Senior Director, Community Engagement

RWE Clean Energy, LLC
To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent

Functional area: Regulation / Risk Management
Remuneration: Exempt

The Senior Director, Community Engagement will lead the strategy and execution of community engagement activities that identify and mitigate opposition risk and result in a social license to operate across RWE Clean Energy’s portfolio of onshore wind, solar, and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. Manage the Community Engagement team ensuring close collaboration with, and support of, the Government Relations, Development, and Operations departments leading to successful project permitting, favorable clean energy policies, and positive long-term relationships with local communities.

Role Responsibilities: 

• Design and execute programs for all development and operational projects that build RWE’s public profile in the local community, create and nurture long-term relationships in project communities, and secure a social license to operate for RWE projects through the development, construction and operational phases of project life
• Direct on-the-ground Community Outreach Managers/Associates in close coordination with the Development, Operations and Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs teams.  Alert the teams to local issues and potential resolution options and build integrated support from state and local stakeholders for RWE projects. Work with Development to ensure necessary budgets and capacity are secured to mitigate opposition risk to development projects
• Identify, evaluate, and direct external consultants in promoting the Company’s projects, negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with all RWE policies and performance standards
• Interact with local governmental officials and residents as well as RWE teams to manage political/regulatory risk for wind, solar and energy storage technologies in local areas. Communicate Company positions persuasively to key community decision makers
• Coordinate coalition building and strengthen relationships with non-profit organizations, associations, and other national or regional partners who support renewable energy siting
• Coordinate design and execution of Salesforce CRM and strategic communications campaigns for use by Community Engagement, Development, Project Execution, Operations and Government Relations to effectively communicate, and build long-term relationships, with local stakeholders, identify renewable energy supporters, and ensure project continuity and satisfaction across all phases of a project’s lifecycle
• Ensure consistent internal communication on community engagement activities and risks or issues impacting the Company
• Design and execute internal cross-organizational training in Community Engagement techniques for employees to use in communities with operational or development assets
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of a library of educational and promotional materials about RWECE and renewable energy projects to support outreach around the company’s portfolio of onshore operating and development projects. Collaborate with Community Engagement, Communications, Government Relations, and onshore wind, solar, battery storage, and hydrogen project development teams to identify content needs and refine messaging for rural audiences hosting RWECE’s renewable energy projects
• Manage the implementation of community benefit initiatives throughout the lifecycle of a project, from small donations, sponsorships, and memberships during early-stage development and operations to long-term Community Benefit Agreements

Job Requirements & Experiences: 

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, political science or other relevant areas
• Minimum 15 years of campaign or community organizing and/or advocacy experience for energy-related projects
• Previous management of large organization & collaboration with multiple internal and external stakeholders
• Experience working in renewable energy, rural communities, community development, environmental management, or local government a plus
• Knowledge of the structure and function of US, state, regional and local government including experience with renewable energy permitting and regulatory issues is preferred
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to manage customer relationships
• Demonstrated desire to learn about the Company and the renewables space
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Teams.
• Proficiency in Salesforce or comparable CRM preferred
• Strong leadership and communication, and ability to meet deadlines
• Strong organization skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks and deliverables
• Ability to multi-task, while working independently and as part of a team
• Motivated self-starter, goal-oriented, and strong problem-solving abilities
• Proven ability to empathize, build relationships, and effectively communicate with people from a diverse set of backgrounds
• Responds well to direction, is easy to challenge and develop, and is coachable
• Is detail-oriented, has strong business acumen, and a sound understanding of business concepts

Pay range: The annual base salary range for this position Illinois is $180,000 - $220,000. The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position and represents the range for new hire salaries across all U.S locations. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. RWE considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s education & work experience, training & certifications, and key skills as well as market and business considerations at the time of the offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. Eligible employees also participate in short-term incentives, in addition to salary.
 

Apply with just a few clicks: ad code 90002

Any questions? Contact HR:  rwece_recruiting@rwe.com

We look forward to meeting you. Of course, you can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Xing, too.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

RWE Clean Energy is one of the biggest names in the US renewables industry – and No.2 in solar. With a 1,500-strong team, the business has over 15 years’ experience of developing, constructing and operating renewable energy facilities, and ambitious plans for the future.

As part of the RWE Group’s Growing Green strategy to expand globally its green portfolio to more than 65 GW of installed capacity and to invest globally more than EUR 55 billion gross by 2030, RWE Clean Energy is determined to significantly increase its operating asset base in the U.S. This is backed by a project pipeline of more than 24 GW in onshore wind, solar and battery storage which provides for one of the largest development platforms in the United States.

Every project brings constantly-evolving technical, practical and social challenges – and drives a culture where everybody thrives, has fun and feels excited by each day. Our financial stability also means you’ll have the freedom to act with conviction and courage as we pivot to new technologies – and continuously improve, together.