Job Title: Senior Public Affairs Specialist

Location:Valparaiso,Indiana

Job Summary:The Senior Public Affairs Specialist plays a key role in building understanding and trust between the state operating company and its communities. This position leads local public affairs and stakeholder engagement efforts, working closely with internal business partners and NiSource Corporate Communications to develop and execute integrated public affairs strategies.The role serves as a primary point of contact for community leaders, municipalities, and media, supporting major projects and ongoing operations through thoughtful communication, outreach, and relationship‑building.

*This role will serve as the public‑facing connector between major NIPSCO infrastructure projects and the municipalities theyimpact,representingthe company in high‑visibility community settings.

**The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, and comfortable working with ambiguity, with strong follow‑through and a service‑oriented mindset when partnering across internal teams and external groups.

Essential Functions

Serve as the company spokesperson for assigned area(s), leading local public affairs efforts

Resolve customer and public issues in partnership with Operations, Construction, Engineering, and other business partners

Work independently whilemaintainingclose communication with the Manager, Public Affairs, and collaborating across the Public Affairs team

Lead andfacilitatestakeholder meetings and public forums with community leaders, local governments, chambers of commerce, school districts, and economic development organizations

Plan and execute community outreach and “giving” events; proactivelyidentifynew opportunities to engage local communities

Develop stakeholder communication materials such as newsletters, project summaries, talking points, videos, and presentations

Track and document project requirements to support both internal and external customer needs

Project‑manage operating company–wide initiatives and assigned public affairs programs

Serve as the public face for NIPSCO in assigned areas and support outreach efforts acrossadditionalterritories as needed

Proactivelyidentifyand act on local opportunities that positivelyimpactNIPSCO and the communities it serves

Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure commitments are met and messages are aligned

Take the lead on resolving customer and municipal issues with support from internal partners

Supportadditionallocal and broader public affairs initiatives as needed

Build andmaintainstrong relationships with public officials, industry partners, company affiliates, and contractors

Provide 24/7 support during crisis situations, asrequired

Required Qualifications for Position

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business Administration, PoliticalScienceor related field

Travel locally approximately 1–2 days per week to engage directly with municipal partners and communities

3-5 years of communications, publicrelationsor government/politics experience

Experience working with media and contributing social media content for an organization

Proficiencywith Microsoft Office software

Ability to work with a subject matter expert to craft effective and clear content and messages, which create an emotional connection with intended audiences.

Ability to speak with confidence and sensitivity, even on contentious topics.

Ability to interpret data and information to understand stakeholder preferences and motivations.

Ability to think critically and uncover root causes and obstacles.

Ability to learn energy industry issues, regulations, trends, and NiSource’s role,visionand values.

Ability to listen with empathy andseekto understand the intent of and assumptions behindothersactions.

Ability toanticipatelikely stakeholderreactions to messages, as well as discern when a gap between communication and behavior is causing or preventing a desired outcome.

Ability to develop schedules and budgets required for public affairs deliverables, as well as the ability to juggle work among several channels, teammembersand business partners.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

Utility or regulated industry experience

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:

E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish) If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away

Salary Range*:

$82,200.00 - $123,200.00

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

2026-05-01

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2026-05-16

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

NiSource

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