Job Information
Third Way Community Outreach Manager (Contract) in Washington, Michigan
COMMUNITY OUTREACH MANAGER, PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE HYDROGEN DEVELOPMENT IN MICHIGAN -- LONG TERM CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY (40hrs/week, 12 months)
PROJECT EXPECTATIONS: This is a long-term contract (1099) opportunity to work with Third Way's Climate & Energy Program. This role requires a self-starter and an independent professional who has a deep understanding of Michigan and its social and political systems. Knowledge of local/state government or energy policy would be helpful, but not required. The role is based in Michigan and requires regular travel across a 3-4 county area that includes Detroit and Flint.
OPPORTUNITY: Low-carbon hydrogen will play an outsized role in decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors of the economy such as industry and heavy-duty transportation, including low carbon fuel alternatives for trucking, aviation, and shipping. Hydrogen has the potential to bring legacy energy stakeholders and their skilled workforces into decarbonization efforts and appeal to a wide range of Americans across the country. And because the clean hydrogen economy is new and growing, it gives the US a chance to be an early mover and build global leadership that creates opportunities for domestic businesses and workers across a diverse and complex supply chain.
However, the same newness that makes hydrogen such an intriguing opportunity also presents challenges with community awareness, education, and acceptance. There's very little knowledge among the public about what hydrogen is, let alone the benefits and risks that could be associated with it. Affected communities need to understand how clean hydrogen projects could impact the energy system as a whole and how they could affect them locally---their economy, quality of life, costs, amenities, health, and environment.
PROJECT AND ROLE DESCRIPTION: Third Way has selected Michigan as the focus for this project because of the level of interest and investment it has received from state leaders, the federal government, and the private sector. For example, Michigan is participating in the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MACHH2) hub project, with key partners including the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, the Flint Mass Transportation Authority, the Michigan Infrastructure Office (housed in the Governor's Executive Office), and the University of Michigan.
Low-carbon hydrogen has the potential to help us significantly decrease pollution that causes climate change, as well as bring economic benefits to communities with new innovative jobs. However, the hydrogen hub projects are complicated, and they need to be carried out responsibly not only for the environment, but also in a way that nearby communities understand how these projects can change their local economy.
The Community Outreach Manager will work with the Third Way team to help us learn from and engage with communities in Michigan that will directly be impacted by potential hydrogen projects. We are seeking someone who will:
- Identify and build relationships with key stakeholders who could take an interest in clean hydrogen projects, including local NGOs, environmental justice groups, as well as local government officials and project developers.
- Help coordinate focus groups and listening sessions, as well as educational workshops that give community members access to scientific and technical experts.
- Help identify common questions, concerns, and opportunities raised by communities that should be examined and addressed by technical experts or project developers.
BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS: Must have at least 5 years' experience in campaigning, community organizing, government affairs, or public affairs. Successful candidates will have a proven ability to build relationships with community leaders, desig