Community and Government Relations Consultant – Southern Spirit Transmission

Overview

Company Overview

Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, green fuels and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence. 

Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises.  Headquartered in San Francisco, Pattern has a portfolio of 30 power facilities and transmission assets across North America, serving various customers that provide low-cost clean energy to millions of consumers. 

Responsibilities

Job Purpose

Pattern Energy is seeking an experienced Community and Government Relations Consultant to support community relations, stakeholder communications, political engagement, and meeting with government officials for Pattern’s Southern Spirit Transmission project located at the Texas border and across the Southeast. There is a strong preference for this candidate to be based in Texas, Louisiana or Mississippi. The position is responsible for managing and executing the daily strategies and tactics related to engaging public officials and community engagement plans, collaborating with local community members, engaging with local stakeholders, attending, and supporting events, and representing Pattern across the three states and along the communities hosting the project. This role must possess a strong comprehension of the state and local political dynamics, gather intelligence that could impact the project, and adjust strategies accordingly. The role jointly reports to the Government of Affairs Director for the East Region and the Public Engagement Manager and works closely with the Development and Communications teams.

Key Accountabilities

• Developing and maintaining a close pulse on the state and local political dynamics that impact the project.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to identify and evaluate public engagement-related risks and opportunities and implementing tactics to mitigate them.
• Designing and executing campaign strategies to engage communities, community groups, local leaders, and elected officials at a state and local level to cultivate relationships and garner support for advancing Pattern’s development pipeline.
• Building a coalition of community leaders and organizations to support advancing the project.
• Participating in relevant meetings with elected officials, NGOs, and other stakeholder groups to disseminate project information and cultivate relationships.
• Support developing and executing communication plans in coordination with the communications team, involving the creation and distribution of messaging and materials.
• Launching community education campaigns, programs, and tactics to inform and mobilize residents in support of projects.
• Planning and executing events.
• Supporting initiatives such as regulatory applications, permitting processes, legislative and policy activities, and public meetings and hearings to advance project development.

Qualifications

Experience/Qualifications/Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, political science, public policy, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in government or community relations, project management, community organizing, or other related areas.
• Preference for experience in political and/or issue-based campaigns.
• Experience and interest in renewable energy/environmental issues.
• Strong relationship management skills and experience in coalition building.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders involved in complex projects.
• Experience in addressing oppositional stakeholders and mitigating the influence of opponents.
• Valid transportation and willingness to travel for in-person meetings as needed.

Approximate weekly time commitment: 40-45 hours, primarily during standard workdays, with some evening and weekend hours required. The expected pay range for this role is a monthly retainer of $10,000- $12,500 USD per month. This is a contract position. All expenses associated with this position, including travel costs, will be fully reimbursed. 50% + travel required.

Pattern Energy Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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