[Hiring] Community Engagement Manager @Sparkfund

Role Description

At Sparkfund, we're working to accelerate the deployment of distributed energy solutions that make our energy systems more reliable, resilient, and sustainable. We're looking for a Community Engagement Manager to help build and strengthen our presence across Minnesota as we expand our Capacity Connect program.

This is a highly visible, relationship-driven role for someone who enjoys bringing people together, building trust within communities, and helping complex projects move forward. You'll serve as a key connection between Sparkfund, local officials, community organizations, and the stakeholders who influence how energy projects are received and delivered.

You'll have the opportunity to shape our community engagement strategy, build relationships from the ground up, and have a direct impact on how distributed energy projects are introduced and supported across Minnesota.

What You'll Do

• Build Our Community Engagement Strategy
  • Develop and lead community engagement and market presence strategies across Minnesota.
  • Identify key stakeholders, assess community sentiment, and anticipate potential concerns or opposition.
  • Build strong relationships with local officials, community organizations, and other influential stakeholders.
  • Develop tools, dashboards, and repeatable processes to track engagement efforts and community readiness.
• Lead Community Outreach
  • Represent Sparkfund in meetings with local governments, community groups, and other stakeholders.
  • Plan and facilitate informational sessions, community meetings, and outreach events.
  • Partner with internal teams to ensure community perspectives are considered throughout project development and deployment.
  • Help establish Sparkfund as a trusted, credible partner in the communities where we operate.
• Support Project Delivery
  • Work closely with our Host Engagement, Commercialization, Marketing, and Projects teams to align community engagement with project timelines.
  • Identify potential community concerns or project risks early and recommend solutions.
  • Support local approval processes and engagement with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).
  • Maintain accurate records of stakeholder communications, commitments, and outreach activities.
• Shape Our Messaging
  • Help determine what information communities need and when they need it.
  • Partner with Marketing to develop clear, accessible materials and talking points.
  • Communicate complex energy concepts in ways that resonate with different audiences.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in community relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, or a related field.
• Experience developing and executing community engagement strategies, including building relationships with local officials and community organizations.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including comfort speaking at public meetings and engaging with diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and project timelines.
• Sound judgment when navigating sensitive conversations, community concerns, and external communications.
• A bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Requirements

• Experience in energy, utilities, infrastructure, or another regulated industry.
• Familiarity with Minnesota communities, local government, and permitting or regulatory processes.
• Experience organizing public meetings or community engagement for infrastructure or land-use projects.
• Experience using CRM platforms, engagement dashboards, or AI-enabled tools.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and experience building new processes or programs.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $105,400–$143,200, based on experience, qualifications, and location.
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with a 2% employer match.
• Flexible vacation policy and federal holidays.
• Half-day Fridays.
• 12 weeks of gender-neutral paid caregiver leave.
• One-time work-from-home equipment stipend.
• $100 monthly phone and internet allowance.

Location & Travel

This is a remote position based in Minnesota, with a preference for candidates in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area. The role requires regular travel within Minnesota for community meetings, stakeholder engagement, and project-related activities, along with occasional overnight or out-of-state travel. Relocation assistance is not available.

Join Us

If you enjoy building relationships, connecting communities with meaningful projects, and helping shape the future of energy infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every qualification listed.

Sparkfund is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process and employment.