Public Engagement Field Manager, Illinois

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 Field Manager ready to build support for wind, solar, and battery storage development in Illinois. The Field Manager will work with the Public Engagement Manager to devise and implement community engagement strategies on a project-by-project basis, as well as collaborate on regional and more broad statewide issues that affect the projects.

The Field Manager may also manage Illinois-based Public Engagement Organizers (PEO) who are working to build support in specific project communities, training, managing and supporting their efforts to align with the Illinois Public Engagement and Development teams’ objectives. The Field Manager will also be expected to travel to Illinois project communities to assist in meetings and events with key stakeholders, provide presentations or workshops, and host events and other face-to-face engagement. The Field Manager will report to one of Apex’s Public Engagement Managers (PEM) on a regular basis.

The ideal applicant for the Field Manager position will demonstrate interest in and knowledge of the political workings in Illinois, the electoral rules governing political activity in the state, and any relevant regulations at the county or school district level.

Qualified candidates will be hands-on, 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. Previous experience in campaigns or issue advocacy is highly desirable. Candidates who understand or appreciate ranching practices, and who possess a strong personal commitment to renewable energy, community organizing, business, and/or rural economic development will be well suited for this role.

Primary Responsibilities

• Managing any Illinois PEOs using a hands-on approach to support their work in communities
• Training and coaching PEOs on fundamental organizing skills
• Traveling to projects to support project teams
• Maintaining daily communication with the supervising PEM
• Strategizing the best use of various databases and systems, including but not limited to Borealis and Smartsheets, and ensuring that all data is entered accurately and kept up to date
• Supporting event planning and execution
• Identifying community relationship opportunities and cultivating them through communication, attention to community dynamics, and funding opportunities
• Assisting with local media, when appropriate
• Monitoring and managing local social and traditional media 
• Monitoring county and local municipal proceedings related to renewable energy for Illinois projects
• Professionally representing Apex Clean Energy at various business, local government, and community functions in Illinois
• Helping to cultivate advocates in Illinois project communities to contact, and attend meetings of, local elected officials and agencies in support of renewable energy
• Presenting to local groups, classes, and organizations in Illinois project areas
• Drafting letters of support for renewable energy for various audiences
• Helping to develop grassroots marketing strategies as needed
• Be willing and able to live in Illinois

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

• Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of work experience in a similar setting
• At least 1 year or 1 election cycle of management experience
• Passion for working in management, policy, communications, public affairs, and local 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 in renewable energy
• Exemplary standards of honor, ethics, quality, communication, and productivity
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work actively and productively with limited supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated success at meeting deadlines, and the ability to manage many tasks, people, and projects simultaneously
• Self-motivation and willingness to work irregular hours (including nights and weekends, as needed)
• Track record of building a strong and supportive team culture
• Ability to communicate with diverse communities and leaders
• Regular access to a reliable vehicle
• Willingness to relocate to Illinois, if necessary
• Proven leadership and management skills
• A positive attitude and comfort being flexible, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
• Ability to meet tight deadlines under pressure in a fast paced, metrics-driven work environment

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!

Work Environment:

Works primarily traditional office hours in an indoor office environment with field visits. 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
• Exceptional benefits such as medical and dental; 401(k) with corporate match
• Base and bonus commensurate with experience
• Responsible Paid Time Off plus standard company holidays
• Benefits Offered: comprehensive high-deductible health plans, dental and vision insurance plans, short-term and long-term disability, group life insurance, 401(k) corporate matching, flexible spending arrangements, company paid parking and cell phone, fitness and wellness corporate discounts

At this time, Apex will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

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.