Director of Community Engagement and Outreach

Director of Community Engagement and Outreach

The Director of Community Outreach & Engagement provides strategic and operational leadership for Cooperative Energy Futures' outreach, member engagement, and subscriber growth initiatives. This leader is responsible for building and leading a high‑performing Outreach & Engagement Department that advances CEF's mission by expanding access to community‑controlled clean energy, strengthening relationships with members and community partners, and delivering exceptional experiences throughout the member journey.

This position will be responsible for strategizing, building, and managing a department that is responsible for high level organizational outcomes over the next couple of years, including:

• Creating clear and replicable channels for activation and leadership development of current and future co‑op members to serve organizational outreach and engagement, project development, and policy change goals.
• Developing and managing grassroots and organizational partnerships sufficient to generate a significant number of new participants annually in CEF’s residential efficiency and electrification programs (currently in Minneapolis, will expand over time).
• Developing a campaign to engage thousands of households as community solar participants between 2028‑2031.

This is a working leadership role. While responsible for setting department strategy, developing staff, and driving organizational performance, the Director is also expected to actively participate in outreach, community engagement, subscriber recruitment, and member support alongside their team.

The Director partners closely with leaders across Operations, Communications, Project Development, and Programs to align outreach efforts with organizational priorities, improve internal systems and processes, and ensure CEF continues to grow as a trusted, community‑centered cooperative.

The Director is accountable for Community Outreach Strategy;
Member Engagement Strategy;
Subscriber Acquisition;
Community Partnerships;
Outreach Team Leadership;
Member Experience;
Outreach Budget;
Outreach Metrics & Reporting;
Department SOPs; and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Develop and execute CEF's annual Outreach & Engagement Strategy.
• Establish department goals, priorities, and KPIs.
• Align outreach initiatives with organizational priorities.

• Recruit, coach, supervise, and develop staff.
• Build an accountable, collaborative, mission‑driven culture.

Develop SOPs and improve departmental processes.

• Build partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Represent CEF at community events and public meetings.
• Personally participate in outreach, enrollment events, and member engagement as needed.
• Lead from the front during major campaigns and periods of high demand.

• Continuously improve the member experience.
• Support member meetings, education, and leadership opportunities.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure excellent service.

• Use CRM data and metrics to improve performance.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and partnership agreements.
• Drive continuous improvement and organizational efficiency.

• 5+ years of experience with outreach, engagement, member services, public affairs, nonprofit leadership, or related experience.
• 3+ years leading and developing a team of professional staff.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience catalyzing and organizing individuals towards actionable goals.
• Commitment to CEF's mission.

• Previous experience managing political campaigns (electoral or issue‑based) from a high level.
• Clean energy, community solar, utility, or nonprofit experience.
• CRM and performance metrics experience.
• Strong existing relationships with Minnesota‑based community partners.

Submit a Resume and a Written Statement explaining why you are interested in this position to hiring We will send additional follow‑up questions and interview scheduling to candidates we wish to interview. This position will remain open until filled.