Communications Manager - West

Our energy system is on the brink of a major transformation, and we’re looking for someone to help us ensure this new system puts rooftop solar energy at the cornerstone!

About Us

Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit that started more than 15 years ago with a simple question:  "Mom, can we go solar?" Since then, we've helped tens of thousands of people benefit from solar energy. We are dedicated to creating a clean, equitable, resilient energy system that benefits everyone — by helping people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.

About the Position

SUN’s Regional Communications Manager - West will lead planning, coordination, and execution of communications and marketing activities in our West Region (Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, Texas). Ideally located in Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, or Texas, they will develop communications plans to support the policy and advocacy needs of each state, including media relations, digital outreach, and social media. They will coordinate launching and marketing of bulk solar purchase programs along with other solar program priorities in each state. And, they will be part of a best-in-class team of communications and marketing professionals who guide the work of communicating SUN’s mission to build a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone.

The ideal candidate will be a regionally-based strategic thinker with exceptional project management skills who has an understanding of, and commitment to SUN’s mission and vision – with a proven track record in integrated storytelling and marketing. This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications.

Job responsibilities include:

Communications Management (40%)

• In coordination with state and regional directors, create soup-to-nuts communication plans in support of each state’s ongoing needs.
• Write, plan, and coordinate targeted emails for seamless execution handoff to the Digital team.
• Develop press releases, media kits, and pitch emails that effectively communicate key messages and news announcements to the media.
• Create and curate engaging social media content for each state’s Facebook presence with an ability to connect the dots between local and national solar issues.
• Manage relationships and outputs with internal staff and external consultants.

Program Marketing (30%)

• In close coordination with the Director of Marketing, create impactful collateral for the launch of approximately 10 solar co-ops per year.
• Develop engaging content, including videos, that showcase the success stories of SUN’s ongoing programmatic initiatives, including Ready, Set, Solar, Community Solar, and Solar for All.
• Create social media graphics and toolkits in a consistent brand voice, in support of conversion goals for each project.
• Oversee each state’s activities on a shared Asana calendar to ensure timely deliverables.

 Advocacy Communications (30%)

• Collaborate with subject matter experts across the organization to develop compelling outreach emails and messages for advocacy and policy priorities in each state.
• Coordinate media inquiries and interview requests to secure ongoing placements.
• Draft op-eds and support generation of letters to the editor.
• Monitor media coverage and industry news to identify opportunities for proactive media outreach and rapid response to emerging issues or crises.
• Develop rapid response social media posts as needed.

Organization-wide administration (10%)

• Show up fully for learning and planning and activities, including all-staff meetings, retreats, and strategy sessions.
• Facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and take notes.
• As a key member of the team, contribute to brainstorming, developing, and executing new ideas.
• Manage your own regular administration, including timely submission of timesheets, receipts, reimbursements, scheduling, traveling planning, and HR paperwork.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUN welcomes candidates of diverse backgrounds and experience to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with a non-traditional education. We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

SUN is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.