Public Affairs Manager

Leeward Energy•Houston, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Affairs Manager (P4) oversees community engagement strategies for LRE’s East Region development projects to minimize risks, build support, and enhance project value. The role works closely with Development, Legal, Government Affairs, and other cross-functional teams to manage stakeholder outreach, public meetings, and communications. The position requires initiative, independence, and the ability to influence project timelines and stakeholder strategy through analysis and proactive engagement. Travel is required 25–50% of the time, depending on business needs. The role is based in Houston or Dallas, Texas. It is an in-office position requiring on-site presence at least three days per week, with the option to work remotely two days per week subject to manager and policy approval. The position involves sitting for long periods and occasionally lifting boxes weighing up to 20 pounds. A valid driver’s license and ability to drive are required, as are passing a background check and drug screening.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
6–8 years of experience in public affairs, stakeholder or community engagement, advocacy, communications, or a related field.
Experience leading stakeholder-facing efforts and representing an organization in public meetings, hearings, and industry forums.
Ability to interpret project development risk and provide strategic, judgment-based recommendations.
Experience building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as elected officials, government agencies, Indigenous tribes, NGOs, community leaders, and other external partners.
Experience navigating permitting and land use processes involving federal, state, or local approvals.
Experience managing external communications, public affairs, or public relations agencies.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and facilitation in high-stakes stakeholder environments.
Ability to collaborate proactively across departments and influence outcomes without direct authority.
Sound judgment and ethical behavior.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Demonstrated passion for renewable energy and responsible, community-centered project development.
Ability to sit for long periods and occasionally lift boxes weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to travel 25–50% of the time, depending on business needs.
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a vehicle.
Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
Current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring an employment visa now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience in renewable energy or large-scale infrastructure development.
Experience with project management or CRM tools.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic public affairs leadership across LRE’s East Region development portfolio, advising on project development risk, local dynamics, and stakeholder sentiment.
Set public affairs priorities and advocacy strategies for projects using expertise in community engagement tools, tactics, and best practices.
Lead initiatives including coalition building, supporter and grassroots engagement campaigns, land use and zoning advocacy, and project-specific community engagement strategies.
Represent LRE at public meetings, hearings, and industry organizations, with authorization to speak on the company’s behalf.
Manage high-stakes communications and sensitive stakeholder situations, exercising sound judgment and advising leadership on risk mitigation and engagement strategy.
Serve as a primary contact for 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 align their work with project goals and engagement strategies.
Participate in project team meetings and maintain knowledge of project development and permitting milestones.
Identify emerging issues, opportunities, permitting risks, and stakeholder concerns, and provide counsel to project teams and leadership.
Conduct site visits to support stakeholder outreach, strengthen relationships, and inform strategy development.