Lead Communications Manager

More than a career – a chance to make a difference in people’s lives

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you’ll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Job Summary

The Lead Communications Manager is responsible for working with and supporting key leaders in the Federal Affairs organization to advocate for regulatory and legislative outcomes that support our customer commitments to providing reliable and affordable energy. This role will find innovative communications solutions to complex federal advocacy priorities and enhance the name and reputation of the company in the Washington, DC market.

This includes developing advocacy communications plans for a federal stakeholder audience, serving as a media spokesperson for federal priorities, and identifying opportunities for positive media stories to reinforce Duke Energy’s federal advocacy positions.

The position requires federal communications knowledge and experience, and the ability to navigate through multi-stakeholder advocacy issues. It requires the ability to work both independently and in a team environment, including direct interactions with senior leaders, such as the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. Additionally, managing multiple high-profile, high-priority federal communications projects concurrently and adapting quickly to changes in priorities and schedules is essential.

Key Skills and Experience

• Strong experience in federal communications and media relations, including on background media strategy and message development.
• Strong experience developing and implementing communications plans to effectively manage enterprise-wide responses to federal public policy, legislative, and regulatory developments and priorities.
• Experience working with senior levels of management and providing executive counsel and coaching for external events.
• Experience in reputation management and advocacy campaigns.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills; writing samples will be requested.
• Experience in the electric utility industry or other highly regulated, high-profile industries.
• Ability to work and make decisions independently and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working in a matrix organization.
• Experience in federal affairs, issues management, and crisis communications.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Director of Corporate Communications to execute communication strategies for key federal advocacy priorities, including establishing reporter outreach programs, stakeholder mapping, and defining metrics for success.
• Develop, implement, and measure the impact of federal communications plans on federal advocacy priorities. Responsibilities include writing key messages, drafting media collateral, social media content, and other communications materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships and serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives on the Federal Affairs team.
• Stay updated on industry-related federal advocacy trends and media coverage.
• Identify opportunities for positive media stories to support our federal advocacy priorities.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of related work experience in addition to the required degree.
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, a high school diploma/GED AND twelve (12) years minimum of related work experience.

Desired Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in agency or in-house corporate communications environments.
• Experience in federal communications, government communications, or public sector communications.
• Two (2) to four (4) years of media relations experience, including on background reporter education experience.
• Experience in creating strategic communications plans designed to help leaders and clients achieve business objectives.
• Experience in identifying potential and emerging issues and developing strategic counsel for business unit leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately using written and verbal communications.
• Experience developing and implementing complex communications plans.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills to work efficiently and effectively with clients, teammates, and management.
• Strong media relations experience and networking of reporter relationships.
• Experience working with business leaders and providing executive counsel and coaching for media interviews, presentations, and speeches.
• Highly flexible and adaptable.
• Experience in the electric utility industry or other highly regulated, high-profile industries.
• Ability to respond rapidly to immediate communications needs and issues.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint.

Working Conditions

• M – F and as needed based on the responsibilities of the role.
• 3 days per week in office.
• Onsite support regularly needed for the executive communication program.
• Hybrid mobility classification – work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. Hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to the DC office.

Salary

$110k – $135k

Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to: responsibilities of the role, years of related experience, and internal equity. The salary may fall at any point within the range listed.

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Travel Requirements

5-15%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable).

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