Government and Community Relations Manager II

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

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.

The preferred office location is Hickory; however, the selected candidate's district will also be responsible for Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell, and Lincoln counties where open seating may be available in one of those buildings.

The Government and Community Relations Manager II (GCRM) position is a community relations role intended for more experienced professionals who have demonstrated skills to obtain proficiency in the fundamentals of local government and community relations. The GCRM manages local government, business and community relationships and issues within Duke Energy’s service territory and builds support of corporate and community objectives, with minimal oversight and daily direction.

Through integration with internal partners, GCRM is tasked with the development, implementation, and monitoring strategies for the success of Duke Energy’s business objectives and issues.

The GCRM is responsible for helping to shape local public opinion, and thus local policy, in the communities served by Duke Energy. The Hickory Region GCRM will be tasked with maximizing public relations opportunities to enhance corporate reputation and develop enduring relationships with key community leaders and elected officials that are crucial to positive, productive policy development at the local, state, and federal level.

The Hickory Region GCRM will serve as the primary contact for issues associated with the company’s operations and local community leaders during major storm events, as well as provide strategic foundation and community investments that align with company goals.

• Relationship management: contacts and confers with members of local government and other public officials, including local and state, to build and maintain relationships and support corporate objectives.
• Develop and implement public relations strategies to enhance corporate reputation and positively influence policy at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Serve as the primary contact for issues associated with the company’s operations and local community leaders during major storm events.
• Provide strategic foundation and community investments that align with company goals.
• Continuously educate stakeholders on issues of importance to Duke Energy.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Communications, Finance, Political Science or other related degree AND seven (7) years minimum required related work experience.
• In lieu of degree(s) and experience listed above, High School/GED AND 10 years minimum required related work experience.
• Minimum one year in the local government and community relations role.

• Ability to develop comprehensive external relation plans.
• Excellent communications skills (oral, written, and listening).
• Organizational and company operational knowledge.
• Project management experience – managing competing priorities and making sound decisions in a timely manner; demonstrated experience to effectively manage and facilitate multiple projects and issues simultaneously.
• Interpersonal skills – experience in establishing rapport quickly with individuals at all organizational levels both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking.
• Political savvy and understanding of local and state political processes.

• The preferred office location is Hickory; however, the selected candidate's district will also be responsible for Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell, and Lincoln counties where open seating may be…