Manager Public Affairs

Leeward Energy•Phoenix, AZ

16h

About The Position

LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is a high-growth renewable energy company forging a sustainable future through integrity, innovation, and positive impact. We own and operate 30 large wind, solar, and energy storage projects across the United States, totaling over 3 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity. LRE has an ambitious goal of 10GW of operating assets by 2028 and are developing and contracting an increasing pipeline of new projects every year. We take a full-lifecycle approach to our projects, built on a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the environment. The Public Affairs Regional Manager will oversee community engagement strategies for LRE’s West region projects to minimize risks, build support, and enhance project value. The Public Affairs Manager will oversee community engagement strategies for LRE’s West region projects in development to minimize risks, build support, and enhance project value. This role includes managing public affairs activities in collaboration with a variety of cross functional teams, as well as coordinating public hearings, community meetings, and media relations. The candidate must understand utility-scale renewable energy development, permitting processes, and have experience in stakeholder engagement and community advocacy. This role requires travel 25-50% of the time depending on business needs.

Requirements

Graduate and/or Bachelors Degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications or related field.
5-7 years’ experience in Public Affairs, Communications, Community/Stakeholder Engagement, or Renewable Energy.
Experience managing and resolving complex utility-scale renewable energy public affairs issues
Proven track record successfully building relationships with community, local, state and federal government officials, NGOs, tribes, and other stakeholders to gain project support, minimize or eliminate opposition, and build trust
Experience and familiarity navigating the complex permitting processes for projects sited on federal lands
Experience managing and directing communications and public affairs agencies
Demonstrated passion for renewable energy
Evidence of strong strategic thinking, communication, planning, organization and execution
Experience presenting in public meetings
Results oriented and strong project management skills
Self-motivated, able to work independently in a rapidly evolving business environment
Successful track record as a team player, ability to work and influence cross-functionally
Proactive approach, able to anticipate issues and recommend solutions
Demonstrated ability to manage projects, coordinate teams, and facilitate effective meetings
Take direction and apply constructive feedback to improve work product
Position will require sitting for long periods of time as well as occasionally lifting up to twenty-pound boxes
This role requires travel 25-50% of the time
Must possess a valid driver's license and the ability to drive a vehicle
Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening
Applicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for an employment visa now or in the future

Nice To Haves

Political campaign and advocacy experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic public affairs leadership across LRE’s West Region development portfolio, offering insight into project development risk, local dynamics, and stakeholder sentiment.
Shape public affairs priorities and advocacy strategies for projects, applying deep subject matter expertise in community engagement tools, tactics, and best practices.
Lead high-impact initiatives such as coalition building, supporter and grassroots engagement campaigns, land use and zoning advocacy efforts, and other project-specific community engagement strategies.
Serve as a trusted representative of Leeward Renewable Energy in public meetings, hearings, and industry organizations, with authorization to speak on behalf of the company.
Manage high-stakes communications and sensitive stakeholder situations, exercising sound judgment and providing recommendations to leadership on risk mitigation and engagement strategy.
Act as a primary point of contact for key external allies, elected officials, regulators, tribal representatives, NGOs, and local decision-makers.
Develop and oversee strategic communications materials, including messaging, talking points, presentations, press materials, and community-facing content.
Manage external public affairs and public relations agencies to ensure alignment with project goals and execution of engagement strategies.
Participate in project team meetings and maintain a deep understanding of project development and permitting milestones, proactively identifying issues and opportunities and providing judgment-based counsel to project teams and leadership on emerging issues, permitting risks, and stakeholder concerns.
Conduct site visits to key project locations to support stakeholder outreach, strengthen relationships, and inform strategy development.