Government & Community Relations Manager II

Duke Energy Corporation•Charlotte, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Government and Community Relations Manager II (GCRM 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 GCRM II develops and executes stakeholder strategies that advance Piedmont's business objectives, strengthen community relationships and support the Company's reputation and license to operate. Working with minimal oversight, the GCRM II serves as a trusted Company representative with elected and appointed officials, community and business leaders and other key stakeholders, and demonstrates the political acumen and judgment necessary to navigate dynamic state and local political and governmental environments and influence successful outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Communication, Finance or other related degree and minimum seven (7) years relevant professional experience
In Lieu of Degree, High School/GED and 10 years relevant professional experience.
Minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, including at least one year of direct experience in local government and community relations within the utility industry.
Demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with government, business, community, or other external stakeholders.
Demonstrated 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.

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 experience involving cross-functional business or enterprise strategy, planning, and execution.
Experience serving as a company representative with 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

Builds and manages relationships with state and local elected and appointed officials to advance Company objectives and influence legislation, ordinances and other governmental actions affecting the Company.
Manages area governmental, business and community relationships and contacts within the Company's service territory to ensure business unit objectives can be successfully achieved and effectively promotes and enhances the Company's image and reputation.
Represents the Company in strategic industry/associational/chamber organizations to enhance business relationships between the Company and complex, high-value community leaders. Owns and manages key stakeholder relationships, including coordinating interfaces with other Company departments and Company executives.
Remains abreast of trends and developments in the political climate and current public policy issues affecting the Company.
Evaluates proposed ordinances, legislation and other governmental actions to assess potential impacts on the Company such as state and local taxes, fees, ability to effectively locate and relocate our facilities, service charges, etc.
Manages the successful execution of and management to the franchise agreements for municipalities the Company serves that facilitates our "license to operate" within municipal limits. Facilitates the process to establish business plans with targeted municipalities and counties.
Identifies and resolves various issues, events and activities affecting Piedmont. Identifies and develops plans to resolve issues to preserve/enhance community relationships and the Company's reputation. Must remain knowledgeable of enterprise-wide issues and is responsible for serving as lead negotiator and decision-maker in resolving complex or sensitive issues affecting Piedmont at the state and local levels, with minimal oversight and direction. 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, key local and state stakeholder engagement on: Company, regional and industry wide issues and policies; New growth and gas service strategies; Facilities placement and management; Project development and execution, including state and local permitting/zoning. Community questions or concerns pertaining to the Company's operations and management of Company assets.
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 budgets and community relations programs and deploy resources.
Develop strategies to educate external constituencies to build advocacy for Company positions, including the Company's current public policy, regulatory and business positions.
Develop and maintain comprehensive working knowledge of the Company's natural gas systems and components, as well as the effect of the interface with the customer's gas facilities and equipment/gas needs.
Ensure that effective communication and education channels are established and maintained to share key information and assistance between Piedmont and assigned customers/stakeholders. Prepare and present to customers/associations information about pertinent emerging issues.