At Solar United Neighbors, we envision a clean, equitable energy system that directs control and benefits back to local communities, with solar energy on every roof and money in every pocket. We are the only organization in the country dedicated to representing the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. We currently operate on the ground in 12 states (AZ, CO, DC, FL, IN, MD, MN, OH, PA, TX, VA, WV) and engage in extensive national programming. Each state program promotes solar throughout its jurisdiction through education, events, volunteer opportunities, advocacy, and helping people go solar.

Sounds exciting? It is! Want to be a part of it?

We are seeking an Engagement Specialist to provide integral support for our state programs and program directors by coordinating local engagement activities. Engagement at Solar United Neighbors includes volunteer opportunities, solar open houses, solar celebrations, national solar events, and more. You’ll report to the Director of Engagement and, along with two fellow Engagement Specialists, collaborate with many different staff members, work on new engagement program initiatives, and serve as the primary engagement program point of contact for the program directors and field staff in your group of states.

Who are you?

You have the ability to work independently while collaborating across an organization. You are self-motivated, excited to take on tasks, and willing to innovate rather than stick to the status quo. You have no problem testing out ideas, learning from mistakes, and identifying what works. You’re willing to roll up your sleeves and get the job done — whether that means planning an event, developing new volunteer opportunities, fulfilling merchandise orders, or coming up with creative ways to recognize stellar volunteers.

Here’s what the day-to-day looks like:

– You’ll work with SUN’s distributed engagement team and state-based field staff to identify, coordinate, and implement volunteer opportunities and engagement events to support the growth of our local programs and networks, expand the capacity of state-based field staff, and deepen relationships with local solar supporters.

-You’ll coordinate all state-based engagement activities, events, and opportunities, including social events, volunteer opportunities (including tabling, flyering, canvassing, digital outreach, and more), advocacy events, solar open houses, etc. In addition, you’ll support national events such as movie screenings, webinars, days of action, and volunteer trainings.

– You’ll solicit and craft web-based success stories highlighting volunteers and solar homeowners in each state, and identify  opportunities to feature these solar stories and show appreciation for our volunteers.

– You’ll work closely with state teams to actively support the coordination and implementation of local programming, driving progress toward each state program’s engagement goals.

– You’ll manage regular email communications with all state volunteer lists about upcoming opportunities through our Campaign Monitor database and email platform, as well as coordination and follow-up with individual volunteers about specific opportunities. You’ll create event RSVP pages, Facebook events, printable and digital flyers, and other collateral needed for events, including printing and mailing resources to field staff, volunteers, and partners as needed.

– You’ll ensure up-to-date tracking of all volunteer activities and event attendance in our Salesforce and Campaign Monitor databases.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this position, you’ll have an interest in solar energy as well as 2-4 years of experience in program coordination, event planning, managing volunteers, working on campaigns, community or environmental organizing, canvassing, and/or direct outreach. You’re an efficient multi-tasker who loves organization and is able to manage multiple short- and long-term projects concurrently. You thrive in an environment where you can work independently but in conjunction with cross-functional teams. You are open to feedback, collaboration, and learning from others. Your attention to detail is bar none, and you’re comfortable using Gmail, Microsoft Office, and online database platforms such as Campaign Monitor, WordPress, and Salesforce.

Our Team

You’ll report to the Director of Engagement and work closely with field staff and your fellow Engagement Specialists. In addition, you’ll collaborate directly with colleagues across the organization, including renewable energy leaders, policy wonks, communications experts, and community organizers.

We have nearly 40 staff members working across 12 states (and growing every year). Half of our team is located in the Washington, D.C. area.

We welcome candidates of diverse backgrounds and experience to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQi, differently abled, and those with non-traditional education.

We’re an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our organization. We don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Benefits

This is a full-time position in support of four of our state field programs in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. We highly encourage applicants from IN, OH, PA, and WV.

The salary range for this position is $35,000-$45,000 depending upon experience. Working for Solar United Neighbors means you’ll receive health insurance, generous leave, professional development opportunities, remote work options, flexible work hours, and travel opportunities. With four states (and counting) in your portfolio, you’ll be travelling occasionally (once it is safe to do so) to support field staff for some regional events.

How to apply

Send your resume and cover letter to Annie Wolf at jobs@solarunitedneighbors.org and include the title “Heartland Engagement Specialist” in the subject line.