Associate Director, Community Affairs

The Company

Cypress Creek Energy is powering a sustainable future, one project at a time. We develop, finance, own and operate utility-scale and distributed solar and storage projects across the country. Fostering a diverse group of innovative thinkers from all backgrounds, Cypress people are drawn to work in a purpose-driven organization. We hope you will join us.

Overview

Cypress Creek Energy is seeking an experienced community affairs leader to drive project development and execution across a regional portfolio in the southern United States.

The Associate Director, Community Affairs will drive strategic engagement plans, build durable relationships with communities and public officials, and serve as a senior spokesperson for projects. The ideal candidate brings strong judgment, deep communication expertise, and the ability to translate complex project information into clear, compelling narratives that build trust and public support.

Responsibilities

Community Engagement

Lead and execute comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies for projects across the assigned region

Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, advocacy groups, and other key stakeholders

Conduct stakeholder mapping and develop targeted outreach strategies

Develop and implement plans that build public understanding and support for projects

Government & Regulatory Engagement

Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials, municipalities, regulatory agencies, and government entities, in collaboration with Government Affairs

Represent the company at public hearings, community meetings, and critical discussions

Identify permitting and regulatory risks and communicate them effectively to leadership

Communications & Media Relations

Act as or support project spokespersons by leading media engagement, public presentations, and community forums, while coaching others to deliver clear, credible, and impactful messaging

Develop messaging, presentations, and written materials

Partner with internal teams on media relations strategy and execution

Strategic Planning & Storytelling

Develop engagement plans aligned with project goals

Translate complex information into accessible communications

Craft stories highlighting project value and community benefits

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work with Government Affairs, Development, Project Execution, and Operations teams

Lead identification and mitigation of risks related to community acceptance, stakeholder sentiment, and social license.

Provide guidance on engagement best practices

Leadership & Team Development

Lead and mentor team members or consultants

Manage external vendors

Contribute to a collaborative team environment

Education & Experience Required

Bachelor's degree

5+ years of relevant experience

Experience with municipalities, communities, elected officials, and/or regulatory agencies

Strong stakeholder engagement and planning skills

Public speaking and spokesperson experience

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to simplify complex information

Experience in media relations

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Willingness to travel up to 40%

Embrace and live by the missions and values of Cypress Creek Energy

Preferred

Southeastern US Regional experience

Experience in energy, infrastructure, or related industries

Experience managing team members or consultants

Key Competencies

Strategic thinker with strong execution skills

Skilled relationship builder

Comfortable managing complex and challenging situations

Organized and detail-oriented

Collaborative team player

Ability to anticipate risks and develop solutions

Additional Expectations

Represent Cypress Creek Energy at events and public meetings

Maintain understanding of regional stakeholder and policy dynamics

Support national initiatives as needed

Location: This is a role based in Durham, NC, Asheville, NC on a 3 day week hybrid schedule with the expectation to travel as needed up to 40%. We also open to remote candidates who reside within the following Southern states: AL,AR,DE,GA,KY,LA,MD, MS,NC,OK,SC,TN,TX,VA,WV

Compensation: The salary range for the position is $120,000-$150,000 plus bonus and benefits. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location.

Benefits

15 days of Paid Time Off, accrual up to 20 days, 11 observed holidays.

401(k) Match

Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision and health insurance

Wellness stipend, family planning stipend, and generous parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Phone Bill Reimbursement

Company Swag

A note to Recruiting Agencies Cypress Creek Energy Human Resources team does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies. The Human Resources team coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company. We do not accept resumes from third-party recruiters unless authorized by the Human Resources team and if a signed agreement is in place. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered property of CCE and we are not responsible for any related fees. All communication related to recruiting partnerships should ONLY be directed to the Human Resources team.

Cypress Creek Energy is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and values diversity, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Please be aware of recruiting scams—official communications will only come from @ccrenew.com, we will never request personal or financial information, and any suspicious activity should be reported to HR@ccrenew.com .