Trajectory Energy Partners (Trajectory) is seeking a Senior External Affairs Manager to lead community engagement and permitting efforts for solar and battery storage projects across its pipeline, with a primary focus on the Illinois market. This will be a full-time position, reporting to the Vice President of External Affairs and working in close partnership with Trajectory’s Project Development team.
Trajectory works with communities across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast to develop front-of-the-meter solar and storage projects, focusing primarily on distribution-scale projects. More information can be found at www.trajectoryenergy.com.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Develop and execute on an overall external affairs strategy to support Trajectory’s efforts to develop solar and battery storage projects across its state markets.
- Lead permitting efforts for solar and battery storage projects, with a focus on Illinois and the Midwest.
- Lead Trajectory’s efforts to educate local officials and host communities about solar and battery storage.
- Support Trajectory’s project development work by building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, community leaders, and relevant advocacy groups to advance Trajectory’s origination and permitting priorities.
- Partner with Trajectory’s developers in the origination and permitting of solar and battery storage.
- Manage a variety of regional and/or community-level consultants to assist with specific project needs.
- Work with the Vice President of External Affairs on external affairs and policy items relating to solar and battery storage.
- Travel is required, including attendance at evening zoning hearings and local government meetings.
Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position will be looking to join an impactful, successful, and scrappy team as they rise to meet new market conditions. More specifically, they will have a:
- Minimum of 6-7 years of experience in external affairs, public affairs, government affairs, or a related field
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple projects and competing priorities
- Proven project management and organizational skills
- Keen attention to detail
- Experience in permitting work with local governments, and experience with local government in northern Illinois is preferred.
- Knowledge of renewable energy development is helpful
Benefits at Trajectory
Trajectory Energy Partners offers a competitive benefits package, which includes:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance contributions
- Annual Professional Development Stipend
- Employee Equity Plan
- Access to company 401k plus 401k employer match
- Paid Vacation, Sick, and Wellbeing days
Position based in Chicago, IL, or in the surrounding areas. This is a hybrid position with regular travel (25-50%) across Illinois to visit sites and meet local stakeholders and consultants. The salary range for this position is $110,000 – $140,000 commensurate with experience, plus a target annual bonus of 20%.