Apply at https://link.mncef.com/careers

Job Title: Director of Programs & Operations

Reports To: Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Minneapolis area/hybrid

Summary: Responsible for communications, programming and operational functions instrumental in advancing conservative, market-based clean energy solutions in Minnesota. Working closely with the MnCEF Executive Director, the Director of Program & Operations will plan and execute various programs throughout the year, lead our Land and Liberty Coalition Minnesota grass roots efforts, manage communications including MnCEF’s and L&LC MN’s digital presence content creation, media relations and perform administrative functions for day-to-day operations.

Success in this role will require an individual that is highly organized, self-motivated, and a team player willing to help where she or he is needed. The right candidate will excel in an always-evolving work environment – often with little direct supervision – and can turn around quick deadlines. MnCEF consists of a small but dynamic team, meaning the right candidate for this position will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to shape the primary responsibilities of this role on the job and will significantly contribute to the further advancement of the organization’s educational goals at large by performing the following duties.

Duties and Responsibilities: The following are essential functions of the position.  Other duties may be assigned.

Programming – 50% of time:

• Drive MnCEF’s annual programming and special events.
• Support the development of MnCEF’s external-facing content, including marketing, communications, and policy materials in collaboration with the Executive Director and key partners. Oversee project development, providing support and networking assistance as needed.
• Lead content creation for Biennial Candidate Education and support work.
  • Conduct survey of candidates during election cycles, working with the Executive Director to draft survey and letters and evaluate responses.
  • Coordinate educational meetings with candidates and make MnCEF staff travel arrangements across the state.
• Schedule quarterly Leadership Council call, draft agenda, and provide additional information to Council as needed.
• Contribute to identifying grants, sponsorships, and new or creative partnership opportunities that support MnCEF’s mission and long-term strategic growth.
• Provide administrative support for educational events and tours.
• Monitor and attend in-state energy conferences to increase knowledge base, network, recommend sponsorships and increase MnCEF brand awareness.
• Attend legislative, stakeholder, coalition and partner meetings with the Executive Director to build subject-matter knowledge, maintain organizational visibility, and represent MnCEF when appropriate. Assist with additional internal and external programming as needed. Connection and/or relationships within the Minnesota legislature or knowledge of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission a major plus.

Grass Roots efforts – 30% of time:

• Be primary driver on all grassroots efforts with Land & Liberty Coalition.
• Execute strategies (developed by Deputy Director) that help to overcome clean energy market barriers and accelerate the scale and penetration of clean energy development in Minnesota.
• Facilitate grassroots outreach efforts that provide one-on-one assistance to local citizens regarding their community’s projects, issues, and demographics.
• Pursue creative grassroots partnerships, collaboration pathways, and capacity-building opportunities that deepen engagement and support L&LC’s mission statewide.
• Keep a timeline, or calendar, of all events/meetings/hearings –that have to do with siting or permitting –throughout Minnesota.
• Support Deputy Director’s development of best practices, reports, summary papers, case studies, briefs, and web-based materials in support of knowledge transfer and outreach efforts.
• Identify and conduct deep-dive analysis on best practices for clean energy siting and draft guidance documents for local decision-makers and industry members.
• Facilitate working group meetings with diverse stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as complete projects and deliverables with input from the working group.
• Analyze local ordinances(policy), and zoning rules to message around a proposed project best effectively.
• Understanding of issues, problems, and reasons why a community may benefit from clean energy developments and work with state leads on implementation of solutions.
• Work with Deputy Director and CEN Communications team to develop and curate social and traditional media opportunities, including but not limited to letters to the editor, Op-Eds, blogs, social posts, etc.
• Identify, track, and triage potential new areas of interest and relay them back to CEN management team, L&LC Director, state teams and industry partners.

Communications – 10% of time:

• Draft the monthly e-newsletter and maintain the email list.
• Keep website up to date with recent news, blog posts, press releases, etc.  Monitor site activity and respond to comments.
• Post latest energy related news stories to MnCEF’s social media as well as photos and videos from MnCEF hosted events or events MnCEF is attending. Monitor comments and respond to questions.
• Work with CEN’s communications team and stakeholder partners to draft press releases, op-eds and LTEs. Publish press releases and maintain media email list.
• Assist Executive Director in writing and editing grant proposals.
• Edit final projects and support publication as needed.

Other – 10% of time:

• Attend annual CEN conference, collaborating with all CEN state organizations.
• Participate in monthly CEN Midwest Regional call.
• Participate in monthly Program Directors call and other internal CEN calls as necessary.
• Work with Executive Director to plan biennial MnCEF strategic planning retreat.
• Work with Executive Director to track, maintain and communicate progress on goals created from the strategic plan.

Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities: 

• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Top notch writing/editing skills, experience distilling complicated issues in memos, reports, press releases, and digital communication platforms.
• Basic graphic design skills for social media, web, Microsoft
• PowerPoint, and print materials is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in driving creative, integrated digital campaigns from concept to execution, and effectively reporting on them.
• Excellent research and analytical abilities, with demonstrated resourcefulness in gathering, evaluating, and applying information to policy, communications, and program needs.
• Prior program management and event coordination experience, with demonstrated ability to meet deliverables on budget and by deadlines.
• Outstanding time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage and meet deadlines and balance multiple programming priorities at once.
• Ability to manage budget data, track spending and create financial reports.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, interest in learning new skills, and eagerness to advance the goals of MnCEF.
• Resourceful and adaptable, with a demonstrated ability to learn quickly and figure out solutions when faced with new challenges.
• Role requires ability to work some evenings and/or weekends for special events.
• Role requires some travel, including overnight travel, usually a few times per year.

Specialized Training: 

• Experience working for issue advocacy nonprofits, public affairs firms, political campaigns, or government is preferred.
• Experience working with energy a plus.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 5-to-20-pound boxes for events, as needed.

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to prepare and deliver effective speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to diverse audiences including elected officials and public groups.

Computer Skills: 

Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point. Experience with Squarespace, Constant Contact, MailChimp, or other email marketing platforms preferred. Experience with Adobe Suite, which includes InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, Canva, and/or other similar design applications is a plus. Open to learning additional platforms and software as needed.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from four-year college or university in communications, political science, digital media, or another relevant field; and at least three to five years of communications, marketing, administrative and/or program management experience.

Apply at https://link.mncef.com/careers