Senior External Affairs Manager

Trajectory Energy Partners (Trajectory) is seeking a Senior External Affairs Manager to lead community engagement and permitting efforts for solar and battery storage projects across its pipeline, with a primary focus on the Illinois market. This will be a full-time position, reporting to the Vice President of External Affairs and working in close partnership with Trajectory’s Project Development team. Trajectory works with communities across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast to develop front-of-the-meter solar and storage projects, focusing primarily on distribution-scale projects. More information can be found at

Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute on an overall external affairs strategy to support Trajectory’s efforts to develop solar and battery storage projects across its state markets.
• Lead permitting efforts for solar and battery storage projects, with a focus on Illinois and the Midwest.
• Lead Trajectory’s efforts to educate local officials and host communities about solar and battery storage.
• Support Trajectory’s project development work by building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, community leaders, and relevant advocacy groups to advance Trajectory's origination and permitting priorities.
• Partner with Trajectory’s developers in the origination and permitting of solar and battery storage.
• Manage a variety of regional and/or community-level consultants to assist with specific project needs.
• Work with the Vice President of External Affairs on external affairs and policy items relating to solar and battery storage.
• Travel is required, including attendance at evening zoning hearings and local government meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6-7 years of experience in external affairs, public affairs, government affairs, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple projects and competing priorities
• Proven project management and organizational skills
• Keen attention to detail
• Experience in permitting work with local governments, and experience with local government in northern Illinois is preferred.
• Knowledge of renewable energy development is helpful

Benefits at Trajectory

• Health, dental, and vision insurance contributions
• Annual Professional Development Stipend
• Employee Equity Plan
• Access to company 401k plus 401k employer match
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Wellbeing days

Position based in Chicago, IL, or in the surrounding areas. This is a hybrid position with regular travel (25-50%) across Illinois to visit sites and meet local stakeholders and consultants. The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $140,000 commensurate with experience, plus a target annual bonus of 20%.