Head of External Affairs

Job Description

Silicon Ranch is a fully integrated provider of customized renewable energy, carbon, and battery storage solutions for a diverse set of partners across North America.

We are known for putting community partnerships first, and are the only renewable energy company in the U.S. that owns and operates all of its solar ranches and has a 100% track record for successful delivery.

• We have the largest utility scale agrivoltaics portfolio in the country under Regenerative Energy®, our nationally recognized holistic approach to project design, construction, and land management. Our model incorporates regenerative ranching and other regenerative land management practices to restore livelihoods and soil health, biodiversity, and water quality.

Through our subsidiary, Clearloop, we are able to help businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint with a direct investment in building new solar projects while also helping bring renewable energy and economic development to distressed communities.

By joining Silicon Ranch, you will be joining a team of experienced and dedicated individuals who have proven time and again that it is indeed possible to not only “make solar do more”, but to make the promise of carbon-free, renewable energy that benefits people right where it comes from a tangible, measurable, and replicable reality.

Silicon Ranch is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is reflective of the communities in which we work and serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Position: Head of External Affairs

Location: Nashville, TN (preference, but remote considered on case-by-case basis)

Overview: This critical leadership role is new to Silicon Ranch and presents a unique opportunity to shape and lead the External Affairs function within a company that has built its growing business and its strong reputation around its mission to Make Solar Do More® by helping communities become stronger, healthier, and more resilient. Though Silicon Ranch has an Economic & Community Development (“ECD”) team that focuses on local community engagement in our Project Development group and manages state government affairs through our Business Development function, we are seeking an experienced leader to bring these responsibilities together as a coordinated External Affairs unit under the remit of the Chief Commercial Officer (“CCO”).

As the Head of External Affairs, your role requires a blend of Marketing, Community Relations, and Government Affairs expertise to help ensure that our energy infrastructure projects not only earn but also retain the “social license to operate” in the communities where we locate.

Main Responsibilities

As the Head of External Affairs, you will be expected to:

• Strategic Execution

  • Work with the CCO to design the optimal organizational structure that integrates the ECD and Government Affairs functions and to lead the combined group
  • With strategic guidance and direction from the CCO, implement strategies to foster trust and secure project support from stakeholders, including but not limited to, neighbors, local community leadership, regulatory bodies (“Authorities Having Jurisdiction” or “AHJ”), state officials and policymakers, and other influential organizations or groups (e.g., agricultural, wildlife, conservation groups, etc.)
  • Act as a key advisor to executive leadership on social, cultural, political, and regulatory trends that could impact the social license and/or project economics in our markets

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Work with your team to build trust and maintain strong external relationships by executing the strategy to earn the social license, including opposition groups
  • Represent the company in public forums, regulatory hearings, and media engagements

• Community Advocacy and Influence

  • Lead your team to gather insights and intelligence about our communities early in the development process to inform our strategic approach to securing the social license
  • Identify and empower local champions (including professional consultants as necessary) to advocate for our investments and the value of having us as members of the community
  • Identify and engage potential opponents and work collaboratively to mitigate reasonable concerns effectively

• Regulatory and Government Affairs

  • Work with your team (and professional consultants as necessary) to navigate local, state, and federal regulatory landscapes to support common-sense policies while guarding against legislation that unfairly restrains our ability to develop quality projects that drive investment and support economic development
  • Build relationships with government officials and policymakers to enhance our brand reputation and differentiate us in the marketplace

• Cross-functional Collaboration

  • Partner with the Project Development team to facilitate zoning, permitting, and AHJ regulatory approvals
  • Support Business Development, Marketing & Communications, Project Delivery, and Asset Management teams by managing community relations and resolving stakeholder concerns as a long-term owner/operator and member of the community

Reporting

You will report directly to the Chief Commercial Officer

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven leadership in external, government, or public affairs; preference for experience in renewable energy or infrastructure sectors but not mandatory
• Strong communication, public speaking, and negotiation skills
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder ecosystems with diplomacy and strategic acumen
• Deep understanding of public policy, regulatory, zoning, and permitting processes