Manager of Community Engagement

Sol Systems is offering a unique opportunity for a Manager of Community Engagement to craft, execute, and manage the company’s public support campaigns for utility-scale solar projects. This role encompasses communications, community relations, and grassroots advocacy but also offers the chance to develop comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies, launch educational campaigns, cultivate media relations, organize community events, and conduct community impact assessments. Additionally, the role involves fostering strategic partnerships, organizational memberships, and coalition-building alignment to support solar energy initiatives. This position reports directly to the Senior Director of Community Relations and will work closely with our project development teams.

A successful candidate will be a proactive leader capable of supporting projects from multiple perspectives. The Community Engagement Manager position requires exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure. The ideal candidate will have experience developing and implementing comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies, launching educational campaigns, and coordinating with internal teams. They should be adept at organizing community events and conducting community impact assessments, all while fostering strong partnerships with local stakeholders.

This role offers an opportunity to significantly impact the creation of a cleaner and greener world by supporting project development and the host communities. The ideal candidate will use their experience and passion for renewable energy to inspire and engage communities.

Sol Systems is a leading solar energy firm based in Washington, DC, deeply committed to building a more sustainable future. Founded in 2008, the company deploys renewable energy infrastructure across the United States, focusing on ensuring that these projects have a positive economic impact on the communities in which they operate. The company has financed or developed over $2 billion of solar energy assets. We work with some of the largest corporations in the world to achieve a carbon-free and sustainable future. Sol has been founder-led throughout its 16 years of operations and is backed by KKR, one of the largest private equity firms in the world.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy following Sol Systems’ Community Engagement Playbook to support communities during utility-scale solar project development and construction.
• Conduct assessments to understand solar projects' social, economic, and environmental impacts on local communities and develop strategies to mitigate any adverse effects.
• Establish and maintain open communication with local government officials, community members, and organizations to understand and address their concerns and interests regarding the project’s operations. Ensure transparency by facilitating the flow of accurate and relevant information between Sol Systems and the community, addressing any questions and misconceptions.
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop and execute communication plans, including creating and distributing messaging and materials.
• Identify and establish partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to promote solar energy initiatives and community benefits.
• Launch educational campaigns and programs to inform and mobilize residents to support solar energy projects.
• Organize and participate in community events, town hall meetings, and public forums to engage with community members and stakeholders.
• Lead local support campaigns by identifying and activating local solar energy supporters, building relationships with the community and local media, and maintaining a positive presence for Sol Systems.
• Coordinate with the Marketing and Communications team to manage external communications, including updating project-specific websites and managing social media strategies.
• Own and develop compelling messaging and positioning statements for local projects.
• Foster teamwork and coordinate with Sol Systems’ development team to plan and execute local support campaigns effectively.

A successful candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• 5+ years of experience in public affairs, public relations, communications, community organizing, or campaign management
• A bachelor’s degree
• Experience designing and executing effective grassroots campaigns, whether political or issue-based
• Familiarity and experience working with common campaign tactics such as direct mail, radio/newspaper advertising, coalition building, and social media listening
• Experience working with media to build productive relationships and produce positive press
• Experience engaging with local elected officials, community leaders, and members of the public
• Comfort and skill with de-escalating potential confrontations with individuals or groups opposed to solar energy or similar issue-based campaigns
• Experience managing field organizers or local support staff
• 50-75% travel to project sites

Location & Hours: The ideal candidate will be based near a major airport and able to travel regularly to various projects sites in the United States.

Commitment & Compensation: Compensation will be commensurate with experience. In addition, Sol Systems provides health insurance, retirement benefits, partial gym reimbursement, education benefits, parental leave, paid vacation, sick and federal holidays, and the opportunity to work in a unique and dynamic environment.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter and salary requirements.

Deadline: We hope to hire for these positions immediately and will review applicants on a rolling basis.

Sol Systems is an equal-opportunity employer, and does not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, creed, or other traits. Sol Systems supports and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.