Energy Programs Lead- Heartland

ABOUT THE POSITION

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, versatile, and detail-oriented problem-solver with a passion for clean energy and social justice. Groundswell’s Energy Programs team leads delivery of the organization’s solar, resilience, energy efficiency, and housing equity programs and projects in multiple states. As a key member of this team, the regional Energy Programs Lead, Heartland is responsible for implementing with excellence the vision for building community power across the Heartland, including program implementation, customer support, and stakeholder collaboration for Groundswell’s solar and resilience programs across the region, as well any energy efficiency and housing equity programs that Groundswell may seek to deploy in the future. Collectively, these programs benefit disadvantaged communities and low-income households by reducing energy bills and increasing home safety and comfort.

Working in close coordination with Groundswell’s Market Development team, the Lead for Energy Programs, Heartland is responsible for the successful deployment of Groundswell’s projects and programs in-region. This responsibility includes developing and maintaining key relationships and communication channels, emphasizing partnerships with local minority-owned and/or woman-owned businesses and organizations. The Lead should be adept at communicating about clean energy and energy resilience initiatives with various external stakeholders, from community residents to decision-makers to technical program partners. They must be comfortable presenting to audiences and facilitating workshops and must have the passion and drive it takes to thrive in a values-based, results-driven nonprofit organization where serving our neighbors through our mission is our key metric. In addition, the candidate should be able to manage multiple projects concurrently, deliver results, and handle administrative duties supporting each program.

In alignment with Groundswell’s strategic plan, the Energy Programs Lead for the Heartland will focus on implementing energy resilience planning initiatives in new markets (including community engagement and workshop facilitation), implementing equitable resilience projects in partnership with state and local groups, and building a deep pipeline of prospective solar and resilience projects. Occasional overlap with initiatives in other geographic markets (e.g., the Southeast) may be involved. The Heartland region encompasses Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regional Community Resilience Planning

• Collaborate with Groundswell’s Market Development team to educate customers (local governments, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations) about the concept of resilience hubs and associated benefits to underserved communities across the Heartland region
• Recruit representatives from underserved communities to participate in sessions that inform location and services of the Resilience Hub program in each jurisdiction
• Design and facilitate workshops to guide representatives of underserved communities in identifying priority locations and services for Resilience Hubs
• Analyze workshop results and prepare summary reports and recommendations for informing future resilience investments
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to create outreach materials, website content, and articles to spread the word about the Resilience Hub program
• Conduct initial analysis to determine basic parameters for potential solar and battery installations (utility bill analysis, zoning research, business/corporation information, etc.)
• Establish relationships and vet prospective new implementation partners
• Support applications for funding

Community Engagement and Customer Support

• Lead community and customer engagement and coordination efforts for Heartland-based projects and programs
• Receive, manage, and respond to customer inquiries regarding Direct/Elective Pay and tax credit bonus adders, seeking technical guidance from team members as needed
• Work with prospective project hosts and owners to execute initial project agreements, including Letters of Intent, Access Agreements, and/or Memoranda of Understanding, working closely with the Director of Solar & Resilience Project Development and the Market Development team.
• Manage customer relationships during development and construction of solar and resilience projects
• Communicate effectively and accurately with current and prospective future solar & resilience host sites about project status and schedule
• Participate in internal and external team meetings to assess ongoing project development processes and timelines; maintain knowledge of status for ongoing projects and programs
• Respond to emergent customer concerns and recommend viable solutions by coordinating with Director of Solar & Resiliency Project Development, VP of Energy Programs, and other relevant Groundswell team members
• Support the Director of Solar & Resiliency Project Development with contractor management during project implementation
• Serve as Groundswell’s representative for a variety of partnerships and coalition meetings that advance energy equity

Revenue Development

• Help identify and evaluate new funding opportunities, provide reporting information for existing funders, and support Groundswell’s efforts to cultivate new prospective funders for the organization’s projects and programs
• Adhere to timelines for shepherding solar and resilience projects through the construction process, earning developer fees for Groundwell in accordance with revenue forecasts
• Identify engagement and revenue opportunities for Groundswell through GGRF-funded Solar For All initiatives in Illinois, Indiana, and other states in the region

Other Responsibilities

• Stay abreast of current and emergent laws, policies, and regulations across the Heartland region (e.g., Illinois Solar For All guidelines) to inform Groundswell’s approach to project and program deployment
• Support the development of Groundswell’s programs within and outside of business line responsibilities
• Seek opportunities to drive continuous improvement in Groundswell programs, processes, and procedures
• Build and maintain awareness of local policy and regulatory environments that impact clean energy initiatives in the region
• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to create outreach materials, website content, and articles to spread the word about the Groundswell’s energy programs
• Maintain data on projects and partners in Salesforce for tracking and reporting purposes
• Develop and maintain knowledge of Groundswell’s other programs
• Support applications for funding
• Represent Groundswell at events, speaking about solar, resilience, and energy efficiency programming
• Demonstrate prudent management of Groundswell assets and resources

COMPETENCIES OR SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of clean energy and energy resilience, including energy efficiency
• Deep appreciation for and understanding of diverse, under-resourced, and low-income communities in the Heartland region, spanning urban and rural settings
• Ability to respectfully engage with a variety of stakeholders (program beneficiaries, community-based organizations, government, small businesses)
• Motivated and proactive self-starter
• Detail-oriented
• High emotional intelligence to encourage collaboration across both internal and external stakeholders
• Desire to develop comprehensive knowledge of Groundswell’s clean energy solutions

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a remote-based position with occasional travel to meet with partners and stakeholders in person. The Energy Programs Lead, Heartland will be expected to be able to work from home in a suitable workspace situated in the Heartland region with preference to IL or IN.

TRAVEL

Frequent regional travel will be required for this position. In-person meetings within the region are highly valued, and whenever possible, the Lead for Energy Programs, Heartland, will be expected to meet partners in person. Visits to Groundswell’s Washington DC headquarters will be required for meetings and/or special events.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 3 years of work experience
• Partnership development skills
• Strong program management and communication skills
• Comfort in facilitating workshops and educational sessions

BENEFITS

Groundswell pays 100% of the monthly premium for health, dental, vision, and long-term disability for full-time employees in accordance with Groundswell’s policy. Groundswell also covers 50% of spouses and dependents covered under the Groundswell healthcare, vision, and dental plan.

• Matching 401 (k) plan contribution by Groundswell up to 4% for employees who choose to contribute to Groundswell’s 401 (k) plan, with immediate vesting.
• Monthly Development Days to focus on professional development opportunities.
• $45 per month to reimburse cellular phone use for business purposes.
• $75 per month to reimburse home internet access for business purposes.
• Fifteen (15) paid vacation days per year; eight (8) sick days; and two (2) personal days. Vacation and sick leave accrue at the start of your employment, restart each year on January 1, and increase with tenure. Personal days begin after six months of employment.
• Groundswell also takes nine (9) paid federal holidays and a holiday break from December 24th to January 1st (inclusive).
• Short-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, and Voluntary Life available.
• Pre-tax benefits such as Smart Benefits, Flexible spending accounts, and Dependent care are also available.