Program/Role: Project Manager, Industrial Innovation Initiative

Location: WFH Flexible, Minneapolis, MN. GPI’s headquarters are based at 2801 21st Avenue South, Suite 220 in Minneapolis, MN.

Reports to: Senior Program Manager, Industrial Innovation & Carbon Management

Type of Position: Full-time position

Ideal start date: August 2026

Compensation: Salary range: $82K-$93K, commensurate with experience. Benefits made available include a health plan, 401(k) retirement plan, LTD, STD, life, vision, dental, FSA/HSA, paid time off, professional development allowance, and communication stipend.

ABOUT THE GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE

A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) is accelerating the transition to net-zero carbon emissions for the benefit of people, the economy, and the environment. Increased demand for GPI’s unique blend of energy expertise and consensus-derived solutions has driven organizational and programmatic growth. With headquarters in Minnesota, GPI’s operations are national in scope while retaining a core competency in the Midcontinent region. GPI is powered by more than 70 professionals and is supported by some of the nation’s most respected philanthropies.

The following values inform how we work both inside and outside GPI. It is important to us to be trusted, inclusive, equitable, pragmatic, and transformative:

Trusted. We base our approach and actions on trust, mutual respect, and accountability.

Inclusive. We achieve impact through inclusive and deliberate collaboration with a diversity of interests.

Equitable. We strive for equity in our approach and outcomes.

Pragmatic. We take a clear-eyed view of the world as it is, even as we seek to improve it.

Transformative. We are a bold and passionate catalyst for change.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Industrial Innovation & Carbon Management (IICM) program is dedicated to fostering the deployment of solutions at scale to manage carbon emissions from energy, industry, and manufacturing, while protecting and creating high-wage, family-sustaining jobs and providing economic and environmental benefits to affected communities. Through our staffing and coordination of projects from the community level to the federal level, GPI’s IICM program is playing a transformative role in building broad industry, labor, NGO, and community engagement and support for policies and project deployment necessary to put our nation on a path to net-zero emissions and to achieve midcentury climate goals. The IICM team is a fast-paced collaborative team with an entrepreneurial spirit that encourages and appreciates equal contribution from members at all levels of the team.

THIS POSITION: PROJECT MANAGER, INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION INITIATIVE

The Industrial Innovation Initiative (I3) Project Manager will oversee I3 and serve as the primary point of contact for project partners and stakeholders. The manager will also work closely with other Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management team members to ensure that project goals and outcomes are achieved, and will engage with the IICM team on additional related projects at the direction of the IICM Vice President.

The project manager will be expected to work both independently and with colleagues on projects. The successful candidate will be able to complete various work elements from conception to completion in a timely manner and follow detailed or minimal directions. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively and constructively with project participants from diverse backgrounds, interests, and points of view; exercise good judgment in a variety of situations; maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities; utilize effective methods for time management and prioritization of tasks; and possess the ability to identify and address urgent and important needs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Hours may be flexible and are typically Monday through Friday during the business day; some nights and weekends may be required. Some travel is also required.

Position Responsibilities: Provide project management for I3, and collaborate on other work with the IICM team.

Project Strategy

• Develop and execute a detailed strategy to build out federal infrastructure for effective policy development and advocacy in industrial innovation, including synergies with other projects on GPI’s IICM team
• Develop a nonpartisan, consensus-based federal policy blueprint in 2026, and develop and execute a strategy to socialize the blueprint with the 120th Congress
• Work strategically with the Initiative’s government affairs consultants to support Initiative goals, including regular federal agency and Congressional meetings

Project Management and Administration

• Recruit, develop, and maintain robust relationships with project participants
• Research federal policies and programs related to industrial innovation
• Research responses to requests for information and formal comments from federal agencies, as well as informal requests for information from Congressional offices
• Develop and maintain administrative processes to support project strategy
• Coordinate, prepare agendas, and staff project calls, including team calls, work groups, and plenary meetings
• Develop and publish project-related blog posts, fact sheets, and web content
• Develop and release a monthly program newsletter, including relevant industrial innovation updates for participants
• Compile and draft a detailed annual report to share with stakeholders

Project Funding

• Manage I3-related grants, in coordination with the IICM Senior Program Manager and Senior Coordinator, including preparing narratives and budgets for grant and contract proposals and reports.
• Develop and maintain consistent relationships with current and prospective funders.

IICM Program Support

• Participate in weekly IICM staff calls and other program calls, as needed
• Other programmatic assistance, including related to budget, strategy, and other IICM program projects (when needed and as directed)
• Maintain relationships with peer organizations and a general level of awareness of what they are working on in the space of industrial innovation
• Maintain relationships with the Initiative’s co-convening organization, World Resources Institute, to ensure collaboration and project success

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant proven skills and experience
• Prior experience (2+ years) working on public policy, federal, state, or otherwise
• Prior experience working with and/or coordinating individuals in coalitions or other group settings, organizing events, and attending meetings or public events on behalf of an organization
• Knowledge of, or prior experience with climate, energy, and/or environmental issues a plus
• Experience with campaign strategy and execution in public policy, political, and/or other contexts a plus
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with very diverse individuals and institutions, including those with different backgrounds and political perspectives, with which you may personally disagree
• Experience developing and maintaining professional relationships
• High attention to detail and ability to work independently
• Excellent time and deadline management, project management, and team relationship skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Commitment to the mission and goals of the Great Plains Institute

EQUIPMENT USED:

This position involves the use of a desktop computer and/or laptop, a copier, a fax machine, a calculator, a printer, and a telephone.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

This position requires working at a desk (either sitting or standing) for extended periods, extensive use of devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), and use of a telephone/headset.

HOW TO APPLY:

Appy online. Required application materials include a resume and a one-page cover letter. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

BACKGROUND ON GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE:

GPI has a fast-paced entrepreneurial culture in which people enjoy both great freedom and great responsibility. People who thrive in this culture take personal responsibility for identifying what needs to be done and getting it done. They are initiative-takers, problem-solvers, and quick to help others. They work hard because they believe in the mission and get to spend most of their time at the intersection of what they love to do and are good at. It’s a working environment where performance is judged more by results than by time spent in a chair. We aspire to make this the best job anyone has ever had.

The Great Plains Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes a wide diversity of applicants.