Senior Manager of Stakeholder and Relations
ABOUT ZELESTRA Zelestra U.S. is a fast-growing business unit within Zelestra, a global renewable energy company focused on making decarbonization a reality for its partners. With a significant U.S. development portfolio and projects advancing into construction, the team delivers customer-focused clean energy solutions across the full project lifecycle, from development through construction, operations, and asset management. THE OPPORTUNITY This is a hands-on, individual contributor role with Director-level external authority. You will be Zelestra’s primary voice in the field — the person local officials call, the face at community meetings, and the internal advocate who ensures community concerns are heard before they become project risks. You work closely with Development, Construction, Legal, and Communications teams across every active project in Zelestra’s U.S. portfolio. The role is fully remote with 30–50% travel to project sites, community events, and stakeholder meetings. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR 5–7 years of progressive experience in community relations, public affairs, or stakeholder engagement. A track record managing complex, multi-stakeholder situations in energy, infrastructure, utilities, or a similarly regulated industry. The ability to walk into a room of skeptical residents or local officials and walk out having built trust — not just delivered a presentation. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfort presenting to diverse audiences from community members to executive leadership. Experience developing and executing communications plans and community outreach programs end-to-end. Comfort working independently in a remote environment and willingness to travel 30–50% to project sites across the U.S. Genuine passion for renewable energy and respect for the communities that host the infrastructure powering the transition WHAT YOU WILL DO Build and maintain community trust Serve as Zelestra’s primary representative in communities where projects are developed, constructed, or operated. Build relationships with elected officials, regulators, landowners, neighbors, nonprofits, and community organizations. Lead community meetings, open houses, and stakeholder engagement efforts focused on transparency and two-way dialogue. Develop community benefit initiatives, including local workforce programs, educational partnerships, and community investment opportunities. Lead project communications Develop and execute project-specific communication strategies, including fact sheets, newsletters, presentations, and media response plans. Translate complex project information into clear, accessible messaging for residents, officials, agencies, and media. Represent community interests internally Partner with Development, Construction, Legal, and External Affairs teams to incorporate community considerations throughout the project lifecycle. Identify and escalate issues that could affect permitting, approvals, project schedules, or stakeholder relationships. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The anticipated starting salary for this position is based on experience, qualifications, and education in a remote-working environment; $127,500 - $146,600. Additionally, Zelestra offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, an Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, holiday pay, paid time off, and a competitive bonus program. Zelestra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. #LI-SG1 #LI-REMOTE Let's co-build a carbon-free tomorrow! Visit us at zelestra.energy