How to apply for Communications Manager

About Solar Stewards

Solar Stewards is a social enterprise dedicated to equitable solar energy development, merging sustainability with market principles to benefit historically excluded communities. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven team that values ESG goals and innovative public-private partnerships.

About the role

As Communications Manager, you'll craft and execute communication strategies that amplify the stories of Community Partners and Climate Stewards, advocating for equitable renewable energy projects. This role is impactful because you'll directly support communities in securing community benefit agreements and advancing systemic change.

A typical day

A typical day might involve drafting a newsletter about a new community solar project, coordinating with partners to gather stories, and updating the website. You'd also engage with stakeholders on social media, plan upcoming communication campaigns, and analyze the impact of your content—all while working remotely and collaborating via virtual meetings.

Who Solar Stewards is looking for

• Passionate about equity and systemic change, with a deep understanding of issues facing historically excluded communities.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, including content creation for newsletters, press releases, and digital platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex energy policy into accessible narratives.
• Self-motivated and organized, capable of managing multiple projects in a remote contract role.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your portfolio to include examples of communications work related to social justice, renewable energy, or community advocacy.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal passion for equity to Solar Stewards' mission and mention how you can amplify community voices.
• Research Solar Stewards' recent projects and mention specific ones in your application to show genuine interest.
• Highlight any experience with ESG reporting, stakeholder engagement, or public-private partnerships.
• Since it's a contract role, emphasize your ability to deliver results independently and manage your time effectively.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your commitment to equity and environmental sustainability, and how it aligns with Solar Stewards' mission.", 'Your experience in creating compelling content that tells the stories of underrepresented communities.', 'Your ability to develop communication strategies that support community benefit agreements and renewable energy projects.', "Specific examples of how you've successfully advocated for similar causes in previous roles."]

Research before applying

• Explore Solar Stewards' website (solarstewards.net) thoroughly, including their mission, projects, and any news or blog posts.
• Look into their 'Climate Stewards' and 'Community Partners' programs to understand the stakeholders you'd be communicating with.
• Research recent developments in community benefit agreements and equitable solar deployment in the US.
• Familiarize yourself with the concept of ESG and how Solar Stewards integrates it into their work.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach developing a communication strategy for a new community solar project?
• Can you describe a time you used storytelling to influence stakeholders or drive change?
• How do you ensure your communications are inclusive and accessible to historically excluded communities?
• What experience do you have with ESG reporting and how would you integrate that into communications?
• How do you handle working remotely and managing multiple projects with tight deadlines?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention equity or renewable energy.
• Overlooking the remote contract nature of the role and not demonstrating experience with remote work or project-based timelines.
• Failing to show an understanding of the company's social enterprise model and its focus on community advocacy.