Executive General Manager, Permitting & Community Relations #0405KC
4 days ago
Colorado Springs
Job Description Our client is seeking an Executive General Manager, Permitting & Community Relations to lead one of the most critical functions in the long-term development of a major mining and resource project in Colorado. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a strategic, credible, and highly effective external-facing executive who can guide permitting strategy, build community trust, and help position the organization for sustainable long-term success. As Executive General Manager, Permitting & Community Relations, you will be responsible for shaping and leading the permitting, stakeholder engagement, and community integration strategy across the life cycle of the asset — from development and approvals through construction, startup, operations, and future expansion. You will serve as a key advisor to the broader leadership team, ensuring the organization takes a disciplined, proactive, and transparent approach to regulatory strategy, local relationships, social license, and reputational risk. This role requires a leader who can operate effectively at both strategic and practical levels: someone who understands the complexity of resource development, the importance of community credibility, and the value of building respectful, lasting relationships across multiple stakeholder groups. You will play a central role in helping establish a culture grounded in safety, accountability, responsiveness, and long-term stewardship. This is a career-oriented role with a long-term view and is based in Western Slope, Colorado, with substantial travel requirements. Key Responsibilities • Lead the overall permitting and community relations strategy for a major mining/resource development in Colorado., • Develop and execute permitting roadmaps that support project timelines, risk mitigation, construction readiness, operations, and long-term expansion plans., • Build, maintain, and strengthen trusted relationships with local communities, landowners, regulatory bodies, elected officials, Indigenous stakeholders where relevant, and other key external parties., • Serve as a senior representative of the organization in community, regulatory, and stakeholder settings, helping build credibility and protect the company’s reputation., • Partner closely with environmental, technical, legal, operations, project development, and executive leadership teams to ensure aligned and integrated decision-making., • Anticipate and manage reputational, regulatory, and stakeholder risks, ensuring issues are identified early and addressed effectively., • Lead community engagement strategies that reflect transparency, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to long-term local partnership., • Provide guidance on permitting requirements, approvals strategy, public processes, and regulatory pathways in support of complex project development., • Build and lead a high-performing team across permitting, external affairs, stakeholder engagement, and community relations., • Help shape organizational policies and internal practices that support responsible development, social license, and long-term sustainability., • Support workforce and regional integration efforts by helping position the company as a credible, committed, and constructive presence in the region., • Proven senior leadership experience in permitting, community relations, external affairs, public affairs, or stakeholder engagement within mining, natural resources, energy, infrastructure, or other complex regulated industries., • Strong understanding of the permitting environment and stakeholder landscape associated with large-scale industrial or resource development projects., • Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders, including regulators, local communities, government representatives, and internal leadership teams., • Experience leading sensitive or high-profile issues where reputation, timing, and stakeholder confidence were critical., • The ability to think strategically while managing detail, process, and execution in a disciplined way., • A leadership style that is self-starting, pragmatic, resilient, and grounded in sound judgment., • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to represent the organization with clarity, diplomacy, and credibility in public and private settings., • Strong people leadership capabilities, with experience building and mentoring teams in dynamic and evolving environments., • A demonstrated commitment to responsible development, long-term relationship building, and a “without harm” mindset to people, reputation, assets, and business continuity., • The ability to navigate complexity, assess risk thoughtfully, and move issues toward constructive outcomes. Preferred Background, • Experience in mining, mineral resources, energy, or similarly regulated project-based industries., • Familiarity with western U.S. permitting frameworks, rural stakeholder environments, and multi-party regulatory processes., • Experience supporting greenfield or large-scale project development is highly desirable., • Bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, public affairs, communications, political science, law, natural resources, or a related field; advanced qualifications helpful but not required. Competitive base compensation and incentive opportunity. The opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role in a significant long-term resource development. Executive visibility and the chance to influence both project success and regional impact. A collaborative environment with strong leadership support and meaningful scope for long-term contribution. Career growth, purpose-driven work, and the ability to help shape something important for decades to come. 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