The Strategic Advisor to the Senior Vice President of Strategy, Sustainability, and External Affairs (SSEA) ensures the alignment and execution of the department's strategic priorities. SSEA's responsibilities encompass corporate strategy; sustainability and environmental compliance; governmental affairs; community affairs; stakeholder engagement; corporate giving; media relations; and internal and external diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This role is pivotal in advancing strategy across these functions, elevating executive effectiveness, and driving seamless collaboration across the organization. The Strategic Advisor acts as a trusted partner to the SVP, enabling informed decision-making and optimal operational performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Lead strategic planning processes and drive outcomes through department-wide business plan deployment.
- Benchmark goals and tactics against best practices across industries.
- Establish and manage operating rhythms (e.g., Operational Reviews, Staff Councils, Leadership Meetings) and ensure timely, accurate information flow to the SVP and leadership team.
- Create alignment and integration across SSEA functions and leadership.
- Facilitate executive-level discussions to promote clarity, alignment, and high-quality outcomes.
- Oversee development and implementation of in-year strategies to close performance gaps.
- Strategic Cross-Functional Initiative Leadership
- Lead and execute high-priority strategic initiatives as directed by the SVP.
- Monitor progress, align stakeholders, remove barriers, and ensure timely delivery of high-impact projects.
- Driving a Positive Work Culture
- Support the SVP in fostering a culture of empowerment, ownership, collaboration, and accountability.
- Coach leaders on setting and delivering ambitious, measurable goals.
- Promote experimentation, accountability, and cross-functional ownership within leadership expectations.
- Executive Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
- Oversee the creation and delivery of executive communications for internal and external audiences, including the CMS Board of Directors, executive management, SSEA colleagues, customers, regulators, elected officials, and community leaders.
- Ensure consistent messaging and engagement strategies that reinforce trust, credibility, and transparency.
- Executive Advisory & Support
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the SVP, providing counsel on critical decisions, change management, and confidential matters.
- Support prioritization of department resources and financial allocations.
- Represent the department in enterprise-level forums to ensure alignment with companywide priorities.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Strong understanding of external affairs disciplines including communications, governmental relations, and stakeholder engagement.
- Self-starter with the ability to anticipate needs, identify opportunities, and operate independently.
- Experience developing corporate strategies and governance systems to drive delivery of complex, cross-functional objectives in a large enterprise environment.
- Demonstrated project management expertise with a proven track record of executing strategic initiatives.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
- Comfortable representing executive leadership in high-stakes settings.
- Skilled in building leadership team cultures that promote trust, inclusion, and performance.
- Ability to influence senior leaders without formal authority.
- High emotional intelligence, integrity, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
- Proven experience serving as a trusted confidant on confidential and politically sensitive matters.
Education/Experience
- Bachelor's degree in a business-related field and seven (7) or more years of experience in strategic planning, communications, governmental or external affairs, management consulting, and/or business;
- [OR] Associate's degree in a business-related field and nine (9) or more years of experience in these areas;
- [OR] High School Diploma/GED and eleven (11) or more years of relevant experience.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with Lean operating models.
- Experience in a Chief of Staff or similar strategic advisory role.
Consumers Energy
1 Energy Plz
Jackson
Michigan United States
www.consumersenergy.com
