Sustainability Analyst, Sr. jobs in Hilo, HI

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The Sr. Stakeholder Relations Analyst - Hawai'i will be a key member of AES Clean Energy's External Affairs team, applying industry-leading engagement strategies to support the delivery of utility-scale renewable energy solutions in the Hawaii market. This is an exciting opportunity to further your career in stakeholder relations, empower communities, and advance a carbon-free future. This role will support AES' strategic renewable energy-related stakeholder engagement, local community relations, drafting communications and collateral materials for strategic planning, and social impact partnership development. The successful candidate reports directly to the Sr. Stakeholder Relations Manager and works closely with the Development team and project managers throughout the project lifecycle, engaging in various assignments to help ensure these innovative and exciting renewable energy projects come to fruition.

This remote position is based in Hawai'i and will require inter-island travel, as Company policy permits. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of the growing clean energy field and support Hawaii's commitment to achieving 100 percent renewable portfolio standards (RPS) by 2045.

Primary Focus & Responsibilities

• Support developing and implementing project-specific engagement plans and related budgets that meet contractual and regulatory requirements, align with the AES Hawaii market strategy, and support its development objectives.
• Lead engagement efforts for clean energy projects, as assigned.
• Identify, maintain, cultivate, and document relationships with key stakeholders and leadership within affected communities, such as local government officials, business leaders, landowners, emergency responders, and non-government organizations.
• Identify and communicate local sentiment, priorities, risks, and concerns to the internal team, ensuring that AES' messaging is tailored and relevant to the local community.
• Build and maintain strong internal relationships with cross-functional teams, including development, execution, construction, communications, and others.
• Support community outreach efforts, including researching all aspects of project development for clean energy projects and developing and maintaining graphically attractive presentation materials, project fact sheets, and websites to present project information to communities and key stakeholders clearly.
• Develop and manage Social Impact programs within local communities hosting our projects in alignment with compliance requirements and our giving areas.
• Work with the Hawaii market team, Communications, and External Vendors to commemorate project milestones.
• Serve as a spokesperson for AES clean energy projects in the community.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specific Accountabilities:

• Create and maintain accurate lists of stakeholders in project areas and document interactions through our digital stakeholder relations management tool.
• Collect and analyze stakeholder feedback through various channels and document and manage this data utilizing various stakeholder interaction and tracking tools.
• Monitor toll-free phone lines and project emails.
• Planning, organizing, and facilitating community meetings and/or summarizing and creating written reports.

• Plan and execute in-person and virtual community engagement in alignment with project needs, including but not limited to community meetings, tours, and site visits. Oversee all event-related tasks, from planning to execution.
• Draft targeted external communications, such as informational handouts, talking points, presentations, website content, and public meeting displays, to bolster local presence.

• Track local policy, regulatory documents, and news as they relate to or could impact AES or its projects in Hawai'i.
• Monitor social and traditional media, including local media.
• Complete administrative tasks such as processing invoices, mailings, ordering marketing materials, website updates, and maintaining news and membership subscriptions.
• Participate in formalized AES-specific learning opportunities to further understanding of accelerating the responsible energy transition.
• Other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will have the following skills and qualifications:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, working on multiple projects with internal and external key stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Hands-on, hard-working team player who has a sense of ownership and is eager to support projects from a variety of angles and multi-task.

• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in public affairs, stakeholder relations, community outreach, communications, policy analysis, or similar field.
• Experience in renewable energy technologies. (Desirable)
• Knowledge of the Hawaiian Islands and its history and culture.
• Network of contacts and relationships in Hawai'i with key stakeholders.
• Familiarity with applicable government and regulatory requirements, present-day issues, and community dynamics.
• Desire to be in the field, engaging with stakeholders in their communities.
• Ability to interact effectively and establish credibility with a broad audience, including leaders and community representatives, field and corporate staff, external stakeholder groups, partners, and contractors.
• Proficient with online meeting platforms and website and social media content creation and editing.
• Strong computer and analytical skills. Proficient with MS Office Suite, QuickBase, Box, Microsoft Teams, and CRM systems experience.

• Strong customer focus with the ability to listen, identify key issues, advise, and maintain confidentiality.
• Persistence, flexibility, and ability to work independently, supportively, and in partnership with other teams. Character that is self-confident, respectful, and collaborative.
• Exemplify our values of Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together.