Program/Role: NextGen Highways Communications Specialist 

Location: WFH Flexible. GPI’s headquarters is based at 2801 21st Avenue South, Suite 220 in Minneapolis, MN. 

Reports to: Policy Director of Energy Systems  

Type of Position: Full-time position 

Compensation: Salary range: $60K-$75K, commensurate with experience. Benefits made available include a health plan, 401(k) retirement plan, LTD, STD, life, vision, dental, FSA/HSA, paid time off, professional development allowance, and a communication stipend. 

ABOUT THE GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE  

A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) is accelerating the transition to net-zero carbon emissions for the benefit of people, the economy, and the environment. Increased demand for GPI’s unique blend of energy expertise and consensus-derived solutions has driven organizational and programmatic growth. With headquarters in Minnesota, GPI’s operations are national in scope while retaining a core competency in the Midcontinent region. GPI is powered by more than 70 professionals and is supported by some of the nation’s most respected philanthropies.

The following values inform the way we work both inside and outside of GPI. It is important to us to be trusted, inclusive, equitable, pragmatic, and transformative: 

Trusted. We base our approach and actions on trust, mutual respect, and accountability.

Inclusive. We achieve impact through inclusive and deliberate collaboration with a diversity of interests. 

Equitable. We strive for equity in our approach and outcomes. 

Pragmatic. We take a clear-eyed view of the world as it is, even as we seek to improve it. 

Transformative. We are a bold and passionate catalyst for change. 

ABOUT NEXTGEN HIGHWAYS: 

NextGen Highways is focused on building coalitions and advocating for policy reforms that streamline the development of electric transmission and other vital infrastructure in the United States. Studies show that the U.S. will need to expand its transmission capacity by two to three times by 2050 to maintain a reliable, affordable, and clean energy grid. However, outdated regulations, lengthy permitting processes, and fragmented oversight at various governmental levels make new infrastructure projects challenging to complete efficiently. 

Today, our primary strategy is to promote the co-location of transmission lines within existing highway corridors. This approach reduces permitting delays, minimizes environmental and landowner impacts, and opens opportunities for broadband and other infrastructure developments. While some states still have barriers to co-location, we are actively working to remove these restrictions by engaging with diverse stakeholders across the country, facilitating discussions, and forming coalitions to push for these common-sense changes. 

Ultimately, our vision extends beyond co-location. We aim to foster new partnerships, improve planning processes, and support a more integrated and efficient infrastructure development environment in the U.S., ensuring that our nation’s infrastructure is prepared to meet future demands. 

NextGen Highways is convened by the Great Plains Institute (GPI), and the successful candidate will be a GPI employee, subject to its policies and practices. The Great Plains Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer, is committed to building a diverse staff and welcomes a wide diversity of applicants. 

THIS POSITION   

The NextGen Highways Communications Specialist (the Specialist) will develop public relations and communications strategies, and content aimed at building media, policymaker and constituency understanding and support for co-location of high-voltage electric transmission infrastructure in highway rights of way.  The Specialist will specifically help the NextGen Highways team leverage the participants and capabilities of our NextGen Highways National and State Coalitions to develop and disseminate impactful education and policy guidance content. The Specialist will work alongside NextGen Highways and Great Plains Institute staff, contractors, and initiative participants collectively to enhance their capabilities to respond more effectively to critics of transmission and highway co-location, its climate benefits and community benefits. The Specialist will also draw on research, including our own survey research, to fortify co-location messaging strategies and to bolster educational efforts at the state, regional and federal levels. 

The Specialist will be expected to work both independently and with colleagues on projects. The successful candidate will be able to complete various work elements from conception to completion in a timely manner and to follow directions that may be detailed or minimal. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively and constructively with project participants from diverse backgrounds, interests and points of view; exercise good judgment in a variety of situations; maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities; utilize effective methods for time management and prioritization of tasks; and possess the ability to identify and address urgent and important needs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Hours may be flexible and are typically Monday through Friday during the business day; some nights and weekends may be required. Some travel will also be required. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

Provide public relations and communications strategy, execution and support for NextGen Highways, nationally and within target states, including: 

• Drafting of extensive content, including op-eds and LTEs, blog/insight posts, issue briefs/factsheets, press releases, social media posts, messaging guidance and other materials including leading content design and development using tools such as Illustrator, Canva, and InDesign. 
• Actively maintain and update NextGen Highways website with relevant coalition and industry related information. 
• Development and execution of an editorial calendar that aligns with identified communications objectives. 
• Participate in and contribute to a landscape analysis of key messages and messengers relating to transmission deployment, co-location, transportation system, and other key elements of a strategic and proactive response to critics of transmission deployment and co-location. 
• Identification of key media markets and target outlets and reporters. 
• Monitoring media content relating to transmission deployment and co-location; and  
• Work with GPI’s broader communications team to ensure coordination with organizational communications.  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS  

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant proven skills and experience. 
• Experience in journalism or professional writing role and demonstrated excellence in writing skills. 
• Excellent research skills, with attention to detail and quality of source material. 
• Ability to translate and communicate complex scientific, technological, economic, and policy issues to diverse lay audiences. Experience writing on one or more of these topics a plus. 
• High attention to detail and the ability to work independently. 
• Excellent time and deadline management, project management and team relationship skills. 
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook, Illustrator, Canva, and InDesign, WordPress, and/or other digital content development software. 
• Experience in the efficient and effective use of social media channels.  
• Knowledge of, or prior experience with climate, energy and/or environmental issues a plus. 
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with very diverse individuals and institutions, including those with different backgrounds and political perspectives, with which you may personally disagree. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to represent GPI well among project participants. 
• Commitment to the mission and goals of the Great Plains Institute and its NextGen Highways Program. 

The NextGen Highways team is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. 

EQUIPMENT USED: 

This position involves use of a desktop computer and/or laptop, copier, fax machine, calculator, printer, and telephone. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: 

This position requires working at a desk (either sitting or standing) for extended periods and extensive use of devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), as well as usage of telephone/headset. 

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply online. Required application materials include a resume and one-page cover letter. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.  

BACKGROUND ON GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE:  

GPI has a fast-paced entrepreneurial culture in which people enjoy both great freedom and great responsibility. People who thrive in this culture take personal responsibility for seeing what needs doing and getting it done. They are initiative-takers, problem-solvers, and quick to help others. They work hard because they believe in the mission and get to spend most of their time at the intersection of what they love to do and are good at. It’s a working environment in which performance is judged more on results than on time spent in a chair. We aspire to make this the best job anyone has ever had. 

The Great Plains Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes a wide diversity of applicants.