Director of Community Engagement - Illinois - Blackhornvc : Job Details

Common Energy is revolutionizing the energy sector. Our platform enables households and businesses to connect their utility account to new clean energy community solar projects, dramatically lower carbon emissions, and lower the cost of electricity. There is no on-site installation, and signing up is free and only takes two minutes. We are a key part of the solution to mitigate global climate change.

We are seeking a highly motivated and well-connected Business Development Professional to drive our community solar initiatives within the low-income housing sector in Illinois. The ideal candidate will have strong relationships with key decision-makers in the low-income housing industry, a passion for clean energy, and a proven ability to identify and close sales opportunities. The Director of Community Engagement will work to advance Common Energy's reach and impact by identifying and enrolling low-to-moderate income (LMI) customers throughout Illinois. A successful candidate will develop relationships with prospective customers to identify subscribers for community solar projects and lower carbon emissions, and customers' electric bills. The Director of Community Engagement will develop relationships with a wide variety of customers, learn about exciting technology and products, and grow their career in customer acquisition.

The Director of Community Engagement will report to the VP of Growth, working closely with other members of our front-end sales team. This is a full-time position starting as soon as possible. This role's activities will be based in Illinois, with presence at local events needed.

Identify subscribers for community solar projects through local community engagement (events, media relations, workshops, etc.) for multiple local projects in Illinois.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Generation & Outreach: Identify and cultivate new business opportunities within the low-income housing sector, including, but not limited to, housing authorities, property management firms, and affordable housing organizations.
• Relationship Building: Leverage existing networks and build strong partnerships with leadership at housing authorities, low-income housing operators, and nonprofit affordable housing organizations.
• Sales Process Management: Own the full sales cycle from prospecting to closing, ensuring seamless enrollment in community solar programs.
• Industry Engagement: Represent the company at affordable housing and sustainability conferences, networking events, and industry forums to establish brand presence and generate leads.
• Client Meetings & Presentations: Schedule and conduct meetings with prospective partners, educating them on the benefits of community solar and guiding them through the enrollment process.
• Collaboration & Reporting: Work closely with internal teams to optimize sales strategies and report on progress, market trends, and key relationships. Participate in progress reviews. Support customer enrollment in close collaboration with Common Energy's Sales and Customer Service teams. Meet or exceed assigned annual enrollment targets.

Requirements

• Must be based in Illinois (preferably the Greater Chicago region) and willing to travel across the state
• 3+ years community engagement experience.
• Capable of engaging local leaders, organizing and participating in local events designed to promote community solar and the specific solar projects.
• A true influencer ready to educate IL residents about community solar and get them ready to enroll in their local projects.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven track record of sales, business development, or partnership success, particularly within the low-income housing sector.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with clients.
• Deep connections with leadership at housing authorities, affordable housing organizations, and low-income housing operators.
• Strong interest in business strategy, energy efficiency, sustainability, and making a positive social impact.
• Experience attending and leveraging industry conferences to generate business opportunities.
• Highly motivated, independent, and able to drive initiatives with minimal supervision.

Common Energy is committed to building a team as diverse as the customers we serve. We welcome different perspectives and opinions to foster innovation, authenticity, and excellence across all parts of our company.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Common Energy welcomes applicants from all walks of life. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

To be considered, please submit a resume and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a great candidate for Common Energy and this role.

Compensation and Other Good Stuff

• Attractive compensation
• Learn and work with the best: Our tight-knit team includes experts across the energy sector!
• One team, good people, no politics
• This is a full-time position