Location: Preferred locations for candidates include Minneapolis, MN or Indianapolis, IN, but will also consider Chicago, IL, Des Moines, IA or other Midwest locations for an outstanding candidate.

Reports To: Vice President, Strategic Communications

Communications Senior Associate/Manager Description

Clean Grid Alliance is searching for an ambitious, intuitive, strategic thinker who can help Clean Grid Alliance elevate its voice and influence to drive clean energy deployment. This individual will be a skilled communicator who can translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with policymakers, media, the public, its members, and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in communications, including media relations, social media, and strong capabilities in presentation creation. This individual will perform a wide variety of communications functions daily, which requires flexibility and the ability to balance multiple tasks on an ongoing basis. This individual should be persuasive and poised with the ability to work closely with senior leadership to shape messaging and drive impact. This role requires a proactive and collaborative professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about strengthening the future of clean energy.

About Clean Grid Alliance

Clean Grid Alliance is a coalition of 80+ partners, based in Minneapolis, shaping the regional energy landscape, supporting hundreds of successful wind, solar, storage, and transmission projects to advance clean energy in the Midwest through innovation and expert leadership. Clean Grid Alliance advocates for public policies, intervenes in regulatory processes, educates and empowers the public, and supports a fair and competitive energy market at the region's transmission operator. Communications is a critical part of the work Clean Grid Alliance conducts to fulfil its mission and create success for its members. Clean energy offers the lowest-cost, fastest-to-market solution to meet rapidly increasing energy demand while reducing consumer costs and driving economic growth.

Clean Grid members are comprised of wind, solar and battery storage developers and manufacturers, transmission developers, non-profit environmental, public interest and clean energy advocacy organizations and other businesses that support clean energy. Clean Grid’s primary footprint includes nine states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri but also collaborates with national partners to advance clean energy across the United States.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans that advance Clean Grid Alliance’s mission to expand transmission infrastructure and accelerate deployment of clean energy across the region.
• Translate complex regulatory, market, policy, and technical issues into clear, persuasive messaging for policymakers, media, and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with technical, legal, and policy teams on all aspects of communications.
• Draft and place op-eds, press releases, fact sheets, statements, collateral, and other communication pieces that elevate the brand of Clean Grid Alliance and its members.
• Partner closely with senior leadership to shape messaging, prepare executive communications, and support external engagement, including speaking opportunities and stakeholder outreach.
• Support state and regional advocacy efforts by developing communications materials tied to regulatory proceedings, legislative initiatives, and regional transmission organization processes.
• Manage media relations, including proactive pitching, reactive responses, and cultivating relationships with energy, policy, and business reporters at local, state and national levels as well as key trade publications.
• Create compelling digital content that highlights the economic, reliability, and community benefits of clean energy and transmission investment.
• Promote the work and brand of Clean Grid Alliance and its members to attract and retain members.
• Monitor and respond to emerging narratives and misinformation related to transmission, clean energy, and grid infrastructure, providing rapid response communications as needed.
• Track, analyze, and report on communications outcomes to refine strategy and strengthen Clean Grid Alliance’s influence with key audiences.

Job Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, public affairs, or strategic messaging – knowledge of the energy sector preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical, policy and  regulatory issues into clear, compelling communications for a variety of stakeholders who possess a varying knowledge of the energy and clean energy sectors.
• Experience supporting advocacy or policy efforts through effective communications.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with a track record of producing high-quality materials such as op-eds, press releases, reports, and executive communications.
• Experience working with or advising senior leadership, including preparing talking points, briefing materials, and external communications.
• Strong media relations experience, including pitching stories, managing press inquiries, and building relationships with journalists.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
• Familiarity with regional transmission organizations (e.g., MISO) and energy policy landscapes is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing digital and social media content strategies, including analytics and performance tracking.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, public policy, or related field.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for the role is $62,000 – $80,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Clean Grid Alliance provides excellent benefits, including 100% employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance, long-and short-term disability, flexible work environment, 11.5 paid holidays, sick leave, and retirement plan with generous employer contribution after one year of employment.   

To Apply

Please submit a brief cover letter and resume to jmills@cleangridalliance.org with “Communications Manager” in the subject line.