Economic Development Manager

Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships, and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities, and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen, and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage. To learn more, please visit www.UrbanGridSolar.com.

 Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield. one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

Job Summary

Urban Grid is seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our team. The Economic Development Manager is a seasoned leader with experience in local community engagement activities relating to renewable energy. Reporting to the VP, Economic & Community Development, this individual will work to ensure that local government officials, key influencers and stakeholders are well informed of the economic benefits a utility-scale solar facility will bring to a rural community. The position supports numerous teams throughout the organization including land, project development and permitting. As part of the community engagement team, the Economic Development Manager will work to shepherd our projects toward completion.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for outreach to local government officials in targeted communities at the earliest stages of project development, establishing foundational relationships spanning election cycles, economic swings and ever-evolving local sentiment toward renewable energy.
• Supports community engagement strategy throughout the development, permitting and commercialization phases of the project.
• Works closely with elected officials, business and civic leaders and economic offices as needed and in support of other Urban Grid teams (including development, site finding, project finance, senior leadership, business development, origination and marketing/communications) as they work together to successfully deliver a project.
• Earns trust.
• Provides proactive, relevant intel and analysis of county-level politics, rulings, ordinances and other happenings that could impact a project positively or negatively. Reports out to all internal stakeholders on a timely and regular basis.
• Is comfortable, confident and capable of presenting in front of an audience that could include unfriendly opposition, special interest groups, key government officials and concerned citizens. Represents Urban Grid at local and state government and trade functions.
• Willing to travel frequently (35%). Other duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.  

• Bachelor's degree in business, communications, real estate, political science or other related field.  
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, in economic development, public relations, community outreach, land development or related work.
• 3 years of solar industry experience preferred; experience working for a Utility, IPP, or Developer is a plus.
• Experience with project management, managing time-sensitive activities, coordinating public events and  delivering public presentations in strategic collaboration with a team.
• Must be self-motivated and be able to work both individually and/or in a collaborative team environment with minimal guidance.
• Must be able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities, developing and maintaining internal and external relationships as new business opportunities are pursued.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to coordinate and communicate across a broad range of commercial and technical discussions.
• Must have strong organizational capacity to simultaneously manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and be able to quickly adapt to changes and shift priorities as required.
• Familiarity with relevant industry topics, project development and contract origination is helpful but not required.
• Results-oriented with a strong commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.

Urban Grid offers an exciting benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, voluntary life, paid parental leave, and a retirement plan with rich matching. Full-time position with a competitive compensation package, including bonus.