Development Relations Manager - Temporary

Company Description

Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.

Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America’s clean energy future. 

Job Description

The Development Relations Manager will organize and administer timely communications while fostering relationships with community stakeholders, inclusive of landowners and regional leaders. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting development and public affairs team members in advancing the project in the community, leading the planning and execution of events, and representing the project during regional meetings and in communications.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate communications with stakeholders, including community leaders, landowners and local government officials 
• Produce timely publications about the project(s)
• Oversee the project’s mass communications (webpage, social media, and mailings)
• Maintain records/data on engagement
• Monitor local events and news thru regional social and traditional media 
• Attend public meetings around the project area consistently
• Lead event planning, including the selection of locations, vendors, and participants
• Help cultivate support and advocate with factual information on behalf of Apex Clean Energy
• Foster relationships with community leaders and regional committees
• Administrative duties for the designated project site
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Information: 

The Development Relations Manager will cover multiple counties as part of the project, engaging with the community and local stakeholders. This may include prepping presentations or information sessions, supporting community events, coordinating small meetings, and tracking progress at public meetings. The Development Relations Manager will work closely with the project developer and public engagement manager to execute strategies and plans unique to each project’s timeline and needs, reflective of Apex’s overall goals.

Qualified candidates will be hardworking team players who are eager to jump in and support projects and people from a variety of angles. The position requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to balance priorities and be flexible in a rapidly changing environment. Written communication skills will be an important part of the candidates’ success. Previous experience in public settings such as schools, governance, publications, or issue advocacy is highly desirable. Candidates who understand or appreciate farm practices, rural economics, and who possess a strong personal commitment to community engagement and business development will be well suited for this role.

The Development Relations Manager will report to the lead developer on a weekly basis and does not need to be located in the project’s footprint. This position is a contracted role through a staffing agency and is approved for a variable work week at 10-29 hours a week. Travel within the project area is required frequently, based on expectations for meetings, events, presentations, etc.

• Department: Project Development 
• Type: Part Time, Exempt 
• Location: Princeville, IL 

Qualifications

To succeed as a Development Relations Manager at Apex Clean Energy, you’ll need to excel within the following criteria:

• Bachelors degree required
• At least 6 years of previous experience working with the public
• Demonstrated history of being a team player
• Customer service skills
• Excellent communication, both written and verbal
• High level of attention to detail and time-management
• Self-motivated and efficient organizational skills
• Problem solving with the ability to remain flexible
• Interest in renewable energy development
• Proficient with Microsoft 360 products (Word, Excel, PPT)
• A valid driver's license