Vice President, Strategic Communications

Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) Overview

Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) is a nonprofit organization with 60+ members, including wind, solar, and energy storage developers and manufacturers; nonprofit environmental, public interest, and clean energy advocacy organizations; farmer organizations; and other businesses that support renewable energy.

CGA is a vital player in the fast-changing clean energy sector. The rapid growth of clean energy technologies—including wind, solar, storage, and emerging innovations like hydrogen—highlights the importance of CGA’s expertise and engagement in the years to come.

CGA’s footprint currently spans nine states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. The organization’s work with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) extends into MISO South, covering Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and a small part of Texas.

Vice President, Strategic Communications

Role Overview

The Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) seeks a Vice President, Strategic Communications to develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy. The goal is to elevate the organization’s brand, strengthen its reputation, and advance strategic objectives.

This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional communication, political acumen, and media relations skills. The ideal candidate will be a passionate advocate for clean energy solutions and deeply understand the political landscape and its impact on the industry.

Responsibilities

Develop and Execute a Comprehensive Communications Strategy

• Align communications efforts with CGA’s overall business strategy and strategic priorities.
• Develop and manage key messages and narratives across all channels.
• Oversee all aspects of media relations, including press releases, media inquiries, media training, and executive visibility.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze its impact.

Lead and Manage the Communications Team

• Lead and mentor a high-performing communications team of three or more personnel.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team environment.

Enhance the Organization’s Brand and Reputation

• Develop and implement brand-building initiatives across all channels.
• Manage CGA’s online and social media presence, including a webinar series.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, customers, government officials, and industry partners.

Provide Strategic Counsel to Executive Leadership

• Advise the CEO and senior executives on communication strategies for initiatives, such as internal membership value, external relationship building, and thought leadership.
• Prepare executive presentations and speeches for internal and external audiences.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends and competitor communications.

Support Advocacy for Clean Energy Policies

• Develop and execute public affairs campaigns aligned with policy goals to advance CGA’s policy agenda.
• Provide written/visual collateral and creative content for communication with key policymakers and government officials.
• Work with state advocacy, MISO, and regulatory teams to enhance positive relationships at political events and industry conferences.

Ideal Candidate

The Vice President, Strategic Communications will report directly to the Executive Director and serve as a critical member of the executive leadership team. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented project manager who can deliver exceptional outcomes while creating and implementing a compelling vision for the communications team.

Required

• 12–15 years of experience in corporate communications or public relations, with a deep understanding of the energy industry and the political landscape.
• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree or coursework is a plus).
• Excellent judgment and the ability to immediately put plans into action.

Preferred

• Strong political acumen and experience working with government officials and policymakers.
• Knowledge and experience in environmental issues, energy, renewable energy, or related fields.

Skills and Accomplishments

• Proven success in developing and executing high-impact communications strategies.
• Ability to work independently and embrace collaboration, teamwork, and flexible thinking.
• Experience leading and managing high-performing teams.
• High degree of self-motivation and initiative with strong organizational and management skills.
• Knowledge of digital marketing and social media best practices.
• Intellectually curious with a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Additional Details

Preferred Location: Midwest—Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; Chicago, IL; Des Moines, IA; Indianapolis, IN. Remote options are available. CGA maintains a hybrid work environment and holds quarterly in-person member meetings in Minneapolis/St. Paul (March, June, September, December).

Salary: $140,000

Apply: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/vp-strategic-comms-cga/

DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of Clean Grid Alliance.