Our client is a newly formed company to develop the largest new mining project being undertaken in the US. The company was formed by a joint venture between a Canadian mining company and one of the world’s largest copper producers. $130 million to be spent over the next three years to advance the project to a bankable feasibility study (BFS) and permitting. It is expected that the total capital required to develop this project through detailed engineering, construction and commissioning will be in the range of $2 to 4 billion. They are embarking on one of the largest and most important new underground mine developments in the USA and they need to build their own organizational capabilities. As a result, the company has identified the need to recruit a number of senior executives and specialist, one of which is the role of Vice President of Community and Government Affairs.
The new Vice President of Community and Government Affairs will have the mandate to develop a comprehensive strategy and plan to position our client as an industry leader in sustainable mining development in the State of Minnesota, as well as the importance of Copper, Nickel and PGM as a strategic domestic source for future demand of these metals. To this end, the Vice President will develop the company’s partnerships with all relevant stakeholders including government agencies and officials, community representatives, NGO’s and communities. The Vice President will also be accountable for the development of the social impact study for the project and launching the Principles and Policies to early implement a robust Enterprise Social Responsibility plan. The new Vice President will work closely with senior management in establishing and carrying-out long and short-term corporate strategies so that the company’s relationships with all stakeholders and commitments to best practices are managed as a key component of strategic success for our client.
Overall, this key role encompasses efforts with regards to media relations, public information, public affairs, community relations, philanthropy, etc., within the legal framework required by State, Federal and the London and Toronto Stock Exchange rules and regulations and provide coordination of such efforts with the specific goal of positively affecting our client’s regulatory and government relations objectives.
Job Scope:
- Serving as key liaison for CEO and senior executives; consults with teams for all public and government affairs matters.
- Serving as principle spokesperson and public face to:
- civic and charitable organizations (friendly and hostile, alike)
- local elected officials
- current media outlets
- new and social media outlets
- Develop a plan to assist expediting the permitting process with the Vice President.
- Environment and Sustainability incorporate the following components:
- outreach to civic groups, charitable organizations, community groups, environmentalists, conservationists, sportsmen, local officials, etc.
- outreach to Ely, Duluth and Twin Cities media as well as industry publications
- new media presence and monitoring of blogosphere
- mobilization of allies as needed to deliver persuasive messages to key decision‐makers in State and Federal Government
- targeting of coalition activities and contributions into key decision‐makers and political family of key decision‐makers
- media monitoring and rapid response mechanisms/crisis communications
- Engage outside consultants as necessary to fulfill specific areas of plan within budgets and in collaboration with the CEO.
- Manage public relations and philanthropic activities for purposes of leveraging positive impacts with decision‐makers in the community and regulators at State and Federal levels where possible.
- Serve as ‘first point of contact’ for purposes of fielding and prioritizing all media inquiries and determine best responses with input from consulting and executive team where needed.
- Manage all media inquiries for CEO or to other executives and provide necessary media training messaging/talking points and coordinate/manage interviews by members of the media.
- Monitor and determine/recommend with input from consultants and executives appropriate responses, if any, to actions taken by opponents of the project.
- Implement and provide permanent training to staff on any corresponding crisis management communications tactics.
Experience / Education Required:
- Seasoned public affairs/government affairs professionals, strong strategic thinking, likely with 15-20 years experience in media, government lobbying.
- Knowledge of the natural resources industry and have been involved in similar projects is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated skills and accomplishments in their dealings with government and communities, preferably in Minnesota, as well as work with NGO’s and other advocacy groups.
- Bring a positive reputation and profile, non-partisan, and able to develop a relationship with the CEO and other senior executives as a trusted and knowledgeable advisor in his/her areas of expertise.
