Community Affairs Manager - NewRange

Closing Date: 6/12/2023

Job Summary:

Reporting to the NewRange Social, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs (SERA) Director and working closely with the Communications Director and Tribal Liaison, the Manager of Community Affairs will be based in Northern Minnesota and is responsible for social management activities carried out by a multi-disciplinary consulting and project team, supporting social baseline data collection and analysis, social risk identification and management, community investment, and leading community of interest (COI) engagement in support of all activities related to NewRange.

At NewRange Copper Nickel (NewRange), we act responsibly and strive to make a positive contribution to health and safety, environment, and communities through our activities. Being welcomed where we operate demands respecting Human Rights and Native American Rights, responsible social, economic, and environmental performance, and a commitment to sustainable business practice in everything we do. The Manager of Community Affairs will play a key role in internal alignment on social risk management, in representing NewRange in Minnesota, and building positive relationships aligned with our values. The successful candidate will work out of the NewRange office in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota.

Overview:

Located in the historic iron range mining region of northeastern Minnesota, NewRange is a 50:50 joint venture of subsidiaries of Teck American Inc. (Teck) and PolyMet Mining Corp. (PolyMet) that is advancing two major copper-nickel-platinum-palladium deposits, NorthMet and Mesaba. Project activities range from readying the feasibility stage NorthMet project for a production decision pending clearance of mine permits to advancing the nearby Mesaba project to pre-feasibility studies and permitting.  NewRange is committed to unlocking a new domestic supply chain of critical metals for the transition to a low-carbon economy and positioning Minnesota as a world leader in sustainable mineral resource development.

More information on NewRange is available at https://newrangecoppernickel.com/

Responsibilities:

• Be a courageous safety leader, leading by example, and adhere to and sponsor safety and environmental rules and procedures
• Ensure alignment of project activities with NewRange’s Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Management Standards; Tribal Governments and Human Rights Policies; and Social, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs framework
• Create the strategic framework for the development and implementation of NewRange’s community investment program and make recommendations in terms of strategy and approach to the SERA and Communications Directors, General Manager and the Management Committee.
• Identify all relevant communities of interest, develop and execute strategies for community engagement, consultation and communications related to the each of the projects based on their stage of development
• Build and maintain relationships with communities of interest including but not limited to, community leaders, non-government organizations and other relevant stakeholders
• Develop work plans and budgets that relate to the planned work in consultation with consultants and in coordination with project team members
• Develop and implement sustainable community initiatives that align with our values and priorities
• Manage a multi-disciplinary consulting and social management team taking into consideration input from the project team, including selection of consultants for the projects, and ensure alignment of work between consultants and project team members
• Manage the completeness, accuracy and timeliness of social management studies and activities, and contribute to strategic planning to maintain project milestones 
• Report regularly to the SERA Director, Communications Director, and General Manager on the status of project objectives and associated social risks and opportunities
• Prepare and lead reporting of social management activities as required

The above responsibilities are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in social studies, sociology, environmental studies, anthropology, public relations, business, marketing, or other relevant field
• Minimum 5-10 years of relevant experience
• Understanding and experience implementing key international principles and standards that may be applicable such as, IFC Performance Standards
• Demonstrated experience in leading consultations with various stakeholders
• Understanding of key national and regional issues that affect the mining industry, and of current and developing processes in community engagement
• Demonstrated success in building constructive working relationships with various local, regional and national COIs in relation to developing natural resource projects
• Strong oral and written English communication skills
• Excellent project management skills and experience in managing projects, and consulting teams
• Demonstrated experience in leading, mentoring and developing team members.

HOW TO APPLY

At NewRange, we value diversity. Our teams work collaboratively and respect each person’s unique perspective and contribution.

Qualified applicants interested in joining a dynamic team are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter electronically.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Your application to this posting is deemed to be your consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of recruitment. NewRange respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.

Learn more about NewRange at https://newrangecoppernickel.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.