Senior Manager, Strategic Growth and Community Affairs
Xcel EnergyDenver, CO
Full Time
Posted October 14, 2026
$130k - $165k
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Application opens on company website
Listing evidence and provenance
- Source
- Workday View original listing
- Freshness
- Open in the current public read path; this is not an employer guarantee.Last observed October 15, 2026
- Classification
- Modern power-system classification not yet published for this listing.Legacy source industry field: Utilities
- Pay provenance
- Employer-provided pay
Job Description
Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe
Key Responsibilities
- Serves as the senior leader in PSCo driving Colorado state and local government energy policy strategy execution on behalf of large load customers and infrastructure siting and construction, setting the direction that connects state and local policy, community engagement, regulatory strategy, and large load execution for PSCo. Leads the development and execution of a proactive narrative strategy that protects Xcel Energy's brand while positioning Colorado to competitively serve data centers and other large load customers. Builds and maintains a statewide advocacy playbook, adaptable to the priorities and dynamics of individual local jurisdictions, that equips teams to engage municipalities, legislators, and communities with a consistent, coordinated message. Cultivates strategic partnerships with economic development organizations, community activists, and local stakeholders to build durable support for growth initiatives and to identify political, municipal, community, and reputational risks early. Works across multiple Xcel departments—including legislative and local government affairs, community relations, corporate communications, regulatory strategy, and economic development—to align internal execution and enable the company's ability to serve data center and large load customers throughout Colorado. Partners with the central communications team to ensure enterprise brand and messaging are implemented locally, while retaining ownership of Colorado-specific relationships.
- Narrative and stakeholder strategy : Lead development and execution of a proactive Colorado narrative and stakeholder strategy that protects and strengthens Xcel Energy’s brand while positioning Colorado to competitively serve data centers and other large load customers. Partner with the corporate communications team to implement enterprise brand standards and messaging locally, while retaining leadership and ownership of Colorado-specific relationships, narratives, engagement, and strategic response.
- Statewide policy and execution leadership : Provide leadership in executing PSCo’s Colorado state and local government energy policy priorities supporting large load customers and infrastructure siting and construction. Drive coordinated execution across state policy, local government affairs, community relations, regulatory strategy, siting and land rights, and large load initiatives; translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, clarify roles and accountability, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver aligned outcomes statewide.
- Growth strategy and execution alignment : Translate growth priorities into a proactive Colorado strategy that aligns state legislation, local government rules and regulations, franchise, public affairs, regulatory, economic development, and community engagement activities before major customer or infrastructure decisions move forward. Establish shared objectives, roles, decision points, and execution plans so internal teams act with consistency, speed, and accountability.
- Risk management and local intelligence : Lead the early identification and assessment of political, state, municipal, community, regulatory, and reputational risks affecting large load growth or infrastructure siting and construction. Direct a disciplined statewide process for gathering and interpreting community-specific data, stakeholder sentiment, and emerging issues; translate local intelligence into recommendations for leadership; assign ownership; escalate material issues; and drive timely mitigation and coordinated response.
- Advocacy and relationship leadership : Build, maintain, and lead implementation of a statewide advocacy and ground-game playbook for large load customers and infrastructure projects. Adapt enterprise frameworks to the political dynamics and community expectations of individual Colorado jurisdictions; direct cross-functional execution of communications and engagement plans; cultivate strategic relationships with legislators, local officials, economic development organizations, community activists, and other stakeholders; and adjust tactics as conditions evolve.
- Executive situational awareness and special assignments : Provide PSCo and enterprise leadership with timely context and situational awareness on Colorado political, municipal, community, regulatory, and reputational matters affecting growth and infrastructure development. Respond to leadership questions by gathering and synthesizing relevant information, identifying key considerations and emerging issues, and connecting leaders with appropriate subject matter expertise. Lead special projects requiring cross-functional coordination, analysis, and issue resolution to advance PSCo priorities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, public affairs, communications, business or related field, or equivalent experience
- Masters preferred but not required
- 8 years of demonstrated experience in state or local government affairs, community relations, external relations, public policy, communications, or advocacy ideally in an energy, infrastructure, or large-scale development context
- Very strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex political and community issues
- Ability to work independently and be a self-starter
- Must be willing to work non-traditional hours to attend community, state and local government meetings
- Experience integrating policy and community relations functions within a single strategic role
- Familiarity with Colorado's legislative, community, and regulatory environment
- Experience partnering with central/enterprise teams to align local execution with broader brand and messaging strategy
- Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.
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