Strategic Public Affairs & Community Relations Lead

Karpower; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Karpower is seeking a seasoned stakeholder engagement lead for the Brownsville, Texas, Valley project. You will build relationships with local government officials, community groups, and businesses, ensuring timely, transparent communications and compliant public-sector engagement.

You will develop and implement a Brownsville engagement plan aligned with project milestones, coordinate with permitting and legal teams, monitor community sentiment, and represent the company at public meetings and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in public affairs, communications or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in external affairs, community relations or government relations.
• Experience with local government officials and diverse stakeholder groups in the United States.
• Ability to represent the company in public forums and manage sensitive issues.
• Strong English, and professional Spanish to engage with local stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a Brownsville stakeholder engagement plan aligned with project milestones, priorities, and community needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with local government officials, regulatory bodies, community leaders, and business organizations.
• Serve as the company’s primary local contact for community and government stakeholders, ensuring timely responses and follow-through.
• Design and manage community engagement programs, including listening sessions, meetings, and outreach activities.
• Represent Karpower at public meetings, local government forums, and business association gatherings with approved messaging.
• Support permitting processes through stakeholder outreach and coordination with authorities and internal teams.
• Monitor local government agendas and community sentiment to provide early warning of emerging issues.
• Document, escalate, and follow up on community concerns with responsible internal teams.
• Prepare stakeholder briefings and talking points with Communications and technical teams.
• Coordinate local media inquiries and act as a spokesperson in line with messaging.
• Identify and manage community partnerships and investment initiatives within priorities and budgets.
• Coordinate with project teams on advance communications about construction or operational changes.
• Advise leadership on stakeholder expectations and risks, reporting on relationship developments.
• Coordinate with Legal to ensure compliance with lobbying, ethics and political activity policies.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Relationship building

Bilingual English/Spanish

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, Business, or related disciplines

Job description

Karpower is seeking a seasoned stakeholder engagement lead for the Brownsville, Texas, Valley project. You will build relationships with local government officials, community groups, and businesses, ensuring timely, transparent communications and compliant public-sector engagement.

You will develop and implement a Brownsville engagement plan aligned with project milestones, coordinate with permitting and legal teams, monitor community sentiment, and represent the company at public meetings and