Manifest Solutions is currently seeking a Customer and Community Liaison for a position in Fort Wayne, IN.
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with landowners through regular and proactive communication.
- Listen to and understand property-specific concerns, questions, and interests.
- Provide responsive, professional, and respectful support while building trust and credibility.
- Tailor communication and engagement approaches to meet individual landowner needs and preferences.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned landowners throughout transmission project development, easement acquisition, construction, and restoration activities.
- Participate in community meetings, open houses, stakeholder briefings, and public engagement activities.
- Support implementation of project-specific engagement plans and outreach activities.
- Communicate community perspectives and concerns to project teams.
- Build relationships with local organizations, agricultural groups, chambers of commerce, community leaders, civic organizations, Farm Bureau representatives, and other stakeholder groups. Issue Resolution and Coordination
- Document customer and community interactions, concerns, commitments, and action items.
- Coordinate responses with engineering, siting, environmental, right-of-way, legal, communications, and construction teams.
- Track commitments through completion and ensure timely follow-up.
- Escalate significant customer and community concerns and emerging project risks when appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, business, agriculture, community development, political science, or related field; or equivalent experience.
- Three (3) years of experience in stakeholder engagement, community relations, customer service, public affairs, account management, project coordination, right-of-way, real estate, outreach, or related field.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Valid driver’s license required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to navigate complex issues
- Must have good public speaking skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to explain complex information in a clear and understandable manner.
- Demonstrated conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
- Ability to work effectively with customers, community stakeholders, contractors, and cross-functional teams.
- Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive issues.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the electric utility, energy, infrastructure, real estate, agriculture, or construction sectors.
- Experience working with landowners, easement acquisition, right-of-way, or property-related issues.
- Experience supporting public infrastructure or capital projects.
- Familiarity with transmission development, siting, permitting, or construction processes.
- Experience engaging with rural communities and agricultural stakeholders.
- Experience utilizing CRM, case management, or stakeholder tracking systems.
Physical Requirements and Travel
- Ability to travel frequently within assigned service territory.
- Ability to attend evening meetings and community events as required.
- Ability to conduct field visits on private property and construction sites