About the position

The Community Relations Liaison is intended for professionals with demonstrated leadership skills who are interested in moving into a community relations role. This position reports to the Director of Community Relations and has multi-regional responsibilities. It is responsible for assisting the Government & Community Relations Managers (GCRM’s) in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with targeted stakeholder groups and individuals who have the potential to influence the success of the company by executing its overall business strategy. Employees in this position also have a key role in helping to shape the image and reputation of Duke Energy in the community and among the customer base at-large by assisting in the development and execution of the company’s philanthropic strategy and overall community/civic engagement plan.

Responsibilities

• Relationship management This position has a critical role in expanding and strengthening stakeholder relationships at the grassroots level. Assists in the development of the External Relations strategy for neighborhood associations, small/mid-sized business organizations, civic groups and other grassroots entities. Proactively builds and maintains relationships with these groups to ensure External Relations objectives can be successfully achieved. Effectively promotes and enhances the Corporation’s image and reputation.
• Project and Issues Management Identifies and resolves various issues and participates in activities/events affecting the Corporation. Identifies and develops plans to resolve issues to preserve or enhance community relationships and the Corporation’s reputation. Must remain knowledgeable of enterprise-wide issues and is responsible for collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues affecting the various business units operating within the Corporation’s service territory. Represents External Relations team on generation, transmission and/or distribution projects of significant impact, including participating in project meetings, customer communications, external meetings and outreach. 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)
• Community & Employee Engagement Assist the GCRM’s in the development of a community investment and engagement strategy. Primary responsibility for executing signature events and key employee volunteer opportunities requiring skillful coordination with both internal and external partners. Ensure appropriate stakeholder education regarding important business initiatives and issues by coordinating grassroots outreach activities with community groups, civic organizations, neighborhood associations, etc. Actively participate in the Speaker’s Bureau. Represent External Relations and serve as the face of the company through various roles as defined by the GCRM’s but may include non-profit boards/committees, working groups, task forces, etc.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Finance, Business or other related degree AND three (3) years minimum required related work experience
• In lieu of degree(s) and experience listed above, High School/GED AND seven (7) years minimum required related work experience
• Valid driver's license

Nice-to-haves

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• Analytical/problem-solving skills
• Base knowledge of Duke Energy corporate Utility business and enterprise strategy
• Demonstrated experience in managing relationships
• Ability to work with minimal daily direction
• Comprehensive financial and business acumen
• Political savvy and understanding of local and state political processes
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and management skills, excellent leadership skills, and good facilitation skills all levels, both internal and external, to Duke Energy