairs

Job Description

Join Grace as the Sr Manager, Public Affairs, reporting to the Vice President, Global Communications and Government Affairs. Work closely with communications, legal and public affairs teams to plan, develop and implement a comprehensive, proactive, local, national and international government and community engagement program in alignment with overall communications strategy. Manage Grace’s reputation, foster relationships with stakeholders, and shape strategies that enhance public perception and achieve organizational goals. Develop and manage a rigorous process for aligning leaders and spokespeople around shared company objectives, messaging and engagements. Build relationships with elected officials, government workers and community members and develop two-way communications channels in support of business strategy and Grace’s commitment to being a good neighbor and a responsible business. Support corporate PR, executive communications and crisis communications. Excellent public speaking, presentation, writing and tactful interpersonal skills essential. 

Responsibilities

• Partner with the VP of Global Communications & Government Affairs on the development, implementation and continual refinement of the Grace Government & Community Affairs strategy.
• Build strong working relationships with communications, legal and public affairs teams, as well as business and site leaders across the organization. Cultivate relationships to become a trusted partner and resource across the business in managing and influencing community and government interactions.
• Together with legal, monitor legislative and regulatory issues that may affect the company.
• Develop and maintain messaging on Grace’s positions on policy and permitting matters, local initiatives and philanthropic engagements. 
• Design and execute programs to strengthen relationships with local communities and enhance the organization’s public image. Identify opportunities for positive public exposure and mitigate potential risks to the organization’s reputation.
• Partner with Grace Foundation to manage sponsorships, charitable contributions, and partnerships with community organizations.
• Lead crisis communication efforts, ensuring timely and effective responses to issues that may affect the organization’s reputation. Develop and maintain crisis management plans and protocols.
• Build relationships with industry and trade associations, directly and via Grace colleagues.
• Serve as company spokesperson with government officials. Prep Grace leaders and spokespeople to represent Grace at community, philanthropic and government events and opportunities.
• Represent Grace at community, philanthropic and government events and opportunities as needed. Spearhead neighborhood relations at company headquarters. Organize and/or support community events at Grace sites.  
• Collaborate with communications team on corporate positioning via LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Grace.com and media relations. Ensure writing and production of internal and external deliverables that support Community & Government Affairs objectives meet high quality and brand standards; continuously evaluate and refine. 
• Measure success and provide regular, actionable reporting.
• Stay abreast of best practices and emerging opportunities and bring new programs, tools and strategies to Grace to continuously improve Public Affairs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in public policy, communications, business or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in government, public policy or corporate public affairs.
• Excellent writing, critical thinking, problem-solving and project management abilities.
• Track record of relationship building with elected officials, government workers and C-suite executives.
• Proven ability to translate technical jargon into layperson’s terms.
• Demonstrable expertise in stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to navigate a matrixed environment, multitask and meet stakeholder expectations on time and on budget.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Great people skills and comfort working with everyone from elected officials to C-suite to junior staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Government relations experience
• Chemical, manufacturing and/or industrial industry experience

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace
• Retirement Plans 
• 401(k) Company Match – Dollar to dollar up to the first 6%
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program