Virtual/Remote
The Minnesota Program Associate will work closely with the Minnesota State Director and the regional support team to carry out SUN’s goals in the state. This position reports to the Minnesota Program Director.
Please submit both a resume and a cover letter with your application.
Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit that started more than 15 years ago with a simple question. “Mom, can we go solar?” Since then, we’ve helped tens of thousands of people benefit from solar energy. We are dedicated to creating a clean, equitable, resilient energy system that benefits everyone – by helping people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.
SUN welcomes candidates of diverse backgrounds and experience to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with a non-traditional education. We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.
Job responsibilities include:
- Planning and implementing solar group buys, including cultivating partner relationships, engaging with the media, conducting public information sessions, member communication and support, facilitating the solar installer selection process, and managing installer relationships with SUN members.
- Providing technical assistance to individuals and entities interested in going solar.
- Engaging with legislators, local governments, and partner organizations to advance the state program’s policy and goals.
- Creating resources and authoring timely content to provide in-depth information on relevant solar topics and help our Minnesota members become more effective and informed advocates for solar.
- Representing the Minnesota Program in coalitions and at in-person and digital events.
- Growing and facilitating ongoing public education and volunteer engagement through regular communications, public-facing events, and leadership development that support the state program’s policy and goals.
- Implementing state solar deployment programs, including cultivating partner relationships, engaging with the media, conducting public solar 101 sessions, communicating with and supporting participants and partners to promote program success.
- Organizing and engaging with a diverse range of Minnesota solar supporters in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
- Conducting policy, regulatory, and market research to support the state’s program goals.
Required Qualifications
- Resident of Minnesota
- Minimum 2 years of experience (professionally or as a volunteer) with advocacy campaigns, online engagement, and/or communications
- Ability to work remotely in an action-oriented environment, with frequent in-state travel and overnight stays within Minnesota (~1-2 times/mo) and biannual travel to staff retreats elsewhere in the US
- Proficient computer skills including online facilitation and comfort with social media
Preferred Qualifications
- Fluency in Spanish or Hmong
- Ability to collaborate, network, and build working relationships
- Strong verbal and written skills
- Ability to engage with diverse groups of people
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
- Knowledge of social, energy, and/or environmental issues affecting Minnesota
- Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
- Resident of or willing to relocate to Minnesota
- Minimum 2 years of experience with advocacy campaigns, online engagement, and/or communications
- Knowledge in: Computer skills