Lead Communications Consultant

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026

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.

Position Summary

Today’s energy landscape is one of profound transformation, making this one of the most exciting and dynamic times for the power industry. Duke Energy is leading this transition by meeting customers’ growing energy needs with reliable power and keeping prices as low as possible – while supporting North Carolina’s economic growth.

The successful candidate will bring in-depth knowledge and experience from the worlds of public affairs, corporate and government communications, and the ever-evolving legislative and political landscape. This role will support company executives in North Carolina and will coordinate complex communication plans for the state leadership team while keeping alignment with broader initiatives across the Carolinas and enterprise footprint.

This position is for a self-starter that craves to learn about the utility industry and is ready to meet this unique moment by translating often complicated language and processes into successful and strategic outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Providing counsel to senior leaders and supports executive positioning efforts.

• Serves as a company spokesperson and manages strategic media relationships to position the brand as a leader in the state.

• Staying up to date on company and industry-related issues and developing communications strategies to address these issues.

• Develops/implements/measures impact of complex communications plans on varied subjects and issues, including philanthropy, large-scale infrastructure projects, policy and regulatory initiatives and community impact. Responsibilities include writing key messages, executive briefings, news releases, social media content and other collateral materials.

• Identifying opportunities for enhancing company reputation and sharing positive stories to external and internal stakeholders.

• As appropriate, staffing high-profile engagements often involving elected officials and community leaders.

• Engaging with external organizations to assist with strategic alignment in communicating industry topics.

• Monitoring industry trends and community hot topics to proactively identify positioning opportunities and reputational risks.

• Serves as part of the company’s crisis communications team, often leading communications and public affairs work in an event. Also participates in on-call media/emergency duty rotation.

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or other related degree AND eight (8) years minimum required related experience

• In lieu of degree(s) and experience listed above, High School/GED AND 12 years minimum required related experience

 

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately using written and verbal communications

• Experience developing and implementing complex communications plans

• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills to work efficiently and effectively with clients, teammates, and management

• Media relations experience serving as a spokesperson; this includes strategy and message development and maintaining reporter relationships

• Experience working with business unit leaders and providing executive counsel and coaching for media interviews, presentations/speeches

• Experience representing an organization 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

• Experience in providing communications counsel and advice to executives

• Previous energy industry or government relations experience with an emphasis on background in North Carolina

Working Conditions

• Hybrid Mobility Classification – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations a