Job Openings

Vice President of Communications

Department:

Communications

Reports to:

President and Chief Executive Officer

Position Description:

The Vice President of Communications for the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is responsible for the development, integration and implementation of a broad range of marketing and communications activities aligned to the strategic direction and priorities of the organization.

He/She will promote, enhance and advance the work, vision and reputation of the ACORE and its position as a credible thought leader and advocate for the transition to renewable energy.

He/She works to ensure ACORE remains a preeminent business voice for the renewable energy sector and continues to be viewed as a primary source of insight and analysis within its diverse network and constituent base.

The Vice President of Communications oversees a department that manages all communications activities for the organization, including branding, earned media, social media, owned media website content, email newsletters, and digital marketing. He/She ensures quality and consistency across paid, earned, owned and social media channels.

The Vice President of Communications will report directly to the President and CEO and work closely with a senior peer group (management team) as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives to enhance brand visibility and reputation.

Key Job Duties:

Develop, implement, and evaluate ACORE’s communications strategy across target audiences in collaboration with the management team and key constituents
Manage communications priorities while maintaining strong relationships with internal, cross-functional team members
Engage and forge positive working relationships with ACORE members, leaders in the field and allied trade associations, think tanks and policy groups.
Recognize and act on marketplace trends and other external opportunities to showcase ACORE’s mission and drive awareness of its activities
Lead the creation of content for core external communications products, including press releases/statements, talking points, blogs, newsletters, reports and more
Work with the President and CEO to develop a range of internal and external organization communications materials such as presentations, speaking remarks and related briefing materials
Coordinate efforts with policy and programs staff for all ACORE publications, including reports, market reviews, issue briefs, comments, and sign-on letters. This includes editing support and guidance as well as counsel on communications roll-out strategies
Develop effective messaging and overall strategy for ACORE marketing and brand collateral materials in partnership with our in-house designer and corporate relations, events, and programs colleagues
Support the execution of a high-impact executive communications program, including a speakers’ bureau and social visibility plans for the President and CEO
Manage all media contacts and develop new relationships to enhance ACORE’s earned media impact
Field and respond to media inquiries seeking industry opinion and information, coordinate with staff to set up interviews and/or serve as spokesperson for ACORE
Develop letters to the editor and op-eds for placement in close coordination with senior management team
Assist with the content development, management and execution of ACORE’s signature forums, with an emphasis on strategies to achieve maximum earned and social media impact
Manage the team responsible for ACORE.org and event website maintenance, ensuring that new and consistent information is posted regularly
Supervise a Communications Specialist and Web Developer
Oversee the development and tracking of communications team key performance indicators

Required Skills and Knowledge:

Accomplished senior communications professional with 8+ years of increasing responsibility in relevant communications roles; ideally in an “in-house” leadership role within a complex (number and variety of constituents) organization
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related discipline
Knowledge of the renewable energy industry, including an understanding of industry trends, prominent companies, technologies, finance and policy
Exceptional oral and written communications skills, visual/graphic communication skills also preferred
Strong experience with social media applications (e.g., Sprout Social, Bit.ly, Canva) and platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) as well as working knowledge of digital tools and services such as WordPress and Google Analytics
Ability to take knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages, and disseminate it to the right audiences through the best distribution channels
Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to “manage by influence”
Self-starter, able to work independently and collaboratively. Thrives on managing multiple initiatives concurrently
Experience managing budgets and vendors

Application Process:

Please submit a cover letter, highlighting your specific qualifications for the position and a personal resume to: careers@acore.org. Interviews will be promptly scheduled with candidates that best fit the requirements enumerated above.

Communications Specialist

Department:

Communications

Reports To:

Vice President of Communications

Position Description:

This Communications Specialist will report directly to the Vice President of Communications and will work collaboratively with the programs, policy, membership and events departments to help increase brand awareness for ACORE while strengthening our reputation as a leader on cross-cutting renewable energy business and policy issues.

The candidate should be familiar with the federal legislative and regulatory process and comfortable at the intersection of government, industry and public interest. He/she must also have excellent writing skills and strong attention to detail. This individual should also be driven to create engaging content that promotes and defends America’s renewable energy sector.

Key Job Duties:

Craft and distribute ACORE’s Renewable Business Daily newsletter
Manage the editorial development and distribution of weekly newsletters (Renewable Business Review and Member Update)
Draft and schedule compelling content for ACORE’s social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
Write, edit and proofread a wide variety of written content (e.g., press releases, fact sheets, newsletters, reports, issue briefs, executive quotes, key messages)
Research, develop and manage blog post contributions (staff and contributed) while maintaining general best practices for ACORE’s blog
Manage regular updates to marketing and content calendars to inform the roll-out of various organizational products
Manage ACORE’s speakers’ bureau program in close coordination with the VP of Communications, including vetting, submitting and maintaining a database of opportunities
Assist with maintenance and management of content on ACORE.org, working closely with our in-house web developer
Work with the VP of communications to produce reports on communications activities for staff and board meetings
Help collect and analyze data from the organization’s communications efforts, including earned media coverage, website analytics, email marketing reports, and social media metrics
Support event promotion strategies for signature forums and other key ACORE events
Assist with research requests for ACORE publications such as issue briefs, market reviews, quote sheets, public comments and/or blog posts
Supervise interns on best practices, tools, and departmental procedures and protocols
Perform other tasks and miscellaneous support duties as assigned

Required Skills and Knowledge:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or equivalent education and experience
Two to four years of PR/communications experience, preferably at an agency, trade association, Congressional office or clean energy company
Superb writing, editing, and proofreading skills (AP style) and a demonstrated ability to translate complex information into clean, concise and engaging copy
Facility to adapt to change and prioritize multiple tasks effectively under deadline pressure
Capability to develop and manage productive and collaborative relationships with external and internal stakeholders and approach issues with a nonpartisan, objective mindset
Experience with social media applications (e.g., Sprout Social, Bit.ly, Canva) and platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) as well as working knowledge of digital tools and services such as WordPress and Google Analytics
Experience with Web communications, HTML, and social media preferred; graphic design experience a plus
Knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint
Ability to work independently, multitask and take ownership over projects and assignments
Intellectual curiosity and an interest in renewable energy policy and finance

Application Process:

Internships

Internship applications are welcome from students and recent graduates who are committed to making renewable energy the focus of their career paths.

Intern program participants engage in research, writing and cross-departmental assistance based on their interests and the organization’s current focus. During ACORE’s internship, one of the main focus is the development and presentation of an individual research project. This project focuses the intern’s attention and knowledge on a particular facet of the renewable energy industry, preparing them to seek a job in that area. Interns work on their papers by researching a topic of their choosing and interviewing members of the renewable energy sector, as well as potential employers, through personal introductions by staff and networking opportunities.

Interns support the ACORE departments listed below:

Events

Summary:

As the leader in the transition to a renewable energy economy, we develop premier industry conferences that position ACORE as the most prominent renewable energy leader for finance and policy in the United States. The event internship is a unique opportunity to learn how event planning, logistics, marketing, sales and budgeting come together to create compelling convenings that shape the industry. This position works closely with the events team by assisting in event planning, marketing and developing/maintaining promotional partnerships. Interns will report to the Director of Events and Events Coordinator and will spend approximately 50 percent of their time on a research project of their choice.

Responsibilities:

- - - - Work with the Events and Marketing team to develop and execute ACORE conferences, meetings, webinars and other convenings.
      - Tracking industry event calendar on the website.
      - Researching supporting partners for our three main events.
      - Managing partnerships by submitting bi-weekly reports on status.

Required skills and qualifications:

- - - - Experience planning meetings, events, fundraisers or organizing logistics.
      - Focus on renewable energy studies.
      - Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office Suite applications.
      - Experience with Photoshop a plus.
      - Experience with data analytics.

How to Apply:

You are invited to apply for the internship program by submitting a cover letter and resume to intern@acore.org In your cover letter, let us get to know you by explaining what you would like to gain from an ACORE internship, why you want to make a career in the renewable energy industry, and what kind of future career paths are of interest to you.

Communications

Summary:

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is seeking a passionate, energetic and talented communications intern to join our team and help us deliver on our mission to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. The intern role will involve supporting efforts around web content development, event promotion, social media management, earned media outreach and industry collaboration.

The ideal candidate has strong writing and speaking skills, the ability to work independently and multitask in a fast-paced environment. Interns will report to the Vice President of Communications and the Communications Manager and will spend approximately 50% of their time on a research project of their choice. Candidates should be working towards a major in marketing, communications, public relations, political science or similar fields. Interest or background in clean energy trends, renewable energy policy, project finance or advocacy is a plus.

Responsibilities:

- - - - Draft, edit and/or proofread a wide variety of written content (e.g., press releases, PowerPoint presentations, factsheets, newsletters, reports, issue briefs, executive quotes, key messages)
      - Draft and schedule content for ACORE’s social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
      - Create shareable graphics using Canva and/or Adobe Spark
      - Assist with maintenance and management of content on ACORE.org and three event microsites
      - Help to collect and analyze data from the organization’s communications efforts, including earned media coverage, website analytics, email marketing reports and social media metrics
      - Update media lists, speaking and event calendars, and team project management dashboard
      - Support event promotion strategies for signature conferences and other key ACORE events
      - Attend and report on industry events and/or hearings on behalf of the organization
      - Prepare for and participate in weekly team meetings to learn about best practices in integrated communications and membership organization marketing
      - Perform other administrative tasks and miscellaneous duties as assigned (e.g., research journalists, data collection renewable energy issues)

Required skills and qualifications:

- - - - Strong interpersonal skills and experience working in a professional environment
      - Self-motivated and dependable
      - Solid writing skills, including familiarity with Associated Press style
      - Ability to work independently, multitask and take ownership over projects and assignments
      - Intellectual curiosity and an interest in renewable energy policy and finance
      - Familiarity with social media channels
      - Experience with MS Office suite
      - Visual/graphic communications experience preferred, but not required

How to Apply:

Corporate Relations

Summary:

The Corporate Relations Intern is responsible for providing business development research and administrative support for the Corporate Relations Team. Interns will gain valuable experience in non-profit membership and database management, sales and business development, and first-hand knowledge of the renewable energy sector. Interns will report to the Director of Membership and the Corporate Relations Associate and will spend approximately 50% of their time on a research project of their choice. Candidates with an interest in renewable energy business, finance, and energy markets are preferred.

