Senior External Affairs Analyst

Trajectory Energy; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance contributions

Annual Professional Development Stipend

Employee Equity Plan

Access to company 401k plus employer match

Paid Vacation, Sick, and Wellbeing days

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company is looking for a Senior External Affairs Analyst in Chicago, IL. This full-time, hybrid role involves managing community engagement for solar projects and ensuring project compliance with Illinois energy programs. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in external affairs with strong relationship-building and communication skills. The position offers a salary range of $70,000 - $80,000, plus a target annual bonus of 20% and various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in external affairs or a related field.
• Familiarity with IL energy programs and community solar preferred.
• Strong ability to work independently and coordinate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement on Illinois Community Driven Community Solar projects.
• Build relationships with community organizations and municipal stakeholders.
• Track and manage CDCS project commitments and compliance.

Skills

External affairs experience

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Project management

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Trajectory Energy Partners (Trajectory) is seeking a Senior External Affairs Analyst to support our Community-Driven Community Solar (CDCS) project portfolio. This will be a full-time position, reporting to the Director of External Affairs and will be responsible for writing project applications, conducting local community engagement activities throughout Illinois, and managing project compliance as required by the Illinois Power Agency’s Illinois Shines Program.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Lead Trajectory’s engagement on our Illinois Community Driven Community Solar projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, local leaders, workforce partners, and municipal stakeholders.
• Support identification and coordination of local hiring and workforce development opportunities for Trajectory’s solar projects.
• Lead our CDCS application and compliance processes, including writing application narratives, and gathering required documentation and supporting evidence.
• Track and manage existing CDCS project commitments and Illinois Shines program requirements.
• Maintain organized records to support reporting and ongoing compliance throughout development of the project.
• Collaborate with Trajectory’s development managers to align CDCS commitments with project timelines and milestones.
• Provide support for Trajectory's public affairs and policy initiatives, including advocacy efforts and responses to project-related issues.
• Provide general administrative support as needed.
• Additional duties as assigned and/or directed.
• Travel as needed.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in external affairs, public affairs, government affairs, or a related field
• Familiarity with IL energy programs, and community solar is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple projects and competing priorities
• Ability to work independently while coordinating across teams
• Proven project management and organizational skills
• Keen attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Benefits at Trajectory

• Health, dental, and vision insurance contributions
• Annual Professional Development Stipend
• Employee Equity Plan
• Access to company 401k plus 401k employer match
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Wellbeing days

Position based in Chicago, IL. This is a hybrid position out of Trajectory’s Chicago Office. The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000 plus a target annual bonus of 20%. Frequent travel (30%) across IL is required.