Public Relations Manager- 2026 12

GRID Alternatives is seeking a Public Relations Manager to enhance its national profile and public perception. This role involves developing strategic communications, building media relationships, and executing a PR strategy that aligns with the organization's mission. Responsibilities include creating narratives, managing media inquiries, and driving digital visibility across platforms. The position emphasizes collaboration with leadership and the integration of earned media into digital storytelling.
About GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color.
GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.


Our Vision:
a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.
OurMission:
to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.
What it's like to work at GRID.


At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outsideof work.
Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members.


Summary of the role:


We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Publicist and Public Relations Manager to lead our publicity and public relations strategy and elevate our organization's national profile.
This individual will be responsible for shaping public perception, building media relationships, and ensuring our message reaches the communities, donors, and stakeholders we serve.
Beyond traditional media relations, this position will drive proactive visibility strategies across digital platforms, including LinkedIn, YouTube, podcasts, webinars, and industry publications, to elevate GRID's brand presence and influence public discourse.
The Publicist and Public Relations Manager will serve as the architect of a modern earned media and thought leadership ecosystem that integrates press, digital storytelling, and executive voice.


Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications, Media Relations & Outreach
Create and execute a comprehensive annual PR strategy that supports the organization's mission, fundraising goals, and advocacy initiatives Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media outlets at the local, regional, and national levels Develop compelling narratives that translate the organization's impact into stories that resonate with diverse audiences Pitch compelling stories that align with organizational priorities and respond to media inquiries in a timely and strategic manner, and serve as a primary media contact and spokesperson when needed Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, and executive speeches Collaborate with leadership to align messaging across all internal and external channels Digital Thought Leadership & Visibility Platforms Design and launch a GRID-hosted webinar series that elevates organizational expertise and supports fundraising, policy, and partnership goals Partner with marketing and program teams to repurpose webinars into YouTube content, short-form clips, podcast pitches, and media assets Build a repeatable system for converting earned media into digital amplification across social platforms Identify opportunities to syndicate content across partner networks and industry platforms Executive Media Presence & Visibility Partner closely with the Chief Philanthropy and Communications Officer and senior leadership team to build and maintain a strong public profile that advances the organization's mission Develop individualized visibility strategies for key executives, including proactive media placement, bylined article opportunities, podcast appearances, and broadcast interviews Prepare executives for media engagements through comprehensive briefings, talking points, and message training Identify and pursue opportunities for executives to be featured in national publications, leadership roundups, and "expert voice" segments Monitor industry trends and news cycles to position executive voices at timely, high-impact moments Speaker Placement & Thought Leadership Develop a thought leadership strategy that positions the organization as a leading voice in its field through speaking, contributed content, and media commentary Target high-impact national stages (e.
g.
, major renewable energy conferences, climate summits, philanthropy convenings, policy forums) Maintain a calendar of relevant speaking opportunities and manage the full submission process, including proposals, bios, abstracts, and supporting materials Work collaboratively with GRID's program and policy staff to identify internal experts whose knowledge and experience can contribute to public discourse.
Track and report on speaking placements and their impact on brand awareness and stakeholder engagement Coordinate speaking strategy with development goals to support donor cultivation and institutional partnerships.
Crisis Communications Develop and maintain a crisis communications plan Serve as a lead advisor during sensitive or high-stakes situations, providing rapid response guidance that protects the organization's reputation and credibility Protect and strengthen the reputational positioning of GRID during periods of organizational growth, transition, or policy shifts Brand Management Ensure consistency in tone, voice, and messaging across all public-facing materials Collaborate with marketing and design teams to maintain a cohesive brand identity Event & Campaign Support Manage staff Events Coordinator and provide PR support for major fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and advocacy initiatives Coordinate press opportunities and manage on-site media logistics Reporting & Analysis .