THE COMPANYSAGE, Strategic Advancement Goals for the Environment , provides renewable and sustainable energy resources in balance with Natural Law to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things.The SAGE Development Authority (SAGE) is a 100% Native-led organization dedicated to community development, institution-building, and self-determination for the Standing Rock Nation. It ensures energy independence, protects the environment, and promotes economic growth for the Native Nation and the region.VisionSAGE aims to lead in renewable energy development options, balancing with Natural Law.MissionSAGE provides renewable and sustainable energy resources in balance with Natural Law to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things.THE POSITIONWe are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Marketing Communications Manager to lead our communications team and guide our public relations and digital engagement strategies. This mid-level position will oversee the PR Specialist / Social Media Manager, coordinate external communications, and develop content to elevate SAGE's visibility and impact. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator, passionate about renewable energy and Indigenous sovereignty, and able to lead initiatives that reflect SAGE's mission and values. Top essential functions and duties include but are not limited to the responsibilities listed below as well as other duties that may be assigned. Communications Strategy & Management
- Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications strategy to build brand awareness, support community engagement, and drive public understanding of SAGE's mission and core initiatives.
- Lead and mentor the PR Specialist / Social Media Manager, ensuring cohesive messaging across all platforms and channels.
- Align communications with SAGE's Wisdom, Respect, Caring, and Fortitude values, emphasizing the importance of energy sovereignty and environmental responsibility.
- Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communications efforts, adjusting strategies based on metrics and audience insights.
- Oversee media inquiries, coordinating with PR Specialist/Social Media Manager and relevant internal team members for accurate responses.
Community Engagement
- Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with key community stakeholders, including Tribal leaders, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and other influential groups.
- Act as a primary liaison between SAGE and the Standing Rock community, facilitating open communication and building trust to ensure that SAGE's projects and initiatives align with community needs and aspirations.
- Plan, promote, and execute outreach events in the community, such as informational workshops, presentations, and roundtable discussions that increase awareness and foster support for SAGE's initiatives.
- Collaborate closely with the PR and social media team to share event outcomes, partnerships, and community stories across digital platforms.
- Monitor community feedback and adjust engagement strategies as needed to reflect community insights, upholding SAGE's values of Wisdom, Respect, and Humility in every interaction.
- Track and report on community engagement activities, identifying ways to continuously strengthen SAGE's presence and relationships within the community.
Public Relations & Media Engagement
- Support the PR Specialist/Social Media Manager in cultivating and managing relationships with media outlets, journalists, and key influencers, fostering positive coverage and community awareness.
- Support the PR Specialist/Social Media Manager in developing pitches, preparing spokespersons, and organizing press events, including media briefings and interviews.
Digital Marketing & Content Creation
- Oversee social media strategies, website content, newsletters, and blog posts to maintain a consistent voice across all digital platforms.
- Collaborate with team members to produce high-quality content that reflects SAGE's commitment to Generosity, Humility, Honesty, and equitable access to energy.
- Develop campaign plans for special initiatives and events, ensuring timely content creation and clear calls to action.
- Ensure visual consistency and brand adherence across all public-facing materials.
Team Leadership & Coordination
- Lead and support the communications team, setting goals, providing guidance, and conducting performance reviews.
- Collaborate with other departments to align on communications needs and strategies.
- Ensure the Lakota/Dakota lens is used across platforms and uses, updating all branding material created during the branding process, and helping the team get the right tools for this.
- Work with outside consultants to grow in leadership capacity, with the goal of transitioning into a director position within a year.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations for the SAGE leadership team, tracking key metrics and proposing new opportunities.
SAGE Core ValuesAll team members are expected to demonstrate and promote SAGE's values in their work:
- Wisdom / Natural Law - Balance all actions with the respect of all living things.
- Respect / Tate Topa (Four Winds) - Recognize and integrate diverse perspectives that support life.
- Caring & Compassion / 7 Generations Mindset - Make decisions with a long-term positive impact for future generations.
- Fortitude & Bravery / Protecting - Embrace local control and honor SRST laws and individual land ownership.
- Generosity / To Be Equitable - Ensure fair returns on revenue and fair energy pricing for our customers.
- Humility / Leadership - Lead by listening, learning, and building a sense of community.
- Honesty / Fiscally Responsible - Adhere to accounting principles and follow APPA standards for public power.
THE POSITIONMust have at least the following combinations of experience and education:
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, with a minimum of 2 years in a team leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience in managing PR campaigns, social media, and content strategy.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with experience tailoring messages to diverse audiences.
- Ability to lead and inspire a team, with a commitment to professional development and collaboration.
- Experience with Indigenous communities or renewable energy preferred.
- Graphic design or digital marketing experience (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) is a plus.
- Alignment with SAGE's mission and values, particularly the emphasis on energy sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and respect for Native sovereignty.
- Experience and understanding working with Lakota/Dakota and Native American-centered content (preferred).
Why Join SAGE?
- Be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to meaningful impact and energy sovereignty.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive, values-driven environment.
- Flexible work arrangements and remote work.
ADDITIONAL DETAILSWorking Conditions/Physical RequirementsThe Marketing Communications Manager role is a hybrid position with in-person presence required once a quarter in Standing Rock, North Dakota. Employees may work under the stress of continual contact with clients, community members, co-workers, and business partners and the pressure to meet deadlines. They must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.Compensation, Development & BenefitsThis will be a full-time, exempt salaried position with an annual compensation range between $70,000 to $90,000 and is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, and schedule. The Marketing Communications Manager reports directly to the Operations Director with technical training provided by the Marketing Consultant. This position also has a career trajectory and training plan developed for the Communications & Marketing Director. SAGE places importance on the value of supporting employees with a comprehensive total benefit package. The following benefits are available after completing the introductory period:
- Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
- LTD and Life Insurance
- Retirement Benefits
- Generous Paid Time Off, Holidays, & Spiritual Leave
- Financial contributions for professional development
- Financial contributions for Lakota/Dakota language and cultural development
INTERESTED?If you are someone who aligns with SAGE values and is eager to contribute to their mission through your passion for sustainable energy for the Lakota/Dakota Native nation, please apply with your resume and cover letter. Within your cover letter, please share with us why you feel your background fits well in this position.SAGE complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please message us through the portal with your application. Research shows that certain demographics, especially women and other marginalized groups, tend to only apply for a job when they meet all the criteria. If this role sounds like a great fit for you but you don't meet every item in the description, we'd encourage you to apply anyway. SAGE and Gorge HR have partnered up in the recruitment efforts for this position.