Senior Associate, Community Engagement

Invenergy•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Invenergy is seeking an experienced, independently operating Senior Associate to lead local outreach and serve as a relationship contact for county and municipal officials, local taxing bodies, chambers, and Economic Development Organizations in assigned project regions. The role manages complex community affairs assignments, contributes to the design and execution of community relations programs, and helps position Invenergy as a good corporate citizen. The Senior Associate may also support and mentor junior Community Affairs team members. The role follows Invenergy’s hybrid schedule: in-office Monday through Thursday and remote on Fridays if work permits. Travel is required more than 50% of the time, including travel to project locations that may not be accessible by public transit. A valid driver’s license and willingness to operate a personal and/or rented vehicle are required. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without current or future employer visa sponsorship. The stated base pay range is $98,000–$125,000 USD annually, with an annual bonus of 20%–30%. Invenergy also offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off. The company is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of experience in infrastructure or real estate development, public affairs, communications, government, politics, law, engineering, environment, sustainability, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience with local political and stakeholder engagement, preferably in rural areas.
Experience working with county or municipal officials, local taxing bodies, chambers, and/or Economic Development Organizations.
Ability to travel more than 50% of the time.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to operate personal and/or rented vehicles for travel to project locations.
Eligible to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Comfort and experience presenting information to varied audiences and settings, including one-on-one meetings, public events, and media settings.
Familiarity with the energy industry, including renewable energy project development, real estate development, or transmission and power engineering.
Strong organizational, networking, leadership, and time management skills.
Ability to write effective, concise reports.
Ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously and in a timely manner using sound critical thinking and judgment.
Experience mentoring or informally guiding junior team members.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary contact for local outreach and relationship management with officials, local taxing bodies, chambers, and Economic Development Organizations in assigned regions.
Represent projects and Invenergy in meetings with local officials, taxing bodies, landowners, and other local and state stakeholders.
Communicate the benefits of operational projects and projects in development to host community members.
Support the Development team in navigating county and municipal approval processes.
Contribute to the development and implementation of structured community relations programs aligned with company-wide strategies.
Collaborate with Communications and Impact teams to align community relations activities with company priorities and partnerships.
Communicate with internal and external audiences about Invenergy’s presence, industry benefits, and project updates; escalate complex or sensitive matters to the Manager as needed.
Monitor local project opposition, build relationships with key community members, and educate stakeholders to mitigate opposition.
Coordinate with local counties and government groups and work closely with Government Affairs to support outreach to local, state, and federal officials.
Summarize and present statistics about the benefits of operational projects and projects in development to external stakeholders.
Maintain relationship continuity for key Invenergy stakeholders across projects, technologies, and geographies.
Coordinate with Asset Management, Operations, and Development teams to identify stakeholders and advance departmental goals.
May mentor and support the development of junior Community Affairs team members, including Analysts and Senior Analysts.