Community Engagement Summer Associate

About Us

East Point Energy develops, builds, owns, and operates grid-scale energy storage projects. As an Equinor company and independent power producer, our team is currently developing gigawatts of energy storage projects throughout the country to build a clean, resilient, and affordable electric grid for the future.

East Point hires great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If this position interests you, but you don’t meet every qualification listed below, we still encourage you to apply — your unique experiences and perspectives may be just what we’re looking for.

Read more about our core values (driven, dependable, & collaborative) here.

Title: Community Engagement Summer Associate

The Community Engagement Summer Associate is responsible for supporting the Community Engagement Manager and the Project Development team in understanding the needs of and effectively connecting with the communities in which our projects are sited, as well as supporting our Project Developers as we develop and achieve permitting for our grid-scale energy storage projects.

Roles & Responsibilities:

- Conduct due diligence on the community of proposed and/or current site locations in various markets; diligence including, but not limited to, power mapping (decision makers, other public officials, influential community members, and local advocacy groups), mapping of local permitting processes, and community needs

- Support the creation of outreach plans to engage, build relationships, and promote understanding and support for the company’s projects with community members referenced in community due diligence

- Assist with the development of community engagement strategies to inform, educate, and involve local residents and community groups regarding the company’s projects

- Assist with the development and maintenance of community engagement plans to keep the locality informed on the project’s progress, monitor community-level dialogue regarding the project, and combat misinformation

- Monitor media and social media in existing project areas and states, including tracking opposition

- Collaborate with East Point marketing lead to refine/develop materials, including brochures, fact sheets, and presentations for community outreach and education purposes

- Conduct and coordinate mailings to landowners and other project stakeholders

- Research local discretionary and ministerial permitting requirements and project tax obligations

- Assist with event planning and facilitation of events

- Assist with social contributions planning and research efforts

- Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned

Skills:

- Proficiency with Microsoft software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Teams, etc.)

- Ability to communicate across a broad spectrum of technical understanding - written, verbal and non-verbal

- Research and media analysis

Characteristics of an ideal candidate:

- Passion for renewable energy development and the environment

- Creative problem-solving ability and solutions-oriented mindset

- Self-starter with a desire to succeed and a focus on creating value

- Team player and leader, proactive attitude

- Organized, attention to detail

- Comfortable with a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment

- Ability to make informed decisions quickly and a bias for action

- Integrity and accountability

Education & Experience:

- Currently enrolled in or recent graduate of a degree program

- Preference for candidate with prior government, communications, political campaign, and/or coalition building experience

Travel & Time Commitment:

- Paid internship (hourly non-exempt); up to 40 hours/week during our regular hours of operation, 8:30AM - 5PM (30 min unpaid lunch)

- 10-12 weeks (June-August), based on candidate availability. Preference for longer commitments

- Potential travel to project areas

Location: East Point Energy office in Charlottesville, VA

This job description is not inclusive of all requirements of the position. Employees will perform any other duties as may be required by their manager.

East Point Energy is an E-Verify Employer