Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) is a nonprofit organization whose 60+ members include wind, solar and energy storage developers and manufacturers, non-profit environmental, public interest, and clean energy advocacy organizations, farmer organizations, and other businesses that support renewable energy. CGA is a vital player in the fast-changing clean energy sector. Clean energy (and other technologies that will enable a clean and renewable future) is growing rapidly and includes wind, solar, storage, and other emerging technologies like hydrogen —all of which will need CGA’s expertise and engagement in the years to come. CGA’s current footprint includes nine states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. CGA’s work with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) also includes MISO South (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and a small part of Texas).
The Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) seeks a Vice President, Strategic Communications who will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates the organization’s brand, strengthens its reputation, and advances its strategic objectives. This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional communication, political acumen, and media relations skills. The ideal candidate will be a passionate advocate for clean energy solutions and possess a deep understanding of the political landscape and its impact on the industry.
Responsibilities:
Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy:
- Align communications efforts with CGA’s overall business strategy and strategic priorities.
- Develop and manage key messages and narratives across all channels.
- Oversee all aspects of media relations, including press releases, media inquiries, media training, and executive visibility.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key local media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers.
- Monitor media coverage and analyze its impact.
Lead and manage the communications team:
- Lead and mentor a high-performing communications team of three plus personnel.
- Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team environment.
Enhance the organization’s brand and reputation:
- Develop and implement brand-building initiatives across all channels.
- Manage CGA’s online and social media presence, including the development of a webinar series.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, customers, government officials, and industry partners.
Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership:
- Advise the CEO and other senior executives on communications strategies for key initiatives, such as internal membership value, external relationship building, and industry communications thought leadership
- Prepare executive presentations and speeches for internal and external audiences.
- Monitor and analyze the competitive landscape and provide insights on industry trends and competitor communications.
Support advocacy for clean energy policies:
- In service to established policy goals, develop and execute public affairs campaigns to advance CGA’s policy agenda.
- Provide written/visual collateral and creative content deliverables for communicating with key policymakers and government officials.
- Work with state advocacy, MISO, and regulatory teams to enhance positive relationships at political events and industry conferences.
Ideal Candidate:
The Vice President, Strategic Communications is a critical member of the executive leadership team and will report directly to the Executive Director. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented project manager who can deliver exceptional outcomes. They will create a compelling vision and implement a strategic plan for the communications team that incorporates both the strategic vision and daily work requirements.
Required
- 12 to 15 years of experience in corporate communications or public relations with a deep understanding of the energy industry and the political landscape.
- Bachelor’s degree is required. Advanced degree or coursework is a plus.
- Excellent judgment skills and ability to immediately put plans into action.
Preferred
- Strong political acumen and experience working with government officials and policymakers.
- Understanding, knowledge, and experience in environmental issues, energy, renewable energy, or related fields is a strong plus.
Skills and Accomplishments
- Proven track record of success in developing and executing high-impact communications strategies.
- Ability to work independently and embrace collaboration, teamwork, and flexible thinking.
- Experience leading and managing high-performing teams.
- High degree of self-motivation and initiative, with the ability to prioritize, co-lead on major political relationships, and follow strategic communication projects through to completion.
- Knowledgeable of digital marketing and social media best practices.
- Intellectually curious and strong work ethic with a commitment to excellence.
- Results-oriented with a bias for action and strong organizational and management skills.
The preferred location for the position is in the Midwest; ideally in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – Chicago, IL – Des Moines, IA – Indianapolis, IN – Remote position. CGA currently has a hybrid work environment and does host quarterly (March, June, September, December) member meetings in Minneapolis/St. Paul which staff attend in person.
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of Clean Grid Alliance.
