Development Relations Manager - Temporary - Apex Clean Energy

Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.

Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America’s clean energy future. 

The Development Relations Manager will organize and administer timely communications while fostering relationships with community stakeholders, inclusive of landowners and regional leaders. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting development and public affairs team members in advancing the project in the community, leading the planning and execution of events, and representing the project during regional meetings and in communications.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate communications with stakeholders, including community leaders, landowners and local government officials 
• Produce timely publications about the project(s)
• Oversee the project’s mass communications (webpage, social media, and mailings)
• Maintain records/data on engagement
• Monitor local events and news thru regional social and traditional media 
• Attend public meetings around the project area consistently
• Lead event planning, including the selection of locations, vendors, and participants
• Help cultivate support and advocate with factual information on behalf of Apex Clean Energy
• Foster relationships with community leaders and regional committees
• Administrative duties for the designated project site
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Information: 

The Development Relations Manager will cover multiple counties as part of the project, engaging with the community and local stakeholders. This may include prepping presentations or information sessions, supporting community events, coordinating small meetings, and tracking progress at public meetings. The Development Relations Manager will work closely with the project developer and public engagement manager to execute strategies and plans unique to each project’s timeline and needs, reflective of Apex’s overall goals.

Qualified candidates will be hardworking team players who are eager to jump in and support projects and people from a variety of angles. The position requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to balance priorities and be flexible in a rapidly changing environment. Written communication skills will be an important part of the candidates’ success. Previous experience in public settings such as schools, governance, publications, or issue advocacy is highly desirable. Candidates who understand or appreciate farm practices, rural economics, and who possess a strong personal commitment to community engagement and business development will be well suited for this role.

The Development Relations Manager will report to the lead developer on a weekly basis and does not need to be located in the project’s footprint. This position is a contracted role through a staffing agency and is approved for a variable work week at 10-29 hours a week. Travel within the project area is required frequently, based on expectations for meetings, events, presentations, etc.

• Department: Project Development 
• Type: Part Time, Exempt 
• Location: Princeville, IL 

To succeed as a Development Relations Manager at Apex Clean Energy, you’ll need to excel within the following criteria:

• Bachelors degree required
• At least 6 years of previous experience working with the public
• Demonstrated history of being a team player
• Customer service skills
• Excellent communication, both written and verbal
• High level of attention to detail and time-management
• Self-motivated and efficient organizational skills
• Problem solving with the ability to remain flexible
• Interest in renewable energy development
• Proficient with Microsoft 360 products (Word, Excel, PPT)
• A valid driver's license
• Willing and able to travel in and around the assigned active project area in central Illinois

At Apex Clean Energy, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and success. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed in the job description. Your unique experiences and skills could be the perfect fit for our team!

If you are passionate about renewable energy and want to join us in accelerating the shift to clean energy, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application for our team’s review!

Location:

This position is temporary in nature and 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. 

Work Environment:

Works primarily from a home office, the project office, or in public spaces when hosting meetings or events. Flexible work hours allowed when work duties and business operations permit. Must be comfortable traveling during various times of day to attend meetings with key stakeholders. 

How You’ll Grow

At Apex Clean Energy, our professional development plans focus on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there’s always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the dynamic, fast-paced renewable energy industry. From on-the-job learning experiences to a robust multi-week onboarding experience to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career.

What Apex Can Offer You

At Apex Clean Energy, we know that great people make a great company. We value our people and offer employees a broad, best-in-class range of benefits.

• A mission-driven, energetic environment that supports and encourages our people to do their best work every day.
• A respect for and celebration of individuality, differences, and uniqueness
• Collaborative and driven professional workforce committed to supporting your ideas and feedback and accelerating your potential
• Ongoing support and guidance such as on-the-job learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship
• Training, strategies, and tools to support your personal and professional growth
• Team atmosphere of diverse professionals committed to making an impact as an organization
• Opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local communities
• Benefit options are offered through our contingent workforce partner such as medical and dental, Paid Time Off plus standard company holidays

Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.