Public Engagement Manager - Renewable Energy- Southeast Region

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

Apex is seeking an energetic and action-oriented Public Engagement Manager to help craft, develop, execute, and manage Apex’s public support- building campaigns for projects in our PJM East/Northeast/Mid-Atlantic portfolio, including media relations, communications, community relations, and grassroots advocacy. The Public Engagement Manager may also help manage Apex’s strategic partnerships, organizational memberships, and coalition memberships at the local, state and/or regional level.

The right candidate will be a hands-on, hard-working team player who can jump in and support projects from a variety of angles. The Public Engagement Manager position requires excellent communication and writing skills as well as the ability to work well under pressure, multitask, and the flexibility to shift priorities on the go. Our ideal candidate has demonstrated work experience crafting and executing community-engaging issue-based or political grassroots campaign plans that involve a multitude of internal and external stakeholders. A passion for renewable energy is a must.

• Hours: Full Time
• Type: Exempt
• Department: Public Affairs
• Travel: 30%-50% 
• Office Location: Charlottesville, VA or remote work for the ideal candidate located in the region. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Develop and Lead Local Support Campaigns, including developing and executing strategies for identifying local wind and solar energy supporters, activating those individuals to engage locally, building relationships with local elected officials, building relationships with the local media, articulating compelling key messages about our projects, and maintaining a positive presence for Apex in the communities where we work. Maintaining and building strong contact database for projects.
• Cultivate Media Relations, including developing relationships with media reporting on Apex or its projects, developing responses to media inquiries, developing and distributing local press releases, preparing Apex spokespeople for media speaking opportunities.
• Manage External Communications, including helping to maintain and update project- specific websites, and managing project Facebook strategies, including content-development and tracking.
• Own the Messaging surrounding the project, including developing compelling messaging and positioning statements for local projects.
• Drive Teamwork and Coordinating with counterparts on the Apex development team to effectively plan and execute local support campaigns.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in public relations, communications, political science, or a related field
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working in public affairs, public relations, communications, community organizing, or campaign management. 
• Experience designing and executing effective grassroots campaigns, whether political or issue based. Experience working in the Southeast and/or Western states, preferred. 
• Demonstrable ability to design and concisely document a detailed campaign plan
• Demonstrated experience working both as a lead and as support on cross-departmental teams
• Familiarity and experience working with common campaign tactics such as direct mail, radio/newspaper advertising, door-to-door canvassing, GOTV efforts, and social media advertising
• Facility and skill in working with media to build productive relationships and produce positive press
• Comfort and skill engaging with different types of people in rural parts of the U.S., including local elected officials, community leaders, and members of the public
• Comfort and skill with de-escalating potential confrontations with individuals or groups that are opposed to wind energy or similar issue-based ca