Community & Municipal Engagement Manager - Community Solar (Illinois)

About Us

Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. We are dedicated to changing the landscape of energy generation by making rooftop solar accessible and impactful. We have been recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National Commercial Rooftop Solar Developer by Solar Power World, and winners of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grand Prize for Clean Energy. Based in Asbury Park, New Jersey, we operate in over a dozen states and have offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Community & Municipal Engagement Manager to lead community outreach and stakeholder engagement efforts throughout the Chicagoland region in support of Illinois' Community-Driven Community Solar (CDCS) Program. This role will support subscriber acquisition, advance project development, and strengthen our presence within the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with municipalities, elected officials, community-based organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and local business leaders
• Develop partnerships that support subscriber acquisition for community solar projects
• Develop and deliver presentations to educate municipalities, community organizations, businesses, and residents about the benefits of Illinois' CDCS Program and community solar generally
• Work with local partners to identify and engage residential and commercial subscribers
• Facilitate and enroll residential customers at in-person engagement events
• Represent the company at community meetings, events, workshops, conferences, and public outreach activities
• Build long-term relationships that strengthen our presence throughout Illinois
• Identify strategic partnership opportunities that expand access to community solar
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, partnerships, donations, and subscriber opportunities
• Serve as a trusted resource for community stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of our projects
• Lead stakeholder engagement and support, and ongoing engagement commitments, for new community solar project applications
• Collaborate with and support internal marketing, policy/legal, compliance, operations, project development, and subscriber acquisition teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• 5+ years of experience in community engagement, government relations, public affairs, business development, economic development, nonprofit leadership, clean energy, utilities, or related fields
• Existing relationships within the Chicagoland municipal and nonprofit communities are highly desirable
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Willingness to travel throughout the Chicagoland area for meetings and events; driver’s license and vehicle preferred (travel is reimbursed)
• Experience with community solar, renewable energy, utilities, or public policy is preferred but not required