Senior Associate

Job Description

Apex is seeking an energetic collaborative, and detail-oriented Senior Public Engagement Associate to help build support for renewable energy projects in the State of Michigan. In this role, you will work with local project supporters, landowners, community organizations, key stakeholders, and elected officials to promote the financial, health, and economic benefits that these projects will provide to local host communities. The Public Engagement Associate will report directly to the Public Engagement Manager (PEM) or Director covering the area, and work with the associated Project Developers and land agents as needed.

The Senior Associate will collaborate with their supervising PEM to develop and execute engagement strategies and plans that are unique to each project’s timeline and needs and reflective of Apex’s overall goals in Michigan. The ideal applicant for the Senior Associate position will demonstrate interest in and knowledge of the political workings in Michigan, Michigan news media and community organizations, the electoral rules governing political activity in the state, and any relevant regulations at the county and/or township level.

Qualified candidates will be hands-on, hardworking team players who are eager to jump in and support projects and their team. The position requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to balance priorities and be flexible in a rapidly changing environment. Previous experience in campaigns or issue advocacy is highly desirable. Candidates who understand or appreciate farm practices, and who possess a strong personal commitment to renewable energy, community organizing, business, and/or rural economic development will be well suited for this role.

This is a full-time contracted position with long-term potential opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Work with designated PEM to develop, implement, and evaluate organizing and mobilization plans and budgets for Michigan projects.
• Strategizing the best use of various databases and systems, including but not limited to Borealis, Smartsheets, and others, and ensuring that all data is entered accurately and kept up to date
• Event planning and coordination
• Assist with local media when appropriate
• Monitoring and managing local social and traditional media, helping to maintain a consistent voice and message across Michigan projects.
• Monitor county and local municipal proceedings related to renewable energy
• Professionally represent Apex Clean Energy at various business, local government, and community functions
• Recruit and organize volunteers and project supporters
• Mobilize individuals to contact their local elected officials or agencies in support of renewable energy
• Present to groups, classes, and organizations
• Draft letters of support for renewable energy for various audiences
• Research, write, and deliver content for project public engagement campaigns
• Help with grassroots marketing strategies as needed
• Ability to travel to project areas throughout the state

Additional Information: 

This position is a contracted role through a staffing agency and is temporary in nature. The position will be located in an assigned active project development area, as determined by the Apex business needs and outlined in the job description, and may be subject to separation based on completion or de-prioritization of the assigned project. Typical engagements can last 3-12 months. 

• Department: Public Affairs
• Type: Full Time, Exempt 
• Location: Michigan

Qualifications

Success Profile

To succeed as a Senior Associate, Public Engagement with Apex Clean Energy, you’ll need to excel within the following criteria:

• Pursuing or completed an associate’s degree in political science, public relations, communications, or 2+ years of work experience in a related field. Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of combined education/work experience preferred
• Passion for working in renewable energy, policy, communications, public affairs, and government relations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated leadership and relationship management skills
• Ability to take part in collaborative efforts with peers and colleagues
• Extraordinary planning and organizational skills
• Interest for renewable energy
• Exemplary standards of honor, ethics, quality, communication, and productivity
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work actively and productively with limited supervision
• Possess a valid driver's license