Community Engagement Lead

Deriva Energy is seeking a Community Engagement Lead in Charlotte, NC, to develop and implement community engagement plans for renewable energy projects. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, preparing materials for community meetings, and ensuring effective communication with landowners, officials, and the public. The ideal candidate should be passionate about renewable energy and possess strong organizational and communication skills. This position is based at the company's headquarters.
Job Description

Deriva Energy is a leading Independent Power Producer in the US renewables market, with over 6.5GW of operating or under construction wind, solar and storage projects across the country. Formerly the division of Duke Energy, Deriva is now backed by Brookfield Renewable and is poised for dynamic growth across its wind, solar, and storage portfolios. Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation who envision a future of energy independence using resilient, carbon-free generation. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry. Deriva empowers customers with innovative clean energy solutions that strengthen communities and serve future generations

Position Summary

Deriva Energy is seeking a dynamic and talented Community Engagement Specialist to join our team reporting to the Director of Environment and Permitting. The ideal candidate will be passionate about renewable energy, community outreach, grass roots advocacy, and storytelling, with a keen eye for detail and a drive for excellence.

The job requires the ability to work with various internal and external stakeholders. External contact can include interacting (both in written and verbal forms) with elected officials, landowners, concerned members of the public, regulators, and non-governmental organizations. Internal interactions will include coordinating information between functional groups, preparing materials for community meetings (open houses, commissioner meetings, regulatory hearings, etc.) and conference coordination.

The job requires the ability to listen and understand the concerns of a diverse set of stakeholders and key constituencies and summarize that learning into actionable steps. The ideal candidate has a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. This is a position for an innovative thinker who communicates well and is organized and diligent.

This position will be based at Deriva Energy Headquarters located in Charlotte, NC.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive community engagement plans to support Deriva Energy's objectivesCollaborate with the Development & External Affairs Teams on landowner and community leader outreach for early to late-stage development projectsWork with the Environment and Permitting Team to secure local permitting, zoning, and community social licenses to develop projectsPartner with the Corporate Communications Team to help draft press releases, articles, leave behinds, pamphlets, letters, and help to design and create multimedia assets, including graphics, presentations, print materials, and electronic information resources, to support development, engagement, and community specific initiatives tied to projectsCoordinate and prepare subject matter experts,partnered with the External Affairs team, for hearings, landowner meetings, public meetings, open houses, conferences, leadership meetings, and internal employee events as neededUse insights from industry research, industry engagement, and science-based information to develop targeted messaging and positioning strategies that resonate with key stakeholders and present truthful, transparent, science-based informationWork with landowners and community members to encapsulate feedback and effect changes in project development and operationsWork with Operations staff to ensure community connections to all operating projects, including volunteer events, charitable giving, project information, and routine check-ins with community leaders

Required /Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, communications, public relations, public policy, non-profit management, environmental or social sciences, or related disciplinesIn addition to a bachelors degree, five (5) years or more of relevant work experienceIn lieu of a bachelors degree, HS Diploma/GED AND 10 years of relevant work experience

Desired Qualifications

Five (5) years or more of experience in a related field of urban planning, communications, public relations, public policy, non-profit management, environmental or social sciencesProven experience with five or more years in a community engagement, communications, or a mediation role, preferably within the energy sector or a related industryDemonstrated experience in event coordination and project managementRenewable energy experience or related industryProficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office toolsProfessional with a positive attitude and capable of contributing to a collaborative, dynamic, and team-oriented cultureStrong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages for diverse audiencesExcellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teamsAbility to work effectively and maintain flexibility in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines

Working Conditions

This position is located in Charlotte, NCHybrid position with opportunity to work remotelyEmployees should live within a reasonable daily commute to the designated office locationTravel: 50%

Benefits

Health InsuranceDental InsuranceVision Insurance401(k) with matchingEmployee assistance programFlexible spending accountLife insurancePaid time offParental leaveAttractive Bonus Potential

Additional Information

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Deriva welcomes veterans of the United States Armed Forces to apply for this position. Deriva includes veterans of all branches and a diverse set of occupational specialties. We value the independent thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork that our veterans have developed through their service. We welcome applications from any service and any military occupational specialty.

Deriva Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, protected veteran or military status, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.