Community Relations Manager

The Organization

Grid United is a mission driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a cleaner, more reliable grid by developing new long haul transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven leaders in the power and renewables industry, Grid United is developing utility-scale electric multi-state transmission projects that will provide long-term economic benefits to communities across the country, provide Americans with improved grid resiliency for our homes and businesses, and cost savings for electricity consumers.

More information about the company can be found at www.gridunited.com

Position

Grid United has numerous large scale transmissions projects underway and is currently identifying and studying additional prospective projects across North America. With patient capital backing led by experienced energy veterans, Grid United is in a fast-growth stage, boasting a purpose-built team of motivated and entrepreneurial talent. We are particularly focused on effective stakeholder engagement and positive involvement with the communities in the areas where we are working. This growing team is seeking to add a new leader as Community Relations Manager to manage of the Community Benefits Plan and Community Investment Program for the North Plains Connector project.

This role will report to the Regional Vice President of Development and will be located in the region of Grid United’s North Plains Connector project.

Please apply if you possess 70% or more of the required skills described below.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the development team of diverse experts to understand the drivers of a well-located transmission project (e.g. market drivers, policy, environmental constraints, etc.).
• Spend approximately 50% of your time traveling in support of the project to communities within the project footprint. Frequency of travel will vary depending on each project’s needs.
• Gain trust and understanding to explain benefits of projects to host communities and identify strategic opportunities for community partnership and investment.
• Manage of the Community Benefits Plan and Community Investment Program for the North Plains Connector project, leveraging existing relationships and developing new relationships as necessary to effectively implement program elements.
• Lead creation and oversight of community benefits and economic development programs associated with federal or state funding programs.
• Manage related project budgeting and scheduling.
• Manage and engage with internal and external development team members as necessary (e.g. communication experts, permitting experts, etc.).
• Manage internal and external reporting and processes supporting project development
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Support discussions with utility customers, landowners, state and local officials and other stakeholders as needed to build effective relationships.

Behaviors – which are essential to success of this team

• Be exemplars of the Grid United values of humility, tenacity, ingenuity and grace
• Build, maintain and value board and deep stakeholder relationships and have a personal commitment to making a difference in the community
• Proactively work with stakeholders to solve problems in a calm and no blame way

Desired Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college program. Advanced degrees are helpful but not required.
• 7+ years working on energy programs or projects, economic development programs, and related stakeholder engagement with a strong track record of success; preferred experience in clean energy, pipeline, or transmission line development sectors. We are very open to candidates with Peace Corps, veteran, or other public service experience.
• Specific experience with stakeholders in the northwestern US, particularly Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, strongly preferred.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task efficiently with constant regard for accuracy and quality.
• Articulate speaker with the ability to lead public presentations.
• Strong writing skills, including both technical and persuasive writing.
• Ability to read and digest large amounts of information rapidly.
• Deep curiosity for all functional areas of development including commercialization, engineering, land acquisition, public outreach, and US state and federal regulations.
• Adaptability and flexibility to manage deadline pressure, ambiguity and uncertainty, and project changes.
• Strong computer and data management skills, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, nonhierarchical organization.
• Familiarity and basic proficiency with professional GIS systems and maps.
• Proactive and open to embracing new challenges.
• Positive, professional, and energetic team-oriented attitude.
• Embodies Grid United’s core values of ingenuity, tenacity, humility, and grace.

What the Right Candidate Will Love about this Opportunity

• An organization dedicated to solving the ever changing Rubik’s cube of high voltage transmission development in a fast paced, dynamic and innovative culture
• Working with a core group of dedicated and thoughtful colleagues.
• Working on a day-to-day basis with highly experienced and proven industry leaders
• Being empowered to play a leading role in delivering a large scale project that will materially change the energy future of America
• Working in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and having a positive social impact
• Excellent financial backing from leading energy investor with long term commitment, passion for energy, and an understanding and appetite to tackle the challenges of transmission development

Grid United is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.

Grid United offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive base salary and bonus incentive plan, long term incentive plan, health benefits, 401(k), and more.