Lead Associate, Stakeholder Relations - Central Region

Skills

About the Role

You will develop and execute stakeholder engagement strategies for renewable energy projects and energy campuses. You will conduct community and stakeholder diligence, develop engagement and communications plans, build relationships with local governments, communities, Tribal Nations, partners, labor organizations, and media, and support permitting, construction, and operations. You will manage stakeholder intelligence, risks, budgets, community benefit agreements, public events, and locally tailored communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in community engagement, advocacy, public relations, public affairs, environmental studies, communications, political science, local government, a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of related experience in stakeholder engagement, community affairs, public affairs, or a similar field.
• At least 3 years of direct energy-industry experience supporting development, permitting, construction, or operation of generation, storage, transmission, or large-load infrastructure projects.
• Experience leading advocacy and engagement with diverse communities.
• Familiarity with government and regulatory requirements, permitting, land-use processes, and community dynamics.
• Must reside in the central United States.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet driving and fleet policy requirements.
• Ability to complete a background check and pre-employment requirements.
• Ability to comply with safety requirements, including PPE during site visits.
• Ability to comply with applicable lobbying, gift, and political activity laws and policies.
• Ability to travel up to 50% nationally, including overnight stays.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and respond to urgent issues outside normal business hours.

Responsibilities

• Support the national stakeholder engagement strategy for energy campuses and powered land.
• Conduct stakeholder and community diligence for prospective projects, sites, and acquisitions.
• Monitor policy developments, public sentiment, and trends affecting renewable energy and energy infrastructure.
• Develop engagement plans, community and risk assessments, and local communication strategies.
• Support engagement throughout prospecting, diligence, development, permitting, construction, and operations.
• Mobilize coalitions to demonstrate support for projects and secure favorable outcomes.
• Build cross-functional alignment and coordinate with customers, development partners, and utilities.
• Build relationships with elected officials, regulators, economic development organizations, trade groups, and community institutions.
• Support public hearings, zoning and land-use approvals, incentives, and development agreements.
• Engage diverse and underrepresented communities and conduct Indigenous and Tribal engagement where applicable.
• Maintain inquiry channels, document feedback, resolve concerns, and communicate outcomes.
• Support community benefit agreements and social impact partnerships.
• Maintain stakeholder records and engagement reports in CRM tools.
• Research local sentiment and emerging issues and lead stakeholder risk assessments.
• Manage engagement budgets and oversee consultants or agencies.
• Develop project information, presentations, and public displays with Communications.
• Serve as an approved project spokesperson and support issue and crisis communications.
• Plan and deliver public meetings, open houses, community events, virtual sessions, ribbon cuttings, and site visits.