Community Advocate, Upper Midwest - Contractor

Page Mechanical Group, Inc.; Minnesota; On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in renewable energy seeks a passionate Upper Midwest Community Advocate. This dynamic role focuses on fostering community relations and partnerships across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. You will engage with stakeholders, host events, and drive community outreach strategies that support sustainable energy initiatives. This is not just a job; it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact on local communities and advocate for renewable energy solutions. If you are a motivated communicator with a knack for building relationships, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Community engagement opportunities

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Must be a resident of the Upper Midwest (ND, SD, MN, WI).
• Proven collaborator with strong networking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead community relations for renewable energy projects in the Upper Midwest.
• Manage partnerships and advocate for local communities.

Skills

Community Engagement

Networking

Strategic Communications

Public Speaking

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field

Experience in political campaigning

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

National Grid Renewables is a full-service renewable energy company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. National Grid Renewables has developed over 2,400 megawatts of wind and solar projects that are either operational or currently under construction throughout the United States. National Grid Renewables has a multi-gigawatt development pipeline of wind and solar projects in various stages of development throughout the United States. National Grid Renewables provides custom solutions for utilities and corporations looking to harness renewable energy for business growth. With deep roots in agriculture, National Grid Renewables prides itself on developing renewable energy projects that are farmer-friendly, community-driven, and beneficial for rural communities.

Position Description

The Upper Midwest Community Advocate will lead community relations for all of NG Renewables’ North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin (Upper Midwest) projects. This will include forming and maintaining partnerships with community stakeholders, having individual meetings with community members, hosting listening sessions, educational events and volunteer opportunities, and sponsoring and tabling at community events. This position will drive project-level giving from development through operations across our Upper Midwest portfolio. To be successful, this position must collaborate internally with developers, plant personnel, construction, executive management and other departments. The Upper Midwest Community Advocate will report to the Senior Community Engagement Specialist. This is a full-time position.

Duties

1. Understand, deliver and improve upon National Grid Renewables’ community outreach strategy for all Upper Midwest projects.
2. Advocate for local communities and ensure that community engagement in the Upper Midwest has a positive impact and is delivered efficiently and within budget.
3. Manage relationships and partnerships across the state, including external stakeholders such as local communities, 3rd party organizations and others as applicable.
4. Drive support for projects locally and statewide and develop and execute campaigns to combat opposition to renewable energy and/or projects.
5. Collaborate with others on the Community Engagement team to provide support, learn from each other, and adopt best practices based on on-the-ground experience.
6. Work closely with the Marketing and Communications department to ensure community and charitable projects are recognized internally and externally.
7. Work cross-functionally with other departments, including development, permitting, policy, construction, and operations to deliver integrated and high-quality community engagement.
8. Monitor Upper Midwest and national renewable energy news, including opposition activity, competitor community engagement activities, permitting news, and community news.
9. Ability to travel within the Upper Midwest up to 50%, with some travel on short notice.
10. Occasional travel outside of the Upper Midwest to assist with other projects, visit the corporate office in Minnesota, etc.
11. This is NOT a standard Monday-Friday, 8-5 role. Some evenings and weekends will be required to have a presence at community events.

Experience

1. MUST be a resident of one of the Upper Midwest states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, or Wisconsin). Preferred residence in one of the following project counties:

• North Dakota: Mercer, Cass, Stark, or Stutsman
• South Dakota: McCook, Clark, McPherson, or Meade
• Minnesota: Itasca, Rock, Otter Tail, Martin, Pipestone, Murray, Cottonwood, Benton, Nobles, or Wadena
• Wisconsin: Shawano or Dunn

Proven collaborator and networking expert, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally.

Experience working with external and internal stakeholders to deliver community-level projects.

Able to manage and prioritize complex, competing communication issues – maintaining high standards and alignment with National Grid Renewables’ strategy.

Understanding of the importance of strategic communications.

Highly articulate and persuasive communicator.

Ability to remain calm in stressful/tense situations.

Skills/Attributes:

• Strong verbal skills
• Achievement driven
• Energetic
• Able to manage multiple tasks and projects
• Loyal and committed to the organization
• Pursuit of personal growth

Preference may be given to candidates with the following:

1. Experience with political campaigning and/or building grassroots and community support for a cause.
2. Established relationships with Upper Midwest renewable energy groups, nonprofits, legislators, and/or other influential stakeholders.
3. Understanding of the energy/utility sector preferably renewable energy, and relevant internal/external influences (such as governmental, regulatory, NGOs, communities, employee relations, media, agencies, industry bodies).
4. Experience in volunteering and other structured employee participation in responsible business activity.
5. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook).

Compensation

This is a contract position, with an hourly rate starting at $50/hour.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. National Grid Renewables is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

National Grid Renewables believes fostering diversity, equity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. Open, honest and respectful ways of working, learning and communicating are the cornerstones of a successful business, and leveraging inclusion and diversity lead to better business results. At National Grid Renewables, we’re focused on creating a work environment where our people feel respected and included, and therefore empowered to be themselves.