Having a “social license to operate” is fundamental to any oil and gas company and Stakeholder Relations Professionals play an important role in making sure companies can get and keep it. They’re a critical link in communication, transparency and understanding.

What a typical day looks like:

Stakeholder Relations Professionals listen. Then, they listen some more. They are on the frontlines, gathering and tracking concerns from community members, investors and other important stakeholders. They carry the views of the community to the company boardroom and the views of the company back to the community.

When it comes to oil, gas and pipeline projects, these professionals find common ground between company and community interests. Throughout project environmental assessments and review periods, community concerns need to be heard and addressed. Stakeholder Relations Professionals are there to help and find solutions through honest, open dialogue. They then implement projects and plans that support these solutions.

Stakeholder Relations Professionals can specialize within their field. Stakeholder Relations and Aboriginal Relations Advisors liaise and engage with impacted or interested stakeholder groups to get their input and feedback on issues or concerns. Socio-Economic Impact Specialists perform work to understand, evaluate and develop strategies to manage the economic, cultural and social impacts of industry activity on communities. Investor Relations Specialists work with investors and the investment community to help them better understand the value of the company and increase shareholder value.

Typically employed in the exploration and production (E&P), oil sands, oil and gas services and pipeline sectors of the oil and gas industry, Stakeholder Relations Professionals may be required to travel and be available for emergency responses. They may also need to attend and facilitate evening and weekend meetings.

The kinds of problems Stakeholder Relations Professionals solve at work:

These professionals work with project teams to mitigate any negative impacts and identify opportunities for the project to benefit everyone. For example, increased traffic might be an issue by a nearby school, or a community might be in need of funding for a recreation centre. By identifying and accurately capturing community needs and concerns, Stakeholder Relations Professionals help their company find solutions.

Skills used most on the job:

Stakeholder Relations Professionals are strong active listeners with excellent verbal communication and facilitation skills. They are comfortable with conflict and can successfully negotiate mutually beneficial solutions. Since they work with so many other groups, they are also collaborative.

They help maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders and resolve concerns over economic, political and social impacts.

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