Leeward Renewable Energy · 1 day ago
Manager Public Affairs
Phoenix, AZ
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
5+ years expLeeward Renewable Energy is a high-growth renewable energy company focused on sustainability through innovation and community impact. The Public Affairs Regional Manager will oversee community engagement strategies for the West region projects, managing public affairs activities and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance project value and minimize risks.
EnergyPower GridRenewable EnergySolarWind Energy
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Provide strategic public affairs leadership across LRE’s West Region development portfolio, offering insight into project development risk, local dynamics, and stakeholder sentiment
Shape public affairs priorities and advocacy strategies for projects, applying deep subject matter expertise in community engagement tools, tactics, and best practices
Lead high-impact initiatives such as coalition building, supporter and grassroots engagement campaigns, land use and zoning advocacy efforts, and other project-specific community engagement strategies
Serve as a trusted representative of Leeward Renewable Energy in public meetings, hearings, and industry organizations, with authorization to speak on behalf of the company
Manage high-stakes communications and sensitive stakeholder situations, exercising sound judgment and providing recommendations to leadership on risk mitigation and engagement strategy
Act as a primary point of contact for key external allies, elected officials, regulators, tribal representatives, NGOs, and local decision-makers
Develop and oversee strategic communications materials, including messaging, talking points, presentations, press materials, and community-facing content
Manage external public affairs and public relations agencies to ensure alignment with project goals and execution of engagement strategies
Participate in project team meetings and maintain a deep understanding of project development and permitting milestones, proactively identifying issues and opportunities and providing judgment-based counsel to project teams and leadership on emerging issues, permitting risks, and stakeholder concerns
Conduct site visits to key project locations to support stakeholder outreach, strengthen relationships, and inform strategy development
Qualification
Required
Graduate and/or Bachelors Degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications or related field
5-7 years' experience in Public Affairs, Communications, Community/Stakeholder Engagement, or Renewable Energy
Experience managing and resolving complex utility-scale renewable energy public affairs issues
Proven track record successfully building relationships with community, local, state and federal government officials, NGOs, tribes, and other stakeholders to gain project support, minimize or eliminate opposition, and build trust
Experience and familiarity navigating the complex permitting processes for projects sited on federal lands
Experience managing and directing communications and public affairs agencies
Demonstrated passion for renewable energy
Evidence of strong strategic thinking, communication, planning, organization and execution
Experience presenting in public meetings
Results oriented and strong project management skills
Self-motivated, able to work independently in a rapidly evolving business environment
Successful track record as a team player, ability to work and influence cross-functionally
Proactive approach, able to anticipate issues and recommend solutions
Demonstrated ability to manage projects, coordinate teams, and facilitate effective meetings
Take direction and apply constructive feedback to improve work product
Position will require sitting for long periods of time as well as occasionally lifting up to twenty-pound boxes
This role requires travel 25-50% of the time
Must possess a valid driver's license and the ability to drive a vehicle
Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening
Applicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for an employment visa now or in the future
Preferred
Political campaign and advocacy experience a plus
Company
Leeward Renewable Energy
Leeward Renewable Energy is a renewable energy company that operates a portfolio of wind, solar and energy storage failities.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$545MKey Investors
MUFG Bank,Wells Fargo
2023-03-15Debt Financing· $185M
2023-01-10Debt Financing· $289M
2022-06-29Debt Financing· $71M
Leadership Team
Nate Graham
Chief Technology Officer
Willem Jan van der Ven
Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
2025-12-14
Company data provided by crunchbase