Job Description

As the owner of the legacy gas power plants that serve as our point of access to the grid, Earthrise Energy is a long-term partner to the Illinois communities where we are developing utility-scale solar power plants. Earthrise is looking for a Communications and Events Manager to plan, implement, and run all local communications and events in our project hub areas that successfully tell the story of Earthrise, strengthen local relationships, and contribute to the success of our project goals. This role will report to the Director of Community Engagement and work closely with our Project Developers. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated track record of successful event planning and local community engagement as well as experience working in rural communities.

Responsibilities

• Run local informational events as part of the Community Engagement strategy to help with the success of Earthrise permitting projects. These events include landowner dinners, open houses, etc.
• Plan and run other community events to build awareness of projects and Earthrise, including local sponsorships and attending non-Earthrise community events, such as county fairs and parades.
• Lead the creation of handouts, posters, flyers and other collateral necessary for the success of our events.
• Create a social media presence and monitor platforms to stay ahead of local opposition and/or misinformation.
• Help identify RISE Grant opportunities for the community engagement team, and other opportunities for local sponsorship and support.

Qualifications & Skills

• Based in Illinois, and ability to travel to and around Earthrise’s hubs in central Illinois up to 50% of the time.
• 3-5 years of event planning & local communications experience or adjacent skill set.
• Charismatic and confident public speaker, able to speak with clarity on Earthrise and our ongoing projects.
• Extraordinary organizational and planning skills, with a key attention to detail, and a sense of creativity to make events stand out.
• Physically capable of moving tables, chairs and other items reasonably required to setup and take down events
• Experienced with navigating conflicting perspectives and points of view.
• Preference for a candidate with experience in renewable energy development, including the permitting/zoning process, and/or experience working in rural communities.
• Has a “never give up” attitude to find a way around obstacles and setbacks.
• Prefers to work in a collaborative/team environment.