Public Engagement Associate (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. 

Apex is seeking an energetic and action-oriented Public Engagement Associate ready to help assist with public support-building campaigns for renewable energy projects in Illinois. In this role, you will work with local project supporters, landowners, community organizations, key stakeholders, and elected officials to promote the financial, health, and economic benefits that these projects will provide to local host communities. The Public Engagement Associate will report directly to the Public Engagement Manager in the area, and work with the associated Project Developer and land agents as needed.

The right candidate will be a hands-on, hard-working, team player who is eager to jump in and support projects from a variety of angles. The position requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to balance priorities and deal flexibly with a rapidly changing environment. The successful candidate is willing to learn and gain experience in communications, marketing, local governmental processes, event planning, community organizing, and the renewable energy industry. Previous experience in campaigns or issue advocacy is highly desirable. Candidates who understand or appreciate farm practices, and who possess a strong personal commitment to renewable energy, business, and/or rural economic development will be well suited for this role.

This is a full-time contracted position with long-term potential opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Enter and maintain data in various databases and systems, including but not limited to Borealis, Smartsheets, and others

• Event planning and coordinating

• Assist with local media when appropriate

• Monitor social and traditional media 

• Monitor county and local municipal proceedings related to renewable energy

• Professionally represent Apex Clean Energy at various business, local government, and community functions

• Meet with and mobilize individuals to contact their local elected officials or agencies in support of renewable energy, as well as attend meetings

• Recruit and organize volunteers and project supporters

• Present to groups, classes, and organizations

• Draft letters of support for renewable energy for various audiences

• Answer incoming project-related calls and address them as needed

• Help with grassroots marketing strategies as needed

• Ability to travel to project areas throughout the state

Additional Information: 

This position is a contracted role through a staffing agency and is temporary in nature. The position 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. 

• Department: Public Affairs
• Type: Full Time, Non-Exempt 
• Location: Bloomington, IL

Success Profile

To succeed as a Public Engagement Associate with Apex Clean Energy, you’ll need to excel within the following criteria:

• Pursuing or completed an associate’s degree in political science, public relations, communications, or 2+ years of work experience in a related field. Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of combined education/work experience preferred
• Passion for working in renewable energy, policy, communications, public affairs, and government relations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated leadership and relationship management skills
• Ability to take part in collaborative efforts with peers and colleagues
• Extraordinary planning and organizational skills
• Interest for renewable energy
• Exemplary standards of honor, ethics, quality, communication, and productivity
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work actively and productively with limited supervision

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 traditional office hours in an indoor office environment in a work-from-home or via a local office in the project area. Flexible work hours allowed when work duties and business operations permit.

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

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.