Sustainable Energy Program Manager – Rural Action

The Sustainable Energy Program Manager will develop and implement the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Technical Assistance program in conjunction with ongoing Sustainable Energy and other program initiatives. This position requires understanding and ongoing learning about renewable energy, energy efficiency, grant writing, and related issues relevant to Ohio, including: 1) Solar energy, wind energy, energy storage, and energy efficiency measures; 2) Federal and state energy programs and financial incentives; 3) Farm/business budgeting and taxation particulars. The candidate for this position will also need strong time management, organizational and communication skills (writing, public speaking, event planning, phone calls, data tracking), and the ability to conduct outreach to agricultural producers, small rural businesses, and project partners. This position will be based out of Rural Action’s offices in Athens County. Occasional travel outside the county may be required.

Responsibilities:

• Assist farmers and small business owners with comprehensive energy planning and identify priority areas for implementing efficiency measures and renewable energy systems;
• Work with other Rural Action programs and social enterprises, and non-profit partners to connect landowners to information about the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency;
• Work one-on-one with landowners to prepare and submit applications to the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), including pre-application consultation to identify action plans, compiling documents, reviewing requirements and scoring, and final application filing;

Outreach and Education

• Create, organize, and implement workshops/trainings around renewable energy and energy efficiency focused on agricultural applications;
• Respond to landowner requests for information and limited assistance regarding large-scale renewable energy;
• Identify and pursue outreach avenues in rural Ohio beyond the Appalachian region;

Program Management

• Track project metrics, and assist with all reporting requirements relevant to the project (monthly/quarterly/semi-annual/annual);
• Perform grant preparation and reporting activities including writing, research and data collection;
• Some supervision of AmeriCorps and volunteers in collaboration with the Program Director;
• Attend meetings and make presentations on Rural Action’s behalf;
• Coordinate activities with program partners, including Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC) and the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office;
• Other duties as assigned;

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience;
• Understanding and enthusiasm for clean energy, agricultural practices and business, and where these topics intersect, including: 1) Types of renewable energy and efficiency technologies, such as solar and wind energy, geothermal heating/cooling, and agricultural equipment; 2) Regional agricultural products, value chains, and related issues;
• Outreach and marketing strategies for rural areas;
• Experience with event and workshop organizing and facilitation;
• Self-starter with detail-oriented focus;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Integrity, credibility and commitment to Rural Action’s mission;
• Experience with Google suite, Microsoft Word and Excel, database management, email and other computer software systems;
• Ability to work at a computer in a shared office setting;

For more information and how to apply visit: https://ruralaction.org/job/sustainable-energy-program-manager/