Sr. Manager, Stakeholder Relations PJM

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The Sr. Manager of Stakeholder Relations, PJM, will partner with cross-functional teams to execute project-specific and regional stakeholder relations strategies supporting business and project success.

As a member of AES Clean Energy's External Affairs team, the Sr. Manager of Stakeholder Relations, PJM will lead all stakeholder engagement for AES' large pipeline of clean energy projects throughout the PJM territory. This position will lead and manage community and stakeholder relations as the face of AES for its existing and future pipeline of projects, across technologies, and across all states in PJM. This position must communicate effectively and advocate to social organizations, government officials, public and private institutions, regulatory agencies, and educational institutions while representing AES throughout PJM competently and professionally.

Main Responsibilities:

• Identify, establish, and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders in local communities across PJM where AES is pursuing clean energy projects, working collaboratively with relevant departments (External Affairs colleagues, Development, Permitting, Commercial etc.)
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for AES in the community and at hearings
• Align Stakeholder Engagement efforts with AES' PJM Market Strategy
• Lead the AES PJM Stakeholder Relations team as it expands over time, immediate management of a Stakeholder Relations Manager, Virginia and Stakeholder Relations Analyst, PJM
• Develop and execute a strategic state-level Stakeholder Relations plan and project outreach plans and budgets that meet or exceed contract and regulatory requirements, align with the company's brand positioning, and support AES development efforts across the region
• Establish AES' regional Social Impact Strategy as it relates to philanthropic giving and strategic partnerships within local communities
• Assist in Stakeholder Relations tasks relating to project development and permitting
• Proactively mitigate risks at the community level and coordinate with External Affairs counterparts to mitigate risks at the government and regulatory level
• Track local policy, actions, and news related to or that could impact AES or its projects throughout PJM
• Manage third-party vendors hired to assist with strategies to implement the Stakeholder Relations Plans and development activities
• Develop and manage relationships and memberships with relevant external community trade, interest groups, and local organizations
• Coordinate in-person and virtual events, including community meetings, and oversee all event-related tasks, from planning to execution
• Support communication needs within PJM, including drafting content and messaging, identifying and supporting local marketing opportunities, submitting award nominations, etc. in close coordination with the Communications team
• Work with the Communications team to identify and execute local media opportunities and function as a local spokesperson for projects
• Identify and communicate local sentiment, priorities, risks, and concerns to the internal team, ensuring that AES' messaging is specifically tailored and relevant to the local community
• Create and maintain accurate records of all contacts, key stakeholders, and interactions on a project and portfolio basis, ensuring maintenance of stakeholder tracking through Quorum; report on outreach and stakeholder management efforts as part of Corporate Sustainability and Investor Reporting
• Extensive travel will be required to develop relationships with local leaders in priority project communities

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or postgraduate degree, preferably in external relations, business, communications or equivalent
• 7-10+ years of experience in public affairs, stakeholder relations, communications, business development or a similar field
• Familiarity with energy development in PJM, preferably renewable energy
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, working on multiple projects with internal and external key stakeholders
• Extensive network of contacts and relationships in PJM with key stakeholders
• Experience in project or land development and permitting in PJM
• Experience with community relations in PJM
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines
• Knowledge of renewable project development, utilities, interconnection, permitting, contracting
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Self-starter, very self-reliant, and capable of operating with minimum supervision
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout PJM, and to AES offices
• Exemplify our Values of Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Safety comes first at AES. To protect the health and safety of our people, customers, communities and partners, and to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, AES requires all newly-hired people or current AES people applying for U.S.-based role(s), to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be willing to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their date of hire. Except where prohibited by law or not specifically covered in a collective bargaining agreement, new hires and transfers will be required to provide proof of vaccination during onboarding and periodically thereafter. This policy will comply with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, as applicable.