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. 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 PlanAccess 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%.
