Community Engagement Manager

About Sparkfund

Sparkfund is the utility services company unlocking capacity on the grid. Through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model, Sparkfund enables utilities, energy majors, and large-load customers to deploy front-of-the-meter batteries and gensets as distribution infrastructure. By adding targeted capacity exactly where and when the grid needs it most, DCP helps meet demand, support reliability, and put downward pressure on rates. Sparkfund supports program design, grid value assessment, asset host engagement, and value chain management to ensure on-time, on-budget deployment with maximum system value and lowest cost.

With more than 3,200 projects deployed across 43 states and more than 300MW of energized assets constructed, Sparkfund is transforming customer-sited assets into a valuable portfolio resource for the benefit of our society. To learn more about Sparkfund, visit sparkfund.com.

Manager, Community Engagement

Location: Remote, Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul area preferred)

Department: Programs | Community Engagement

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $105,400-$143,200 annually

Travel: Moderate travel throughout Minnesota, with occasional overnight travel

About the Opportunity

At Sparkfund, we're working to accelerate the deployment of distributed energy solutions that make our energy systems more reliable, resilient, and sustainable.

We're looking for a Community Engagement Manager  to help build and strengthen our presence across Minnesota as we expand our Capacity Connect program.

This is a highly visible, relationship-driven role for someone who enjoys bringing people together, building trust within communities, and helping complex projects move forward. You'll serve as a key connection between Sparkfund, local officials, community organizations, and the stakeholders who influence how energy projects are received and delivered.

You'll have the opportunity to shape our community engagement strategy, build relationships from the ground up, and have a direct impact on how distributed energy projects are introduced and supported across Minnesota.

What You'll Do

Build Our Community Engagement Strategy

• Develop and lead community engagement and market presence strategies across Minnesota.

• Identify key stakeholders, assess community sentiment, and anticipate potential concerns or opposition.

• Build strong relationships with local officials, community organizations, and other influential stakeholders.

• Develop tools, dashboards, and repeatable processes to track engagement efforts and community readiness.

Lead Community Outreach

• Represent Sparkfund in meetings with local governments, community groups, and other stakeholders.

• Plan and facilitate informational sessions, community meetings, and outreach events.

• Partner with internal teams to ensure community perspectives are considered throughout project development and deployment.

• Help establish Sparkfund as a trusted, credible partner in the communities where we operate.

Support Project Delivery

• Work closely with our Host Engagement, Commercialization, Marketing, and Projects teams to align community engagement with project timelines.

• Identify potential community concerns or project risks early and recommend solutions.

• Support local approval processes and engagement with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).

• Maintain accurate records of stakeholder communications, commitments, and outreach activities.

Shape Our Messaging

• Help determine what information communities need and when they need it.

• Partner with Marketing to develop clear, accessible materials and talking points.

• Communicate complex energy concepts in ways that resonate with different audiences.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in community relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, or a related field.

• Experience developing and executing community engagement strategies, including building relationships with local officials and community organizations.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, including comfort speaking at public meetings and engaging with diverse audiences.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and project timelines.

• Sound judgment when navigating sensitive conversations, community concerns, and external communications.

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Even Better If You Have

• Experience in energy, utilities, infrastructure, or another regulated industry.

• Familiarity with Minnesota communities, local government, and permitting or regulatory processes.

• Experience organizing public meetings or community engagement for infrastructure or land-use projects.

• Experience using CRM platforms, engagement dashboards, or AI-enabled tools.

• An entrepreneurial mindset and experience building new processes or programs.

What Success Looks Like

You'll help ensure our projects have the community relationships, local support, and stakeholder engagement needed to move forward successfully. You'll be someone community leaders know and trust, someone our internal teams rely on for local insight, and someone who can turn feedback from the field into meaningful action.

Why Sparkfund?

We're a remote-first, collaborative team working on meaningful challenges in the energy industry. You'll have room to take ownership, contribute ideas, and build something that can grow alongside our business.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive base salary of $105,400-$143,200, based on experience, qualifications, and location

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance

• 401(k) with a 2% employer match

• Flexible vacation policy and federal holidays

• Half-day Fridays

• 12 weeks of gender-neutral paid caregiver leave

• One-time work-from-home equipment stipend

• $100 monthly phone and internet allowance

Location & Travel

This is a remote position based in Minnesota, with a preference for candidates in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

The role requires regular travel within Minnesota for community meetings, stakeholder engagement, and project-related activities, along with occasional overnight or out-of-state travel.

Relocation assistance is not available.

Join Us

If you enjoy building relationships, connecting communities with meaningful projects, and helping shape the future of energy infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every qualification listed.

Sparkfund is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process and employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity  

Sparkfund is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

Sparkfund also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs or practices, in all phases of the hiring process and throughout employment. If you need an accommodation, please let us know. 

Disclaimer  

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may change at any time based on business needs.We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply - even if you do not meet every listed qualification - as skills and competencies can develop in different ways.