Partnerships and Contracts Manager

ABOUT THE POSITION

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong business acumen who is passionate about energy, relationship building, and customer service. This role will lead partnership engagement and collaboration internally and externally and ensure all contracts and other agreements signed are accurate and calibrated to advance the SE Rural Power Program (SERP) and comply with applicable rules and regulations.

The Partnerships and Contract Manager (the Manager) will manage strategic relationships with existing and new partners and, in coordination with the Legal Team, manage the administration and development of, assist in the negotiation of, and be responsible for the implementation and compliance of all contracts and agreements related to the SERP project. Additionally The manager will play a pivotal role in identifying new valued and aligned partnerships in the SE Region.

The manager will report to the Vice President of Southeast Rural Power & Solar for All and collaborate with Groundswell’s Market Development and Legal teams.

Groundswell is a values-driven social enterprise committed to a culture of belonging.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Partnership Engagement

• Drive new partnership strategies to support growth and expansion in the SE Region.
• Identify, evaluate, and engage with potential valued aligned partners and vendors. Partners will, among other roles/functions, help to identify sites for solar energy projects, train workers, support engagement with community members in target geographies, and more.
• Act as primary liaison between the partners and key internal stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates to the senior management team on new leads and other fruitful opportunities to support the SERP project.
• Represent Groundswell at conferences and other stakeholder meetings and events.

Contracts Management

• In coordination with the Legal Department, manage, administer, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, and other agreements for SERP projects and initiatives. Types of agreements include, but are not limited to, power purchase agreements (PPAs), agreements with partners to provide workforce training programming, construction contracts, data-sharing agreements, etc.
• Oversee contract compliance to ensure timely compliance, reporting requirements, and all deliverables.
• Identify potential risks in contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Maintain accurate documentation of contracts and other legal documents related to SERP projects and programs.
• Work alongside Groundswell’s finance team to support grant and funding agreements to ensure compliance and reporting requirements and obligations are met.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Participate in the overall execution of Groundswell programs as a team member.

OTHER DUTIES

This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of required activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

COMPETENCIES OR SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

• Strong understanding of contracts and other agreements that facilitate renewable energy projects.
• Ability to handle multiple projects while maintaining consistent attention to detail.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position can be based in Washington, DC, or the Southeast. Employees based in Washington, DC, are expected to work in the office four days per month in accordance with Groundswell’s hybrid/remote work plan. Employees working in Southeast will be remote.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS

This is a full-time, 40-hour-a-week position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and core hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

TRAVEL

Occasional regional travel will be required for this position. Occasional visits to Groundswell office locations may be required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, or related field.
• 5 plus years of experience in partnership management and contract administration
• Knowledge of legal and compliance related to partnerships and contracts
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite

SUPERVISION

The Partnerships and Contracts Manager will report to the Vice President of Southeast Rural Power & Solar for All.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for this position is in Groundswell's established pay band for the Manager level, and it includes a full-time employee benefits package.

BENEFITS

• Groundswell pays 100% of the monthly premium for health, dental, vision, and long-term disability for full-time employees in accordance with Groundswell’s policy. Groundswell also covers 50% of spouses and dependents covered under the Groundswell healthcare, vision, and dental plan.
• Matching 401 (k) plan contribution by Groundswell up to 4% for employees who choose to contribute to Groundswell’s 401 (k) plan, with immediate vesting.
• Monthly Development Days to focus on professional development opportunities
• $45 per month to reimburse cellular phone use for business purposes.
• $75 per month to reimburse home internet access for business purposes.
• Fifteen (15) paid vacation days per year; eight (8) sick days; and two (2) personal days. Vacation and sick leave accrue at the start of your employment, restart each year on January 1, and increase with tenure. Personal days begin after six months of employment.
• Groundswell also takes nine (9) paid federal holidays and a holiday break from December 24th to January 1st (inclusive).
• Short-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, and Voluntary Life available.
• Pre-tax benefits such as Smart Benefits, Flexible spending accounts, and Dependent care are also available.