Director Community Relations

CenterPoint Energy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid training

Benefits eligibility

Flexible work schedule

Wellness center on-site in Houston

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) matching

Job summary

CenterPoint Energy seeks a Director of Community Relations to lead a strategic, multi-state program aligning with our business objectives and reputation goals. You will guide field-based teams, partner with business leaders, and translate enterprise priorities into local community actions.

The role requires a track record of building influential external relationships, managing complex community issues, and delivering measurable outcomes across regions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in community relations, external affairs, or related field.
• Leadership experience with geographically dispersed teams preferred.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic community relations plans.
• Strong relationships with civic, business, nonprofit, and government stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-state community relations strategy aligned with CenterPoint Energy's objectives.
• Translate enterprise priorities into regional/local community engagement strategies.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen presence in existing and growth markets.
• Establish goals and KPIs; monitor trends and provide strategic insights.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Executive presence

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Communications/Public Affairs/PR/Public Policy/Political Science or related field

Job description

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CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Job Summary

The Director of Community Relations is a strategic leadership position responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, multi-state community relations strategy that supports CenterPoint Energy's business objectives, strengthens the company's reputation, builds community trust, and fosters lasting relationships across the diverse communities it serves.

Reporting to the Vice President of Community Relations & Executive Director, Corporate Foundation, the Director will provide strategic direction and operational leadership for the company's community relations efforts and field-based team across multiple states and markets. The role will ensure consistent execution of community engagement strategies while recognizing the unique priorities, opportunities, and needs within individual communities .

The Director will partner closely with business leaders and cross-functional teams to connect community engagement, strategic community investment, sponsorships, and outreach activities with broader business priorities, including customer engagement, community vitality, economic development, workforce development, infrastructure investment, company growth, and reputation.

The successful candidate will be a strategic, collaborative and results-oriented leader with demonstrated experience leading teams, building influential external relationships, navigating complex community issues, and translating enterprise priorities into meaningful local strategies and measurable community outcomes.

Essential Functions

Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-state community relations strategy aligned with CenterPoint Energy's business objectives, customer priorities, reputation goals, and long-term growth strategy.

Translate enterprise priorities into actionable regional and local community engagement strategies that address the unique characteristics and needs of individual communities.

Identify opportunities to strengthen CenterPoint Energy's presence and relationships in existing communities as well as markets experiencing significant economic, population or infrastructure growth.

Establish goals and performance indicators to measure the effectiveness and impact of community relations initiatives. Monitor community trends, emerging issues and stakeholder concerns and provide leadership with strategic insights and recommendations.

Essential Functions Continued

Provide strategic direction, leadership and oversight for a geographically dispersed community relations team operating across multiple states and markets.

Establish clear expectations, accountability and consistent operating practices while maintaining the flexibility necessary to address local community needs.

Build and develop a high-performing, collaborative team focused on strategic engagement, relationship management and measurable outcomes.

Coach and develop team members to strengthen strategic thinking, stakeholder management and the ability to connect local community initiatives with enterprise objectives. Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and alignment of community relations strategies across regions.

Essential Functions Continued

Develop, strengthen and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including civic and business leaders, nonprofit and community organizations, economic development organizations, local government officials and other influential community partners.

Guide regional community relations efforts to build trusted relationships that strengthen CenterPoint Energy's reputation and advance long-term business priorities.

Develop targeted engagement strategies for growth markets, emerging communities and areas undergoing significant economic or infrastructure development. Direct and support community outreach activities, including community meetings, open houses, informational sessions, civic events and employee volunteer opportunities.

Represent CenterPoint Energy at community, civic and business events as appropriate. Identify emerging community issues, risks and opportunities that may impact customers, company operations, infrastructure projects or the company's reputation.

Education Description

Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science or a related field.

Experience

Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience in community relations, external affairs, corporate philanthropy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement or a related function. Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing teams, preferably including geographically dispersed teams operating across multiple states or markets.

Proven ability to develop and execute strategic community relations plans aligned with organizational and business objectives.

Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining relationships with senior civic, community, business, nonprofit and government stakeholders.

Experience Continued

Strong understanding of corporate philanthropy, Foundation giving, strategic sponsorships and community investment. Demonstrated ability to balance enterprise-wide priorities with the diverse needs and interests of local communities.

Strong business acumen, executive presence, communication, organizational and stakeholder-management skills. Experience establishing performance measures and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of community engagement programs.

We want you to knowBeing a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type:Full Time
Posting Start Date: 11/02/2026
Posting End Date: 11/05/2026

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.