Overview

We are seeking a short-term, part-time contractor to support Grid Catalyst communications and marketing activities during the upcoming five-month leave of our Marketing and Communications Manager. Grid Catalyst is a Minnesota-based energy accelerator that works with startups to demonstrate their technologies and build a stronger regional energy innovation ecosystem. We are a small team and rely on strong communications to connect our programming with entrepreneurs, industry partners, policymakers, investors, and other ecosystem stakeholders. During the term of this contract, we will be focused on the following initiatives:

● Demonstration cohort projects mobilizing from our group of finalists in the 2026 cycle. As projects launch, we share the story through our blog, newsletter, website, and social media (primarily LinkedIn).

● Sharing the results and impact of our partnership through the Minnesota Energy Alley initiative, which we coordinate in partnership with Clean Energy Economy Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

● A new demonstration cohort program focused on utility innovation. This includes communications focused on recruiting applicants to the program between May 4-June 24. And supporting partner communications and external storytelling through the pitch event in September. There will also be event management activities related to the pitch event, as outlined below.

● The 2026 Minnesota Energy Innovation Summit, supporting our partner Recharge America with event planning and communications.

The contractor will support essential communications functions in support of these initiatives and other business activities, with a primary focus on channel and content management. The most critical contribution is professional writing, with an emphasis on technical content, and content developed for our blog, website, LinkedIn, and other platforms as needed.

We are looking for someone with 3-5 years of relevant experience in professional writing, social media management, and graphic design (Canva is sufficient). Our budget reflects this level of experience; however, we are open to inquiries from more experienced candidates, particularly those with energy industry experience.

Key Responsibilities

The Contractor shall perform the following services on behalf of Grid Catalyst for the duration of the engagement. All work shall be performed in accordance with Grid Catalyst’s brand standards, organizational priorities, and direction from Nina Axelson, Grid Catalyst president. Deliverables will be determined on a rolling basis.

Content Creation and Management

● Coordinate with the current Manager and President to outline a communications calendar, with projects and activities outlined for a minimum of a 30-day outlook.

● Create compelling content for newsletters, social media (LinkedIn), and the organization’s website.

● Manage the production of marketing materials, including flyers and presentations, coordinating contributions from third-party graphic designers as needed.

● Develop and manage the communication content and promotion of the cohort recruiting process.

Event Management

● Support the event planning and communication for the 2026 Minnesota Energy Innovation Summit, which is being led this year by our partners at Recharge America.

● Coordinate logistics for a hybrid pitch event in September, in support of our next demonstration cohort introduction to prospective partners.

Visual Design Development and Coordination

● Develop graphics for campaigns, events, social media, and other organizational needs using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable tools.

● Manage external graphic designers as required for special projects.

Additional Support

● As needed and capacity allows, support development of additional writing or design projects that may arise during the 6-month term.

Contractor Qualifications

The Contractor is expected to demonstrate the following qualifications:

● Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in communications, marketing, outreach, or a related role; experience in the energy, climate, or technology sectors preferred.

● Exceptional writing and editing skills.

● Proficiency in social media platforms, digital marketing tools, and content management systems.

● Experience with graphic design management and Canva; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is desirable.

● Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.

Working Arrangements

● The Contractor shall perform services as an independent contractor and not as an employee of Grid Catalyst. The Contractor is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes on compensation received under this agreement.

● Contractors will be paid on a monthly basis based on hours worked and the agreed upon compensation rate.

● Contractor may work flexible hours, but must have some availability during core business hours (e.g. 9AM-3PM, Monday-Friday) to coordinate and connect with the team. Time-sensitive items will be identified to ensure production, review, and coordination can keep projects on schedule.

● This work will be remote unless in-person coordination is helpful on a given project or for orientation. Fully remote candidates based in the U.S. are eligible. We are not accepting applications from international candidates at this time.

● Contractor will be expected to use their own computer and phone device and adhere to confidentiality expectations.

● Grid Catalyst will provide or facilitate access to required platforms, including social media accounts, website CMS, Canva, shared drives, project management tools, and relevant email accounts.

Timeline and Commitment

● May 2026-October 2026. Preferred start date of May 4, to work alongside the current Manager for orientation to the work and systems.

● Estimated at 20-25 hours/week.

● The budget range for hourly compensation is $45-65/hour, commensurate with relevant experience.

How to Apply

Interested contractors should submit the following materials via email to nina@gridcatalyst.org by April 17, 2026.

● 1-page introduction that outlines your relevant experience and hourly compensation expectations. You may submit a resume, but it is not required.

● 2 writing samples.

● 2 design samples.

Grid Catalyst

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