Chief External Affairs Officer

The Chief External Affairs Officer furthers Elevate’s mission and vision by overseeing the research and development of new business. This role leads the innovation process inside Elevate that identifies strategies, business and funding opportunities, and new technologies, and then develops new capabilities and strategic partnerships, business models, and industry structures to serve those opportunities. This role leads philanthropic engagement and fundraising and collaborates across the organization with all departments, as well as with key partner organizations.

The Chief External Affairs Officer reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This position is virtual.

Responsibilities

• Manage fundraising proposals and partnerships for research and development,
• Maintain relationships with funders, establish new relationships, and make fundraising pitches.
• Maintain relationships with outside organizations and partners that conduct research, advance policy, and/or pilot technology that aligns with Elevate’s mission and strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the Research and Innovation leadership to establish Elevate’s organizational research agenda.
• Lead federal policy initiatives and coordinate with Policy leadership to move Elevate’s federal, state, and local policy agenda forward in all Elevate geographies.
• Manage policy and projects related to key new business areas and business planning.
• Collaborate with Chief Financial Officer to develop financial plans in line with new initiatives.
• Support customer engagement across all markets, including conducting customer outreach, preparing for and participating in client meetings, developing proposals, and coordinating with relationship managers across teams.
• Stay current on affordable housing policies, energy efficiency, green design and building trends, and related low-carbon technologies.
• Represent Elevate with external clients and partners to promote priorities policies, partnerships, and recruitment in existing program participation – along with new contracts.
• Review and update Elevate’s innovation process with the goal of having an open and transparent process for generating and developing new ideas and advancing and scaling the most promising ideas.
• Connect partner organizations and clients with expertise and resources from across Elevate, such as multifamily, nonprofit, solar, and other utility-funded programs.
• Represent Elevate with local, state, and national energy efficiency and climate stakeholders at meetings, conferences, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in policy, energy, sustainability, or related field, or equivalent professional experience required
• Minimum of ten years of relevant experience in housing, energy efficiency, utility, or other related work
• Experience in and knowledge of multifamily buildings/building systems
• Experience engaging and managing client relationships
• Experience successfully managing projects on time and on budget
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary to engage with clients, partner organizations, stakeholders, and industry partners
• Strong focus on quality and customer service
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, as well as facilitate collaboration and motivate others
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines with high degree of accuracy
• Willingness to travel as required

Organization Description

We design and implement programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need them most.

At Elevate, the greatest asset of our organization is the kind of people we attract. Elevate employees co-create our energetic and collaborative environment, where constant learning and service to others take priority. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of innovation and we seek dynamic, hardworking team members who are inspired to work with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Every day we make a difference by placing our team, clients, and community partners first. From our mission to our focus on staff wellbeing and career development opportunities, there’s no better place to grow your career than Elevate.

Compensation

The total compensation for this position includes health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.), defined contribution benefit (401k with contribution), professional development, generous paid time off policies, and a flexible schedule. This is an executive position with a salary range of $175,000 - $215,000 based on experience.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Elevate is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

ADA Accommodation

Elevate will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace, and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation, or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to Elevate. Contact the People Team with any questions or requests for accommodations.