Public Relations Manager- 2026

Job Description Description:About GRID AlternativesGRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.What it's like to work at GRID...At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members.Summary of the role:We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Publicist and Public Relations Manager to lead our publicity and public relations strategy and elevate our organization's national profile. This individual will be responsible for shaping public perception, building media relationships, and ensuring our message reaches the communities, donors, and stakeholders we serve. Beyond traditional media relations, this position will drive proactive visibility strategies across digital platforms, including LinkedIn, YouTube, podcasts, webinars, and industry publications, to elevate GRID's brand presence and influence public discourse. The Publicist and Public Relations Manager will serve as the architect of a modern earned media and thought leadership ecosystem that integrates press, digital storytelling, and executive voice.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Communications, Media Relations & OutreachCreate and execute a comprehensive annual PR strategy that supports the organization's mission, fundraising goals, and advocacy initiativesDevelop and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media outlets at the local, regional, and national levelsDevelop compelling narratives that translate the organization's impact into stories that resonate with diverse audiencesPitch compelling stories that align with organizational priorities and respond to media inquiries in a timely and strategic manner, and serve as a primary media contact and spokesperson when neededWrite and distribute press releases, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, and executive speechesCollaborate with leadership to align messaging across all internal and external channelsDigital Thought Leadership & Visibility PlatformsDesign and launch a GRID-hosted webinar series that elevates organizational expertise and supports fundraising, policy, and partnership goalsPartner with marketing and program teams to repurpose webinars into YouTube content, short-form clips, podcast pitches, and media assetsBuild a repeatable system for converting earned media into digital amplification across social platformsIdentify opportunities to syndicate content across partner networks and industry platformsExecutive Media Presence & VisibilityPartner closely with the Chief Philanthropy and Communications Officer and senior leadership team to build and maintain a strong public profile that advances the organization's missionDevelop individualized visibility strategies for key executives, including proactive media placement, bylined article opportunities, podcast appearances, and broadcast interviewsPrepare executives for media engagements through comprehensive briefings, talking points, and message trainingIdentify and pursue opportunities for executives to be featured in national publications, leadership roundups, and "expert voice" segmentsMonitor industry trends and news cycles to position executive voices at timely, high-impact momentsSpeaker Placement & Thought LeadershipDevelop a thought leadership strategy that positions the organization as a leading voice in its field through speaking, contributed content, and media commentaryTarget high-impact national stages (e.g., major renewable energy conferences, climate summits, philanthropy convenings, policy forums)Maintain a calendar of relevant speaking opportunities and manage the full submission process, including proposals, bios, abstracts, and supporting materialsWork collaboratively with GRID's program and policy staff to identify internal experts whose knowledge and experience can contribute to public discourse.Track and report on speaking placements and their impact on brand awareness and stakeholder engagementCoordinate speaking strategy with development goals to support donor cultivation and institutional partnerships.Crisis CommunicationsDevelop and maintain a crisis communications planServe as a lead advisor during sensitive or high-stakes situations, providing rapid response guidance that protects the organization's reputation and credibilityProtect and strengthen the reputational positioning of GRID during periods of organizational growth, transition, or policy shiftsBrand ManagementEnsure consistency in tone, voice, and messaging across all public-facing materialsCollaborate with marketing and design teams to maintain a cohesive brand identityEvent & Campaign SupportManage staff Events Coordinator and provide PR support for major fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and advocacy initiativesCoordinate press opportunities and manage on-site media logisticsReporting & AnalysisTrack media coverage, measure campaign effectiveness, and report on PR metrics to senior leadershipUse data to refine strategies and demonstrate ROIDevelop visibility dashboards tracking earned media reach, executive engagement growth (LinkedIn, podcast placements, webinar attendance), speaking impact, and share of voiceProvide quarterly executive visibility reports tied to fundraising and strategic initiativesRequirements:Your areas of knowledge and expertise...Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field5+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, or communicationsProven track record of securing earned media coverage at the national levelDemonstrated success building national thought leadership platforms for executives or mission-driven organizationsExperience integrating earned media strategy with digital and social media amplificationExperience identifying and securing speaking opportunities for organizational leaders and subject matter expertsExceptional written and verbal communication skillsExperience managing crisis communicationsStrong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentIt would be great if you also had...Experience launching webinar or owned-media seriesFamiliarity with executive ghostwriting and personal brand positioningPrior experience working in or with non-profit organizationsEstablished relationships with national media contacts and conference programming teamsFamiliarity with media monitoring tools such as Cision, Meltwater, or similar platformsExperience supporting executive-level spokespeople and board membersKnowledge of the conference and events landscape relevant to the non-profit or social impact sectorCompensation:The compensation range for this fulltime position is $75k-$100k annually. The base pay that will actually be offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.Benefits:Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insuranceWhere you will sit & the places you may go...The ideal candidate will sit in the United States. This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as org-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.Important to note for California applicants:**Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability:If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: RECRUITING@GRIDALTERNATIVES.ORGReady to Apply?Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted.GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.