Responsibilities:

- - - - Conduct background research on prospective new member organizations
      - Provide strategic research in suggesting new business development targets
      - Receive training in Salesforce and assist in data entry tasks
      - Generate monthly membership reports
      - Update member profiles on ACORE site
      - Shadow Corporate Relations team on prospective member sales pitches
      - Focus research project on business trends in the renewable energy industry (preferred)

Required skills and qualifications:

- - - - Current or recent undergraduate student or equivalent experience
      - Attention to detail
      - Ability to multi-task
      - Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks
      - Interest in renewable energy, with special interest in the financial/project development aspect of renewable energy a plus
      - Past marketing or public affairs internship experience preferable
      - Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

How to Apply:

Policy & Program

Summary:

The American Council on Renewable Energy is looking for an intern to help lead the transition to a renewable energy economy. Our policy/program intern will leverage his or her skillsets to support the policy and programs teams in their efforts to advocate for effective renewable energy and finance policies. The ideal candidate has strong writing and speaking skills, an interest in energy policy, and the ability to work independently and multitask in a fast-paced environment. Interns will report to the Vice President of Programs and the Senior Program Associate and will spend approximately 50% of their time on a research project of their choice. ACORE is the business voice of renewable energy, and works to develop and support policies to expand the renewable energy industry and attract needed capital to the sector.

Responsibilities:

- - - - Conduct research on a wide variety of energy policy topics, including federal energy and tax policy, tax incentives, trends in the electric power sector, RTO/ISO markets, state renewable energy policies such as renewable portfolio standards and net metering, among others.
      - Draft reports, letters, fact sheets, and other documents.
      - Create a research project of your choosing (with input from ACORE staff), and present your research to the ACORE staff.
      - Attend Congressional hearings, seminars and other events related to renewable energy and energy policy.
      - Assist ACORE staff with managing and developing programing for ACORE’s Partnership for Renewable Energy Finance (PREF) and Partnership for Renewable Integration and Market Expansion (PRIME) programs.
      - Attend ACORE conferences and webinars (as appropriate).

Required skills and qualifications:

- - - - Currently in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
      - Classwork or major in business, finance, public policy or related desired, but not required
      - Excellent research abilities and strong writing and editing skills.
      - Ability to work independently, multitask, and take ownership over projects and assignments.
      - Self-motivated and dependable.
      - Detail oriented.
      - Strong interpersonal skills and experience working as part of a team.
      - Interest in renewable energy, business and/or finance.

How to Apply:

Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter to intern@acore.org. In your cover letter, let us get to know you by explaining what you would like to gain from an ACORE internship, why you want to pursue a career in the renewable energy industry, and what kind of career paths are of interest to you. Please indicate particular ACORE department(s) for which you are applying.

Intern Session Timelines

Fall Session: apply by August 3, 2018
Spring Session: apply by November 16, 2018
Summer Session: apply by March 8, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply? Internship applications are welcome from rising seniors, new graduates and graduate students personally committed to making renewable energy the focus of their future career. We welcome applications from many majors, and from all U.S. universities. Please note that ACORE does not assist with obtaining visas to work/study in the U.S.

Where will you intern? Internships are based in our Washington, D.C. offices. Remote or web-based internships are not available.

What is expected of you as an intern? As an ACORE intern, you are expected to work with staff to identify, define and pursue a project of interest that will form the core content of your work. Some interns know what project they want to pursue before starting; others define the project after arriving at the organization. The core project is designed to help you gain specialized knowledge in one area of the renewable energy industry. Most interns will spend 25-50 percent of their total time focused on their core project. In addition to the project, you are expected to delve into the resources provided to you by the staff to gain a broad-based understanding of the industry.

In the space of networking and industry exploration, you are expected to take advantage of all opportunities to attend lectures, briefing, conferences and networking events to gain a broader understanding of the numerous organizations and viewpoints in the space. Keeping your job search in mind, you will be expected to work out a personal informational interviewing plan, identifying individuals working in your areas of career interest, to gain a better understanding of future opportunities. Lastly, as a team player in a fast-paced office, we ask that you assist with administrative tasks as assigned.

Are the internships full-time or part-time? Internships are customized to individual interns’ schedules. Most internships are 2 or 3 full days per week for 3 to 4 months. Based on your individual academic schedule and availability, full-time internships are available. The internship program is unpaid. Many participants who are not currently enrolled in school choose to work part-time alongside a part-time internship.