Executive Director

Position Overview:

The Minnesota Conservative Energy Forum’s Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the executive, day-to-day operations, communications, and programming needs to advance conservative, market-based clean energy solutions in Minnesota. Working in concert with the CEN Midwest Regional Director and the in-state team, the Executive Director will be responsible for the creation and execution of a comprehensive strategic plan for the organization.

In addition, the Executive Director will plan and execute various programs throughout the year, manage communications including content creation, media relations, and MnCEF’s digital presence, and perform administrative functions for day-to-day operations. The Executive Director will be the keystone piece of a small team, enabling this individual to have singular impact on the direction and vision of the organization. Ideal candidates for this position will be highly organized, self-motivating, and excel in an always-evolving work environment that may involve little-to-no direct supervision. The Executive Director must have outstanding verbal and interpersonal communications skills and have exceptional and demonstrated writing and editing skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The following are essential functions of the position. Other duties may be assigned.

Executive duties:

• Collaborate with wide-ranging stakeholders to create and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the organization.
• Give direction/oversight to a full-time Director of Operations for MnCEF and indirect oversight for Minnesota Land & Liberty Coalition’s Field Representative(s)
• Serve as the primary voice and face for the organization in the media, among fellow stakeholders, third-party groups, and in front of policy makers.
• Direct all day-to-day functions of the dynamic statewide organization with an emphasis on growth to advance a conservative clean energy agenda.

Programming:

• Continue to develop the organization’s leadership council, including the recruitment of new members and the engagement of existing members.
• Conduct a biennial candidate education program, including the development materials and supporting digital content to educate policy makers on organizational priorities.
• Conduct in-person policymaker education meetings working in concert with allies and other stakeholders.
• Continue to develop and build upon relationships with core constituencies and coalitions within the conservative movement.
• Attend in-state, regional, and national energy conferences to increase knowledge base, network, and increase MnCEF’s brand awareness.

Policy:

• In consultation with CEN, in-state consultants, and other relevant stakeholders, create an actionable policy agenda aimed at advancing the conservative clean energy cause in Minnesota at the local and state levels.
• Continually evaluate the policy agenda and regularly provide progress updates to CEN or interested parties, making changes as needed.
• Cultivate durable relationships with key local and state policymakers with an emphasis on pertinent individuals within the Minnesota executive and legislative branches with the goal of developing them as renewable energy advocates.
• Develop and execute educational opportunities for policymakers and stakeholders on conservative clean and renewable energy ideas which may involve events and/or the creation of digital or tangible collateral materials.

Administration:

• Manage all administrative functions of MnCEF, including paying all invoices, rent, taxes, etc.
• Successfully maintain the organization’s financial records, including a bank account and tax filing requirements.
• Create an annual budget and track all spending of the organization, providing periodic updates to CEN staff, board members, and other interested parties.

Communications:

• Create a comprehensive proactive and reactive media strategy for the organization, including digital, paid media, and earned media.
• Keep website and social media accounts up to date with recent news, blog posts, press releases, etc. Monitor site activity and respond to comments as needed.
• Post the latest energy-dated news stories to social media as well as photos and videos from MnCEF events or events MnCEF is attending.
• Draft press releases, op-eds, LTEs or other pieces of content and pitch to relevant media sources as needed.
• Create and maintain an organizational media list.

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities:

• Existing relationships in the Minnesota state government that can be leveraged to advance organizational goals.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal communications skills.
• Exceptional writing/editing skills, experience distilling complicated issue in memos, reports, press releases, and digital communication platforms.
• Prior program management experience with demonstrated ability to meet deliverables on time and on budget.
• Outstanding time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage and meet deadlines and balance multiple priorities at once.
• Ability to manage budget data, track spending, and create financial reports.
• Rapid retention and comprehension of organization’s prior successes and initiatives.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, interest in learning new skills and eagerness to advance the goals of MnCEF.
• Role requires ability to work some evenings and/or weekends for special events and some travel, including overnight travel.

Specialized Training:

• Experience working for issue advocacy nonprofits, public affairs firms, political campaigns, or government is preferred.
• Experience working in the energy industry is a plus.

Other:

• Attend bi-annual Conservative Energy Network conferences, collaborating with all CEN state organizations.
• Participate in regional and national CEN calls on a monthly basis.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from four-year college or university in communications, political science, digital media, or another relevant field; at least three to five years of communications, marketing, administration, project management experience and at least one to three years of campaign and/or program management, communications, marketing, policy, or administrative experience is required; master’s degree in political science, management, marketing or communications is preferred.

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced, dynamic work environment sometimes faced with high-pressure deadlines.
• A supportive and collegial team that encourages creativity and initiative.
• Plenty of opportunities to grow and expand your skillset.
• CEN headquarters is based in Lansing, Michigan but this position will be domiciled in Minneapolis, MN.
• Role requires ability to work some evenings and/or weekends for special events.