Principal Communications Manager - North Carolina Nuclear

Duke Energy; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Energy is seeking a Principal Communications Manager to provide strategic internal and external communications counsel, stakeholder engagement leadership, and integrated project management across the regional nuclear fleet. You will partner with regional leaders, craft messaging, manage speaking engagements, and align communications with fleet priorities.

The role also covers crisis and emergency response support, regulatory communications, and close collaboration with corporate and site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or other related degree is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of related work experience; in lieu of degree, 14 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective communications counsel to regional nuclear leaders and senior site executives, building relationships and guiding messaging.

Skills

Strategic communications

Executive counsel

Relationship management

Crisis management

Media relations

Speechwriting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field

HS Diploma with 14 years of related experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Job description

Job Summary

The Principal Communications Manager provides strategic internal and external communications counsel, stakeholder engagement leadership and integrated project management expertise.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategic Support: Provide effective communications counsel to regional nuclear leaders, including the state senior vice president and site vice presidents at each nuclear plant in the assigned region, building and sustaining positive relationships through regular interactions. Work with leaders to develop internal site and regional communications opportunities to implement nuclear fleet strategy and annual priorities, prioritizing face‑to‑face communications. Craft and send internal leader communications to reinforce strategic messaging. Position senior leaders to represent the company and engage effectively with employees and external stakeholders. Manage logistics, messaging and collateral for speaking engagements. Proactively consult with leaders on emergent internal and external issues, providing counsel and feedback. Participate in site and regional nuclear leadership meetings as appropriate.
• Operational Support: Provide communications support to all nuclear sites in the assigned region to maintain industry and regulatory requirements. Seek broad perspectives to solving complex issues and operational challenges/problems. Serve as the single point of contact for significant operational issues affecting assigned nuclear sites. Work across Nuclear Communications and with site leaders to delegate an/or collaborate on a communications response. Coordinate with the corporate and internal nuclear communications managers to ensure alignment on internal communications strategies for operational and regulatory initiatives that support business outcomes.
• Community and Reputation Support: Oversee implementation of nuclear strategic priorities related to advocacy and reputation management in the state. Provide direction and counsel to ensure the effectiveness of external communications to support the nuclear fleet’s social privilege to operate. Serve as the primary point of contact in the assigned region for nuclear plant issues management. Coordinate with regional teammates to develop and execute communications strategies for major and strategic operational initiatives in alignment with state president priorities. Collaborate across Nuclear Communications and the broader Corporate Communications team to leverage earned, owned and shared media opportunities to enhance the reputation of assigned sites and the fleet. Develop and maintain relationships with state and county PIOs and other strategic community communications contacts to support nuclear issues management.
• Crisis Communications/Emergency Response: Support crisis communications and emergency response organization by responding to regional and Joint Information Center‑activated events and drills as required. Participate in nuclear drills and emergency exercises in multiple roles, including a leadership role (e.g. PIO). Serve on nuclear duty rotation. Collaborate with the emergency planning communicator on crisis response planning.

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or other related degree
• Minimum of 10 years of related work experience
• In Lieu of Degree, a High School Diploma/GED and a minimum of 14 years of related work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in creating complex strategic communications plans designed to help leaders and clients achieve their business objectives.
• Executive communications support within a matrix organization.
• Experience in providing strategic counsel to executives and business unit leaders.
• Excellent relationship management skills and ability to manage/integrate with multiple stakeholders inside and outside of the company.
• Highly flexible, adaptable and detail oriented. Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and prioritize tasks.
• Excellent collaboration skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Experience in electric utility industry or other highly regulated, high‑profile industry.
• Experience in leading complex, high‑profile communications projects.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately using written and verbal communications.
• Expertise in developing and implementing high‑risk communications plans.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills to work efficiently and effectively with clients, teammates, and management.
• Expertise in media relations, serving as a spokesperson on high‑risk issues. This work includes strategy and message development and maintaining reporter relationships.
• Experience working with senior levels of management and providing executive counsel and coaching for media interviews, presentations/speeches.
• Experience representing the company externally with challenging audiences in challenging situations.
• Speechwriting experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel, as well as SharePoint.
• Ability to participate in/lead crisis management response.
• Previous energy industry experience.
• Experience in providing communications counsel and advice to executives.
• Accredited in public relations (APR).
• Experience mentoring teammates and peers.
• Extensive crisis communications experience.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid Mobility Classification – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees must live within a reasonable commute to their designated Duke Energy facility, not greater than 50 miles one way.
• Employees are expected to report to their assigned Duke Energy facility as required and directed by their manager, on average 3 full workdays per regular workweek.
• Travel: 25% - some site visits may be required.
• Travel Requirements 15-25%
• Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable) Yes.
• Represented/Union Position No.
• Visa Sponsored Position No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment‑based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion Read about our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. About Duke Energy Terms of Use Brighter opportunities. Brighter futures. Duke Energy values ideas that come from a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we’re dedicated to providing a work environment where all people are valued, respected and able to reach their full potential. Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including but not limited to lactation, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military status, or protected veteran status. Duke Energy complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination.