Director of Renewables, UK

Director of Renewables, UK

Location: Remote within the UK only. Regular virtual meetings and frequent travel are required.

Full-time, Temporary through December 31, 2025 

OVERVIEW

The climate emergency is the defining challenge of our time, demanding an urgent and transformative response. The window for small, incremental action has closed; the moment for bold, emergency-level action is now.

Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE) operates at the intersection of zero-carbon energy advocacy, strategic media, and civic participation to accelerate global decarbonisation. Through cutting-edge media strategies, ACE combats related disinformation, flattens the curve of renewable energy opposition, increases diverse participation in our democracy, and inspires meaningful action. Our programmes engage tens of millions of people annually, mobilising audiences that traditional climate efforts often overlook.

ACE’s dynamic and diverse team thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, united by a shared commitment to addressing the climate crisis. As we expand to meet this critical moment, we seek talented individuals eager to make an impact.

JOB SUMMARY

To meet our climate goals, we must decarbonise our economy at a breakneck speed over the next decade. That includes accelerating deployment of utility-scale, renewable energy projects. We see the biggest opportunities to advance decarbonisation at the local and regional levels—accelerating utility-scale solar, wind and BESS projects in communities across the world, fighting local regulatory and planning policies that are detrimental to the energy transition, and proactively advancing policies that support deployment, bring economic and community benefits to people, and balance environmental impacts.

The Director of Renewables, UK will focus on advancing renewable  energy siting and permitting campaigns, as well as related regulatory, planning and policy advocacy. This role will help identify opportunities to flatten the curve of local disinformation and related opposition, drive action-taking in support of renewable energy deployment, promote pro-development policies and regulations, and foster ideal conditions to facilitate faster deployment. The Director will combine strategic leadership with hands-on campaign execution and research to support ACE’s mission of accelerating utility-scale, zero-carbon energy deployment.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, this position is ideal for an individual with experience in renewable energy development in the UK and related regulatory affairs who is eager to take on a leadership role in advancing zero-carbon energy solutions at the local and regional levels.

This is a full-time, remote role based anywhere in the United Kingdom. The incumbent will work from a home office, participate in regular in-person events, fieldwork, and both internal and external meetings. Frequent interactions through video chat with ACE team members, industry clients, partners, vendors, and funders are expected. The role requires flexibility to work irregular hours as needed and a willingness to travel for field-based activities and partner meetings.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Research

• Identify and analyse regulatory and policy opportunities to support renewable energy permitting and development-friendly ordinances.
• Develop playbooks and guides for engaging with local officials, stakeholders, and communities to promote renewable energy projects.
• Conduct research on advocacy strategies, regulatory barriers, and best practices to inform campaigns and outreach efforts.

Campaign Design and Execution

• Design and implement local and regional campaigns to support renewable energy siting and permitting, tailoring strategies to local conditions and community dynamics.
• Work with local governments, developers, and stakeholders to craft messaging and build coalitions in favour of renewable projects.
• Support campaigns by identifying opportunities to mitigate opposition and proactively engage communities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with renewable energy developers, policymakers, and community leaders.
• Advocate for policy and regulatory changes that streamline renewable energy deployment.
• Represent ACE and our related entities at industry events, public hearings, and community forums to promote renewable energy initiatives.

Team Collaboration and Leadership

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align campaign goals with broader organisational priorities.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members and interns involved in research and campaigns.
• Report on campaign outcomes and opportunities to senior leadership, ensuring accountability and alignment with strategic objectives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

• 5+ years of experience in renewable energy development, permitting, or related public affairs.
• A specific desire to work in a fast-paced, growing and challenging environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in researching and analysing policy and regulatory landscapes.
• Proven ability to design and execute campaigns, particularly at the local and regional levels.
• Strong understanding of utility-scale renewable energy permitting processes and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex regulatory topics for diverse audiences.
• Experience building coalitions and working collaboratively with stakeholders across sectors.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Track record of managing complex stakeholder and partner relationships.
• Experience using digital tools and technology with proficiency in Google Suite.
• Experience using UK clean energy databases and AI tools.
• Self-starter eager to improve and create systems, with the flexibility to adapt to changing environments.
• Understanding of and commitment to testing and running metric-based programmes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with thoroughness, accuracy, timeliness, and professionalism.
• Proactive, flexible, and solutions-oriented with a commitment to innovation.
• Willingness to work irregular hours as needed and travel for field-based activities and partner meetings.
• Strong background in working with cross-functional teams and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Deep understanding of strategic use of data; ability to collaborate well with others; works well in a fast-paced environment and able to multitask without sacrificing quality of work; ability to communicate effectively about complex topics; ability to translate analysis into a digestible and actionable format; understanding of renewable energy issues and their potential to engage the public (preferred).
• Exceptional writing, organisational, strategic thinking, and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and lead diverse teams.
• Experience working with rural and underserved communities.

Desired Qualifications

• Background in measurement and evaluation of campaigns, including both qualitative and quantitative research.
• Proficiency with campaign management tools and CRM systems.

Additional Information

This description reflects ACE’s assignment of essential functions and responsibilities and does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. ACE reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Reasonable adjustments will be made for employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job. ACE is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Adapt to the evolving needs of a fast-paced organisation with flexibility and creativity.

Position Details:

• Full-time, Temporary through December 31, 2025 
• Competitive annual salary range: £80,000 - £90,000 commensurate with experience.