Senior Communications Specialist – Energy & Decarbonization [AQ-20474]

Aquent; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 83,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is partnering with a leading energy company to recruit a Senior Communications Specialist for the Minnesota market. This contract role focuses on decarbonization initiatives, community engagement, and proactive storytelling to strengthen reputation.

Based onsite in Minneapolis, MN, you will lead cross-functional teams to craft messages, manage events, and produce press materials, white papers, and social content that highlight cleaner energy technology investments and NGIA programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.
• 3 to 5+ years of strategic corporate communications experience.
• Ability to translate complex topics into clear content and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Messaging: Develop internal and external plans with key messages, timing and channels; measure results.
• Content Creation: Produce press releases, web copy, speeches, presentations, articles, white papers, LinkedIn posts, brochures, intranet content.
• Stakeholder & Community Engagement: Plan and manage public events, outreach notifications, and represent the company at meetings.
• Thought Leadership: Lead decarbonization and clean energy thought leadership through white papers and conferences.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Regulatory, NGIA, Energy Sales, Government Affairs, and creative teams.
• Crisis & Emergency Communications: Serve on emergency response communications team, after-hours/weekend coverage.

Skills

Strategic communications

Content creation

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communications

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Aquent is partnering with a leading organization at the forefront of the energy industry, committed to driving sustainable solutions and enhancing community well-being. This company is dedicated to innovation, investing in cleaner energy technologies, and empowering customers to reduce their environmental footprint. Join a team that values collaboration, impact, and a forward-thinking approach to energy solutions, where your contributions will directly shape the future of energy and community engagement.

Senior Communications Specialist – Energy & Decarbonization

Location: Minneapolis, MN (Onsite)

Position Type: Full-Time Contract (1 year to start)

Pay Rate: $60.00 – $68.00 / hour (commensurate with experience)

About The Role

Our leading client is seeking a self-starting Senior Communications Specialist to join the Communications, Community Relations, and Marketing team. In this role, you will lead cross-functional internal and external collaboration to proactively tell their story, protect and enhance company reputation, and drive engagement.

You will play a vital role in crafting compelling communications around our client’s industry-leading natural gas decarbonization initiatives under the Minnesota Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA), cleaner energy technology investments, and customer emission-reduction programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Messaging: Develop and execute comprehensive internal and external communication plans—defining key messages, strategies, timing, and channels while leveraging analytics to measure results.
• Content Creation: Produce a wide variety of high-quality communication materials, including press releases, web copy, speeches, executive presentations, articles, white papers, LinkedIn posts, brochures, and intranet content.
• Stakeholder & Community Engagement: Plan and manage public engagement events, lead outreach notifications, organize logistics, and represent the company at neighborhood, HOA, and community meetings or booth exhibitions.
• Thought Leadership: Lead thought leadership efforts focusing on decarbonization and clean energy technologies through white papers, conference presentations, and professional publications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Regulatory, NGIA implementation, Energy Sales, Government Affairs, and creative teams (graphics, marketing, social media) to maintain message alignment.
• Crisis & Emergency Communications: Serve on the emergency response communications team on a rotational basis, providing occasionally after-hours or weekend coverage during crisis responses.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
• Experience: 3 to 5+ years of strategic corporate communications experience.
• Strategic Execution: Proven expertise in developing and executing end-to-end strategic internal and external communication plans.
• Content Mastery: Exceptional oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to translate complex topics into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Project Management: Strong track record of prioritizing and managing complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the Energy, Natural Gas, or Utility sector.
• Familiarity with cleaner energy technologies, natural gas decarbonization, and industry terminology.
• Ability to read, interpret, and discuss regulatory filings and public policy documents.
• Experience navigating matrixed corporate organizations and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Hands-on experience with web content maintenance, regional social media management, and innovative stakeholder engagement strategies.

Work Environment & Location

• Position is based onsite in Minneapolis, MN
• Occasional rotational after-hours/weekend support required for emergency response communications.