Remote Community Relations Lead bei POET

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Relations Lead plays a key role within the Corporate Affairs Team by leading community engagement programs related to POET’s development projects in designated states. 

The Community Relations Lead is a frontline ambassador for POET and builds constructive relationships with local stakeholders to win public support for each project and secure requisite permits and approvals. As a knowledgeable and trusted source of project-related information, this team member represents the company at town hall meetings, public hearings, and local events to ensure continuous two-way communication between POET and the community. The ideal candidate is a highly effective communicator and confident public speaker with a desire to make a difference.

This is a remote position that requires travel in the Midwest. The ideal candidate location is in either the Indianapolis, IN area or the Columbus, OH area.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

• Travel to communities in the Midwest to meet, speak, testify, and take questions about a POET project under development

• Build constructive relationships with key stakeholders, including county and municipal officials, civic groups, agriculture leaders, and local news media

• Monitor local news and social media, track procedural deadlines, and identify community events 

• Coordinate fact-checking and rapid response to misinformation from opponents

• Identify local sponsorship and advertising opportunities 

• Prepare budgets, management reports, and research as needed

• Work in close collaboration with POET’s internal teams and external consultants to develop project-related talking points, testimony, presentations, digital advertising, and other advocacy materials

• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• Bachelor’s degree required

• 5-7 years of relevant experience in government relations, public affairs, or a related field

• Experience with agriculture, energy, or climate policy a plus

• Confident public speaker with excellent interpersonal and presentation skills

• Adept at strategic thinking, tactical execution, and creative problem-solving

• Ability to grasp, condense, and convey technical subject matter

• Ability to demonstrate independent problem-solving and to maintain assertiveness, professionalism, and tact during contentious debates

• Excellent organization and time management skills

• Comfortable adapting and being flexible with change

• Ability to respond quickly to inquiries and requests with strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Knowledge of the current broadcast, print, and digital media landscape

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Remote work requires performing job duties outside of a traditional office setting

• Up to 40% travel, including driving and/or flying, may be required within POET’s footprint states

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

BENEFITS

For eligible team members

• Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution

• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses

• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions

• 401K with company match

• Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!

• Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

OTHER PERKS

For eligible team members

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements

• Discounted home and auto insurance

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.