Advanced Energy Project Manager

Job Title

Advanced Energy Project Manager

Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR)

Energy Grant Program

Full-Time, Exempt

Eastern Kentucky

Chief Operating Officer

SOAR is seeking a mission-driven Advanced Energy Project Manager to coordinate and grow SOAR’s advanced energy portfolio. This position will ensure that Eastern Kentucky is well-positioned to benefit from major opportunities in nuclear energy readiness, hydropower development, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging energy sectors.

This role will manage multiple grants and contracts, coordinate with federal, state, and local partners, and move projects from early-stage feasibility to community implementation.

This position is an in-office role reporting to one of SOAR’s main or satellite offices in the region. Extensive travel throughout the region and some out-of-state travel will be required.

• Program Implementation & Grant Management
  • Oversee implementation of SOAR's energy-related grants and contracts, including:
    • KY Office of Energy Policy / Appalachian Wayfinder Contract — Deliver quarterly reporting, project identification, and technical assistance.
    • Energy Communities Alliance Collaborative-Based Siting Grant — Lead town halls, focus groups, and interim/final report submissions.
    • United States Forest Service Appalachian Carbon Exchange (ACE) — Coordinate mapping, workshop planning, and community engagement.
  • Track metrics, prepare reports, and maintain compliance with all funder requirements.
• Nuclear Energy Ecosystem Development
  • SOAR has positioned Eastern Kentucky as a leader in nuclear energy readiness. This role will manage and expand that work by:
    • Workforce Development:
      Partner with higher education, workforce boards, and training providers to design pipelines into nuclear-related careers.
    • Coordinating programming at the SOAR Summit and regional events to highlight nuclear opportunities.
    • Supporting reskilling efforts for displaced workers and preparing a nuclear outage workforce.
  • Supply Chain Readiness:
    • Identifying and engaging Eastern Kentucky manufacturers to assess their potential roles in the nuclear supply chain.
    • Connecting local businesses with national partners such as GAIN, MPR, and Envoy Public Labs to qualify for procurement opportunities.
  • Site Preparation + Community Readiness:
    • Assisting communities with applying for Kentucky's Nuclear-Ready Community designation.
    • Facilitating site identification and coordinating with local governments, utilities, and state agencies to prepare for future reactor or facility siting.
    • Hosting community workshops and stakeholder sessions to build public awareness and support.
• Advanced Energy Project Development:
  • Serve as SOAR's lead on Rye Development's Lewis Ridge Pump Storage Hydropower Project, coordinating stakeholder engagement and public education.
  • Monitor and support additional advanced energy opportunities as they arise, ensuring SOAR can quickly respond with coordination and community engagement support.
• Stakeholder Engagement + Ecosystem Support:
  • Lead listening sessions, technical workshops, and round tables to engage community leaders, industry partners, and residents.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, site selectors, and developers.
  • Serve as a liaison between SOAR, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, the Nuclear Energy Development Working Group, and federal agencies.
• Reporting + Continuous Improvement:
  • Prepare quarterly and final reports for internal and external audiences.
  • Capture best practices and lessons learned to improve SOAR's energy strategy and engagement model.
  • Provide recommendations to SOAR leadership for new initiatives and partnerships.

• Bachelor’s degree in energy policy, engineering, environmental science, public administration, project management, or a related field.

• Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience managing grants, contracts, or complex projects involving multiple partners.

• Proven ability to manage federal, state, and private grants, including reporting, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

• Strong organizational and time management skills with experience handling…