Job Description
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 Public Affairs & Communications Manager at Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky is a multifaceted role that encompasses media relations, communications, and public affairs strategy. The individual in this position will lead media relations strategy, serve as the company spokesperson, and manage both proactive and reactive media relations. They will also provide comprehensive, ongoing communications support to the State President and, on occasion, key leaders and some external facing employees. They will also support the company's public affairs objectives. Additionally, they will collaborate with consultants, provide strategic guidance to external stakeholders, and support the Director of Public Affairs & Communications in departmental management. This role is crucial in enhancing the company's reputation and achieving its business priorities. The Public Affairs & Communications Manager is responsible for:
Managing proactive and reactive media relations and serving as the lead company spokesperson in the region.
Drafting and distributing press releases.
Providing executive positioning and communications support for the State President Ohio & Kentucky, including preparing thought leadership content, speeches, presentations and other logistical support for public engagements and events.
Providing communications support for certain external facing employees.
Providing supplementary communications counsel and execution support for key internal stakeholders (e.g., Federal and State Affairs, Infrastructure Engagement, State President and staff, Corporate Communications, Regulatory Affairs, Legal)
Supporting communications for Foundation activities, including grant announcements, events and other amplification strategies for philanthropy efforts.
Supporting executive leadership in the development and execution of integrated public affairs plans to support top regulatory and legislative business priorities.
Build relationships with local media around storytelling that is beneficial to the company and our business priorities.
Developing and supporting execution of paid media strategies in support of reputational and public affairs objectives, including guiding content creation, targeting and approvals.
Providing strategic guidance on relationships with external stakeholders at the state and regional levels, such as trade associations, advocacy organizations and customers.
Collaborating with and supporting management of communications and public affairs consultants.
Supporting the Director, Public Affairs & Communications Public Affairs in the management of department business, including goal setting, strategic planning, budget management, process improvement and executive updates.
Responsibilities
Media Relations: Lead strategy and execution of Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky's media relations strategy, including serving as the lead spokesperson for the utility in the region. Responsible for leading proactive and reactive media relations activities including drafting and distributing press releases, developing statements in response to media inquiries, proactive pitching to secure positive media coverage and monitoring national, state and local news to identify engagement opportunities or respond to issues. Proactively build relationships with key local media members.
Communications: Responsible for providing executive positioning and communications support for the State President Ohio & Kentucky. This includes preparing thought leadership content, speeches, and presentations, and providing logistical support for public engagements and events. The role also involves providing occasional communications materials and support for certain external facing employees, including Foundation, Customer Relationship Managers (CRMs), Local Area Managers (LAMs), and Operations leaders, as well as internal stakeholders such as Federal and State Affairs, Infrastructure Engagement, State President and staff, Corporate Communications, Regulatory Affairs, and Legal.
Public Affairs: Responsible for supporting Director of Public Affairs & Communications and executive leadership in the development and execution of integrated public affairs plans to support the company's top regulatory and legislative business priorities. This includes strategy and execution of communications strategies in support of public affairs objectives, as well as providing strategic guidance on relationships with external stakeholders at the state and regional levels, such as trade associations, advocacy organizations, and customers. The role also involves collaborating with and supporting the management of communications and public affairs consultants to ensure alignment and coordination of efforts.
Management & Administration: Support the Director, Public Affairs & Communications Public Affairs in the management of department business, including goal setting, strategic planning, budget management, process improvement, and executive updates. This involves coordinating planning processes, tracking and reporting on progress towards goals, managing the department budget, identifying and implementing process improvements, and preparing executive updates.
Basic/Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications or other related degree
In addition to bachelor's degree, two (2) years minimum of related work experience
In lieu of bachelor's degree AND two (2) years minimum of related work experience listed above, high school diploma/GED AND six (6) years minimum of related work experience
Desired Qualifications
At least 5 years related experience in media relations, public affairs, stakeholder management, policy or politics.
Proven experience serving as a lead spokesperson and engaging with state and local reporters.
Proven experience in executive communications and managing paid media strategies,
Working knowledge of the company's business objectives, strategies, products and services.
Understanding of legislative and regulatory operating environment for energy and utility companies at the federal state and local levels.
Exhibits a high level of critical and strategic thinking.
Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
Experience effectively participating in a cross-functional team.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills with a high degree of self-awareness that will make the candidate successful in relating to a high-performing team.
Possesses excellent writing skills and ability to develop clear and concise written communications.
Demonstrated ability to maintain composure and clarity of purpose in stressful situations.
Demonstrated ability to build strategic relationships and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Working knowledge of the jurisdictional and general landscape of the Ohio, Kentucky, and the broader Midwest region.
Demonstrated ability to resolve high impact, complex and/or cross-functional problems.
Previous external relations and leadership experience.
Working Conditions
Located in greater Cincinnati, OH region
Office environment
M - F & as needed based on responsibilities of the role. May include extended hours for storm duty.
Travel: 20-30%. Travel to various locations anticipated, including but not limited to: generating stations, T&D facilities, operations centers
May be asked to provide mutual aid to other jurisdictions for storm duty.
Hybrid mobility classification - work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to a Duke Energy facility
Travel Requirements
15-25%
Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)No
Represented/Union PositionNo
Visa Sponsored PositionNo
Posting Expiration Date
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
All job postings expire at 12:01 AM on the posting expiration date.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.
Duke Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the laws set forth in the Department of Labor EEO Poster and Supplement.
