More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.
Please Note: The successful applicant for this position must reside in the Durham District, which encompasses Durham, Orange, Lee & Chatham counties.
This position will be provided a company vehicle.
Job Summary
The Government and Community Relations Manager III, or senior, position is a community relations role intended for professionals who have been in the position 4 - 7 years and have demonstrated excellence in local government and community relations and the ability to manage strategic relationships and investments in advancing corporate objectives. The GCRM III manages local government, business and community relationships and issues in a headquarters or major metropolitan/urban area within the Duke Energy’s service territory and oversees and coordinates local philanthropy in support of corporate and community objectives, with minimal oversight and direction. The position will report to the acting east region director. Through integration with internal partners, employees in this position develop, implement, and monitor strategies for the success of Duke Energy’s business objectives and issues. Key responsibilities include local government and key leader relationship management and community engagement, coordination of company leadership involvement in local board and organizations, continuous education of stakeholders on issues of importance to Duke Energy, and creation of grassroots advocacy for Duke Energy’s business positions. Influences outcome of issues that impact Duke Energy’s image and reputation in the community.
Responsibilities
Relationship management
- Contacts and confers with members of local government and other public officials, including state and local, to influence the passage, defeat or amendment to local ordinances or legislation of interest that impacts Duke Energy’s business objectives.
- Manages area governmental, business and community relationships and contacts within Duke Energy service territory on behalf of Duke Energy business units to ensure business unit objectives can be successfully achieved and effectively promotes and enhances the Corporation's image and reputation.
- Represents Duke in strategic industry/associational/chamber organizations to enhance business relationships between Duke Energy and complex, high-value community leaders. Own and manage the total customer relationship including interfaces with other Duke Energy departments including Duke Energy executives.
- Remains abreast of trends and developments in the political climate and current public policy issues affecting the Company.
- Studies and evaluates proposed ordinances to determine impact on the Company affecting things such as taxes, fees, ability to effectively locate and relocate our facilities, service charges, etc.
- Manages the successful execution of new franchise agreements (NC) for municipalities Duke Energy serves that facilitates our “license to operate” within municipal limits. Facilitates the process to establish business plans with targeted municipalities and counties.
Project and Issues Management
Identifies and resolves various issues, events and activities affecting Duke Energy Corporation. Identifies and develops plans to resolve issues to preserve/enhance community relationships and the Corporation’s reputation. Must remain knowledgeable of enterprise-wide issues and is responsible for serving as lead negotiator and frequently decision maker, to resolve issues affecting Duke Energy business units operating within the Duke Energy service territory. Often serves as media spokesperson on various issues in the community. Must have broad and deep knowledge of corporate issues. Examples including but not limited to:
- Company and industry wide issues and policies
- New generation strategies
- Right-of-Way management and line clearance issues
- Facilities placement, managing requests for overhead to underground conversion of distribution facilities, etc.
- Air and water quality environmental issues
- Lake Management issues
- Sale of Duke Energy assets (land and buildings)
Philanthropy
- Develop local philanthropic strategies to use Duke Energy Foundation, community development and business enhancement funds in a strategic way for the communities we serve.
- Develop and stay within budgets, initiate community relations programs, and deploy resources.
Education and Advocacy
- Educated and knowledgeable of Duke's public policy, regulatory and business positions to accurately collaborate with local communities and Government agencies. Develop strategies to educate external constituencies to build advocacy for Duke Energy positions.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive working knowledge of electric systems and components, including those associated with the Company's transmission and distribution system, as well as the effect of the interface with the customer's systems.
- Ensure that effective communication and education channels are established and maintained to share key information and assistance between Duke Energy and assigned customers/stakeholders. Prepare and present to customers/associations information about pertinent emerging issues. Keep contact information updated for company campaigns.
Basic/Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Communications, Business Administration or other related degree
- In addition to required education, seven (7) years minimum of related work experience
- In lieu of bachelor's degree, high school diploma/GED and ten (10) years minimum of related work experience
Specific Requirements
- Valid driver's license
- Must reside in the Durham District
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science
- Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
- Analytical/problem-solving skills
- Base knowledge of Duke Energy corporate and utility business and enterprise strategy
- Demonstrated experience in managing relationships; demonstrated understanding of state and local political process
- Ability to work with minimal daily direction
- Extensive and thorough knowledge of electric distribution and transmission systems, as well as grid operations
- Ten+ years’ experience with Duke Energy, or equivalent experience with lead responsibility for managing governmental and/or business and community relations.
- Comprehensive financial and business acumen.
- Demonstrated experience managing relationships with utility's largest and most complex customer and/or key stakeholders.
- Political savvy and understanding of local and state political processes.
- Demonstrated conflict resolution and management skills, excellent leadership and facilitation skills all levels, both internal and external, to Duke Energy.
Working Conditions
- Attendance at early morning, night and weekend community meetings and activities
- Extensive travel throughout the assigned territory and occasionally the state
- Requires availability 24/7 for storm response or other issues/emergencies.
- Hybrid Mobility Classification – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to the Durham Office and within the district.
Travel Requirements
15-25%
Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)
No
Represented/Union Position
No
Visa Sponsored Position
No
Posting Expiration Date
Friday, May 23, 2025
All job postings expire at 12:01 AM on the posting expiration date.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.
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