Communications Director

~ The Alliance for Clean Energy is a member-based organization with a mission of promoting clean, renewable electricity technologies and energy efficiency in New York State, in order to increase energy diversity and security, boost economic development, improve public health and reduce air pollution. ~

We are a member-based advocacy organization, and our members include a variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency businesses, as well as public interest environmental organizations.

Our work focuses on building market opportunities for renewable energy and energy efficiency businesses through policy advocacy at State agencies and the Legislature. ACE NY is the New York State affiliate of the American Wind Energy Association and the Advanced Energy Economy Institute.

Position Overview

New York State is at an exciting juncture in the development of renewable energy, with strong commitments from Governor Cuomo abutting a challenging federal landscape, and the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) is seeking new talent to bolster our efforts to deliver a clean energy future.

ACE NY is seeking a full-time Outreach and Communications Director to be based in Albany, NY.

Responsibilities

A variety of public outreach, education, and communications activities will be coordinated by the person in this position who will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Manage and work closely with ACE NY’s public relations consultants to develop and implement specific strategies for outreach and education of the public and specific constituencies in furtherance of the ACE NY mission;
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with representatives from diverse media outlets and other thought leaders;
• Serve as spokesperson for ACE NY, including occasionally developing and delivering policy positions, public correspondence, and media statements to local, state, or federal entities in support the ACE NY mission;
• Strategically manage the content of the ACE NY website and social media outlets, including regular use of Twitter and regular posting on the ACE NY Clean Energy blog, with an eye towards expanding reach and influence;
• Design and implement, along with the rest of the ACE NY team, several outreach events per year, including an annual Fall Conference, an annual NYC-based Climate Week event; an annual NYC-based Energy Week event; and an Albany-based Clean Energy Day at the New York State Legislature;
• As resources allow, develop and implement strategies for paid advertising, including online advertising;
• Seek out strategic speaking engagements and other opportunities to promote clean energy policies within New York State and to diverse stakeholders, including civic, labor, and environmental organizations, business and municipal associations, universities, et cetera, with a specific focus on geographical areas where there are proposed large-scale renewable project proposed.
• Assist in the coordination of active, diverse coalitions in support of specific clean energy policies, including short-term and ad hoc coalitions that strategically arise in collaboration with both business interests and non-profit environmental organizations; and,
• Assist in the management of ACE NY communication with Legislature through legislative memoranda and other means.

Qualifications 

Required: 

• Strong communication skills, including written, in-person and public speaking;
• Experience interacting with the media – including social and online media;
• A minimum of 5 years related and relevant work experience in communications, renewable energy business development, advocacy, and/or policy development;
• Experience in government relations and/or media;
• Proven track record and demonstrated expertise in communications or public policy and advocacy;
• Ability to self-direct to develop and execute strategic plans and complete diverse tasks; and,
• Willingness to undertake frequent travel between New York City and Albany, and occasionally to other portions of New York State.

Preferred:

• Experience with government relations in New York State (City or State) and established relationships in the New York energy/environmental policy arena;
• Knowledge or experience with renewable energy, the electric system or energy policy and regulation; and,
• Experience managing consultants to support communications or advocacy efforts.

To Apply

• Interested applicants should please click "Apply" below email both a resume and cover letter with the subject line “COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR APPLICATION FOR (insert name)” to Anne Reynolds.
• Applicants should feel free to also send references or writing samples, although it is not required.

ACE NY is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.