Government & Community Relations Manager II

Duke Energy Corporation•Dudley, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Government and Community Relations Manager II is an experienced external affairs role responsible for managing state and local government, business, and community relationships and issues across Piedmont Natural Gas Company's service territory. Piedmont is a wholly owned subsidiary of Duke Energy Corporation. The manager develops and executes stakeholder strategies that advance business objectives, strengthen community relationships, and support the Company's reputation and license to operate. With minimal oversight, the manager represents the Company to elected and appointed officials, community and business leaders, and other stakeholders, applying political acumen and judgment to navigate state and local political and governmental environments and influence successful outcomes. The role manages external relationships, assesses potential impacts of proposed government actions, and supports franchise agreements with municipalities. It identifies and resolves issues affecting Piedmont, leads negotiations on complex or sensitive matters, and may serve as a media spokesperson. The manager also develops local philanthropic strategies, budgets, and community relations programs; builds support for Company positions through education and advocacy; and maintains working knowledge of natural gas systems and customer facilities and needs. Work is hybrid after the onboarding period, with work performed remotely and onsite. Employees must live within a reasonable commute of their designated Duke Energy facility, no more than 50 miles one way, and are expected to report to the facility as directed, averaging three full workdays per regular workweek. Travel is 5–15%.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Communication, Finance, or a related field and at least seven years of relevant professional experience; alternatively, a high school diploma/GED and 10 years of relevant professional experience.
At least seven years of relevant professional experience, including at least one year of direct local government and community relations experience within the utility industry.
Demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with government, business, community, or other external stakeholders.
Ability to independently manage complex issues, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively across organizational functions.
Strong political acumen and ability to navigate dynamic state and local political environments to advance Company business objectives.
Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, negotiation, and issue-resolution skills.
Strong financial and business acumen.
Ability to work lawfully in the United States without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Ability to live within a reasonable commute of the designated Duke Energy facility, no more than 50 miles one way, and report onsite as directed.

Nice To Haves

Experience evaluating or influencing state or local public policy, legislation, ordinances, permitting, zoning, or other governmental matters affecting business objectives.
Experience developing and executing stakeholder engagement, community relations, or external affairs strategies.
Demonstrated leadership involving cross-functional business or enterprise strategy, planning, and execution.
Experience representing a company to media, public officials, community organizations, or other external audiences.
Experience leading negotiations and resolving complex or sensitive stakeholder issues.
Experience developing or administering community investment, philanthropic, or civic engagement strategies.

Responsibilities

Build and manage relationships with state and local elected and appointed officials to advance Company objectives and influence legislation, ordinances, and other governmental actions.
Manage government, business, and community relationships across the service territory to support business unit objectives and promote the Company's image and reputation.
Represent the Company in strategic industry, association, and chamber organizations; manage key stakeholder relationships and coordinate interfaces with Company departments and executives.
Monitor political-climate trends and public policy issues affecting the Company.
Evaluate proposed ordinances, legislation, and other governmental actions for potential business impacts, including taxes, fees, facility siting and relocation, and service charges.
Manage franchise agreements with municipalities and facilitate development of business plans with targeted municipalities and counties.
Identify and resolve issues, events, and activities affecting Piedmont; develop plans that preserve or enhance community relationships and the Company's reputation.
Lead negotiations and make decisions with minimal oversight to resolve complex or sensitive state and local issues affecting Piedmont.
Serve as a media spokesperson on community issues when needed and engage stakeholders on company, regional, and industry issues; growth and gas service strategies; facilities; project development and permitting/zoning; and questions about operations and company assets.
Develop local philanthropic strategies using Duke Energy Foundation, community development, and business enhancement funds; develop budgets and community relations programs and deploy resources.
Develop strategies to educate external constituencies and build advocacy for Company public policy, regulatory, and business positions.
Maintain comprehensive working knowledge of the Company's natural gas systems and components, including their interface with customer gas facilities, equipment, and needs.
Establish and maintain effective communication and education channels with assigned customers and stakeholders; prepare and present information about emerging issues to customers and associations.