Sr. Community Affairs Specialist

SM-Energy Company • Denver, CO

1d

About The Position

The Sr. Community Affairs Specialist is responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships with local elected officials, government agencies and community stakeholders in areas where the company operates or plans to develop by developing proactive local engagement strategies, managing community investment programs and cultivating a strong public presence that supports permitting and policy objectives.

Requirements

• Proficiency in interpersonal skills and diplomacy, program/event planning and management, strategic thinking, written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrated success administering corporate giving programs.
• Experience creating successful partnerships with cross-functional internal and external teams for implementation of programs and practices.
• Demonstrated success with cohesive analysis and assessment of impact using both key quantitative and qualitative data points.
• Minimum of 8 years applicable post-graduate work in an in-house role, in a consulting role, or in a communications firm.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

Nice To Haves

• Oil and gas experience preferred.
• Foundation experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the company's primary liaison to local elected officials, county commissioners, city councils, special districts, non-profit groups, business and other leaders in operating and development areas. Represent the company at local government meetings, community forums, industry events, and civic functions.
• Monitor local government activities — including elections, ordinances, zoning decisions, and land use proceedings — and brief internal stakeholders on developments with operational or reputational implications.
• Utilize various outreach methods to promote and enhance brand awareness, community engagement, and minimize reputational risk.
• Build and maintain relationships with mayors, commissioners, school board members, economic development organizations, philanthropic and business sectors and other local influencers who can affect or champion the company's interests.
• Coordinate with the Government Affairs Team to align community outreach with state and federal advocacy priorities, ensuring consistent messaging and a unified stakeholder approach.
• Identify community concerns related to company operations and develop proactive strategies to address them, minimizing reputational risk and regulatory friction.
• Identify and assess causes and organizations that align with the company’s values and goals and develop strategic plans to support them.
• Establish strategic pillars and funding criteria for community investment opportunities that align with company strategic goals.
• Track and report on stakeholder engagement activity, government relations metrics, and community investment outcomes for internal leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees