Director Community Relations

CenterPoint Energy • Houston, TX

7d

About The Position

The Director of Community Relations is a strategic leadership role responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, multi-state community relations strategy that supports CenterPoint Energy’s business objectives, strengthens its reputation, builds community trust, and fosters lasting relationships across the communities it serves. Reporting to the Vice President of Community Relations & Executive Director, Corporate Foundation, the Director provides strategic direction and operational leadership for community relations efforts and a field-based team across multiple states and markets.

The role ensures consistent execution of community engagement strategies while accounting for the distinct priorities and needs of individual communities. The Director partners with business leaders and cross-functional teams to connect community engagement, strategic community investment, sponsorships, and outreach with business priorities such as customer engagement, community vitality, economic and workforce development, infrastructure investment, company growth, and reputation. The successful candidate leads teams, builds influential external relationships, navigates complex community issues, and translates enterprise priorities into local strategies and measurable community outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive professional experience in community relations, external affairs, corporate philanthropy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, or a related function.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing teams, preferably geographically dispersed teams across multiple states or markets.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic community relations plans aligned with organizational and business objectives.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining relationships with senior civic, community, business, nonprofit, and government stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of corporate philanthropy, Foundation giving, strategic sponsorships, and community investment.
• Demonstrated ability to balance enterprise-wide priorities with the diverse needs and interests of local communities.
• Strong business acumen, executive presence, communication, organizational, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Experience establishing performance measures and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of community engagement programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-state community relations strategy aligned with business objectives, customer priorities, reputation goals, and long-term growth strategy.
• Translate enterprise priorities into regional and local community engagement strategies that address the characteristics and needs of individual communities.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the company’s presence and relationships in existing communities and in markets experiencing economic, population, or infrastructure growth.
• Establish goals and performance indicators for community relations initiatives; monitor community trends, emerging issues, and stakeholder concerns; and provide leadership with strategic insights and recommendations.
• Provide strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for a geographically dispersed community relations team across multiple states and markets.
• Establish clear expectations, accountability, and consistent operating practices while allowing flexibility to address local needs.
• Build and develop a high-performing, collaborative team focused on strategic engagement, relationship management, and measurable outcomes.
• Coach and develop team members in strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and connecting local initiatives with enterprise objectives; promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and regional alignment.
• Develop, strengthen, and maintain relationships with civic and business leaders, nonprofit and community organizations, economic development organizations, local government officials, and other influential partners.
• Guide regional community relations efforts to build trusted relationships, strengthen the company’s reputation, and advance long-term business priorities.
• Develop targeted engagement strategies for growth markets, emerging communities, and areas experiencing significant economic or infrastructure development.
• Direct and support community outreach, including community meetings, open houses, informational sessions, civic events, and employee volunteer opportunities.
• Represent CenterPoint Energy at community, civic, and business events as appropriate.
• Identify emerging community issues, risks, and opportunities that may affect customers, company operations, infrastructure projects, or the company’s reputation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on the first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Access to fitness club discounts
• Access to an on-site wellness center at the Houston headquarters
• Professional growth and development programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan with a dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of employee contribution

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director