Government & Community Relations Manager II

Duke Energy•Fayetteville, NC

1d•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 Piedmont's business objectives, strengthen community relationships, and support the Company's reputation and license to operate. Working with minimal oversight, the manager represents the Company with elected and appointed officials, community and business leaders, and other stakeholders, using political acumen and judgment to navigate state and local governmental environments and influence successful outcomes. The role manages relationships with public officials and other stakeholders, evaluates governmental actions that may affect the Company, manages municipal franchise agreements, and helps establish business plans with municipalities and counties. It identifies and resolves issues affecting Piedmont, including complex or sensitive matters, and may serve as a media spokesperson. The manager also develops local philanthropic strategies and programs, educates external constituencies about Company positions, maintains working knowledge of natural gas systems and customer interfaces, and communicates relevant information to customers and stakeholders. This is a hybrid role. After the onboarding period, work will be performed remotely and onsite. Employees must live within a reasonable commute—no more than 50 miles one way—to their designated Duke Energy facility and are expected to report there 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 or 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.

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.
Leadership experience 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 governmental, business, and community relationships within the Company's service territory to support business objectives and promote the Company's image and reputation.
Represent the Company in strategic industry, association, and chamber organizations and manage key stakeholder relationships, coordinating with Company departments and executives.
Monitor political conditions and public policy issues affecting the Company; evaluate proposed governmental actions for potential business impacts.
Manage municipal franchise agreements and facilitate business-plan development with targeted municipalities and counties.
Identify, develop plans for, and resolve issues, events, and activities affecting Piedmont, its community relationships, and its reputation.
Serve as lead negotiator and decision-maker on complex or sensitive state and local issues with minimal oversight; at times act as a media spokesperson.
Engage stakeholders on Company, regional, and industry issues; gas service and growth strategies; facilities; project development and permitting or zoning; and concerns about Company operations and assets.
Develop local philanthropic strategies, budgets, and community relations programs, and deploy foundation, community development, and business enhancement resources.
Develop strategies to educate external constituencies and build advocacy for Company positions.
Maintain comprehensive working knowledge of Company natural gas systems and components, including their interface with customer facilities, equipment, and gas needs.
Establish and maintain communication and education channels with assigned customers and stakeholders; prepare and present information about emerging issues.