Clean Energy Program Manager

Planet Reimagined is recruiting a Program Manager to build on our clean energy advocacy and policy work. If you are an inspiring leader and experienced project manager committed to expanding clean energy quickly and equitably, this is an ideal opportunity with a fast-growing global advocacy, research, and campaigning nonprofit to build and oversee Common Grounds, a pioneering new initiative that has bipartisan support from across the federal government. 

About Planet Reimagined and Common Grounds:

Common Grounds is Planet Reimagined’s program to accelerate the energy transition by centering energy communities and building bridges to those left behind within the fossil fuel industry by incentivizing energy land-sharing and the co-location of renewable energy projects on federal and state oil and gas lands. Siting wind and solar projects on these leased lands expedites permitting, minimizes landscape disturbance, expands transition equity, and localizes investment opportunities.

Planet Reimagined leads large-scale action research projects and trains the climate leaders of the future with customized fellowships for researchers and advocates. We use cutting-edge tools from digital communications, grassroots organizing, and policy advocacy to drive change. Founded by musician Adam Met of the platinum indie pop band AJR, we harness the power of media and entertainment to reach over 100 million people a year.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated manager  to establish and lead a ground-breaking  effort to drive adoption of clean energy land-sharing in order to transition from fossil fuel production. The Clean Energy Program Manager will successfully plan and implement new wind and solar projects, oversee community and industry engagement, and launch new tools to make the transition accessible throughout the wider market in the Western United States. The ideal candidate will have a background in program management and team leadership within a climate or environmental advocacy organization or government, and a keen understanding of renewable energy project development, state and federal energy policy, community engagement, and the oil and gas industry. 

The new Clean Energy program will lower the barrier to entry by partially absorbing the “first mover” costs to establish clean energy pilot projects on federal and state oil and gas lands, and undertaking outreach and advocacy across the energy industry, communities, and policymakers. The program will drive scale through developing online interactive toolkits to help small business owners transition away from fossil fuels; and driving legislative and administrative policy changes to remove barriers and unlock funding. 

The Program Manager will work with Planet Reimagined’s leadership to build the Common Grounds team, lead fundraising and donor stewardship efforts, facilitate collaboration with local and national partners, organize project timelines and budget, and manage stakeholder engagement to to successfully deliver project objectives. The Program Manager is a senior role reporting to the Managing Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Recruit, build and oversee a diverse team of 4-6 people across relevant disciplines
• Achieve significant collaboration and coherence across staff and advisors  with different backgrounds and expertise including engineers, advocates, grassroots organizers, lawyers, and business professionals
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and reporting on KPIs to a range of  stakeholders
• Facilitate fruitful relationships between oil and gas operators, renewable energy developers, and others to develop and implement comprehensive project plans, staying mindful of project scope and timeline
• Act as the primary point of contact for program stakeholders, expanding and maintaining strong relationships with funders, advocacy partners, local communities and project developers
• Stay informed of the latest trends and advancements in the renewable energy and oil & gas sectors and ensure compliance with industry standards, environmental policies, and the changing regulatory environment

This is a virtual position and can be based anywhere, though you need to have U.S. work authorization and be available to regularly join meetings in Eastern Time Zone hours. This is a full-time salaried position.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The salary range for this position is $125,000–$140,000
• Full time employees are eligible for paid holidays and vacations
• Additional stipend to recognize the high cost of health care

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Engineering, Environmental Science or Environmental Policy, Business, Project Management, or related field. A Master’s degree or additional professional certifications is a plus
• Minimum of 6+ years of program management experience within an environment/climate advocacy organization, energy-related government position, renewable energy or oil & gas industry or related field
• Strong understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and tools
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with a management approach  likely to thrive within Planet Reimagined’s collaborative culture of shared values and mutual respect
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail, with the ability to be effective leading a nimble start-up initiative and the continuing flexibility and adaptability needed for speedy growth.
• Mission-driven commitment to social good and passion for paving the way to a fair clean energy future