Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager

100 Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance provided

Job summary

Duke Energy is seeking a Sr. Public Engagement Manager to lead external engagement for major infrastructure projects in our Durham, NC area.

You will craft project‑specific communications plans, oversee outreach to customers and communities, and work closely with government relations and project teams to align milestones and messaging. The role requires a strong background in public engagement, superb presentation skills, and the ability to navigate a matrixed organization while delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; minimum 3 years related work experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a highly matrixed environment and coordinate cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement external engagement plans aligned to project milestones and business unit goals.
• Coordinate proactive outreach for projects impacting customers and the public.
• Approve letters, collateral and presentations in coordination with corporate communications.

Skills

Presentation skills

Facilitation

Strategic advisory

Change management

Customer service mindset

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree

High school diploma/GED

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 Infrastructure (public) Engagement team consists of communications professionals with a deep understanding of how to advance key infrastructure projects through proactive community outreach and public engagement. This position creates and implements project‑specific engagement plans to ensure proactive external engagement and communications throughout a project’s lifecycle. The Sr. Public Engagement Manager requires in‑depth knowledge and experience in external engagement, a demonstrated ability to build strong internal relationships across a highly matrixed organization, proven skill to develop and execute complex communications internally and externally, and the ability to document and report on progress. A successful candidate must be able to work independently with minimal oversight and direction.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement custom project‑specific external engagement plans that align to business unit milestones.
• Primary business units include distribution, transmission, regulated renewables, energy storage, and new electric generation.
• Coordinate and implement strategic proactive outreach efforts for projects and other activities impacting customers and the public.
• Conduct outreach activities including preparing and coordinating external written communications, response, dispatch, and tracking of external project inquiries, and monitoring and tracking project information.
• Align (matrixed) to project management and respective business units to ensure close coordination and understanding of key project milestones.
• Maintain strong and collaborative working relationship with Duke Energy’s Government and Community Relations managers to understand the local communities and jointly develop strategies to engage in local communities.
• Approve letters, collateral, and presentations, as needed, in coordination with corporate communications.
• Help coordinate the printing/mailing and emailing of external communications.
• Initiate, follow up, and conduct phone calls and personal visits directly with customers as appropriate based on the issue.
• Monitor property owner inquiries on assigned projects and manage response and documentation.
• Maintain a master site list and other project documentation and reporting.
• Lead the preparation and implementation of public information meetings and participate in public hearings as required.

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three (3) years minimum of related work experience.
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree AND three (3) years minimum of related work experience, high school diploma/GED AND seven (7) years minimum of related work experience.

Specific Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills at all levels, both internal and external.
• Experience serving as a strategic advisor to project teams and leaders, providing recommendations that inform decision‑making and improve project outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain composure and clarity of thought and purpose when confronted with highly stressful or escalated situations.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted advocate for customers and stakeholders, influencing decisions across functions, navigating competing priorities, and driving execution of stakeholder‑focused solutions.
• Comfortable working in a highly matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated experience in project and initiative management.
• Exceptional skills in working with teams, including cross‑functional teams, change management skills, and a customer‑service mindset.
• Proven ability to identify trends, capture lessons learned, and implement process improvements that enhance organizational effectiveness and consistency.
• Three years or more of demonstrated management and/or experience in a lead/leadership role.

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.
• Attendance at early morning, night and weekend community meetings and activities as needed.
• Some travel throughout the assigned territory and occasionally the state.
• Requires availability 24/7 for storm response or other issues/emergencies.

Travel Requirements

5‑15%

Union and Visa

No Represented/Union Position

No Visa Sponsored Position

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.

Relocation Assistance

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

Diversity & Inclusion

Read about our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce.

About Duke Energy: 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.