Communities Program Associate

Great Plains Institute for Sustainable Development•Minneapolis, MN

20h•$52,000 - $62,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Great Plains Institute (GPI) is hiring an entry-level Communities Program Associate to support statewide Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) initiatives and Metro CERT regional work. GPI is a nonpartisan nonprofit working to accelerate the transition to net-zero carbon emissions. CERTs connects people and organizations with resources to develop community-scale energy-efficiency and clean-energy projects, including renewable energy and beneficial electrification. The position supports workplans and priorities alongside the Statewide CERTs Co-Director, statewide CERTs staff, and the Metro CERT Regional Coordinator. The work includes reducing household energy burdens, supporting equitable access to solar energy, facilitating community input, developing community resources and presentations, communicating clean-energy incentives, and providing technical assistance and capacity to local entities. The role is suited to someone passionate about climate, energy, and community-scale action who can manage competing priorities in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. This is a one-year, full-time hourly position contingent on funding, based at GPI’s Minneapolis office. Some work may be done remotely, but the position requires some time in the office. Hours are typically Monday through Friday during the business day and may be flexible; occasional nights and weekends may be required. Compensation is $52,000–$62,000, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

1–3 years of paid or volunteer experience working with local governments, community organizations, or underserved communities in sustainability, climate, renewable energy, or transportation.
Experience coordinating virtual and in-person meetings or events.
Competency with Google and Microsoft software, including PowerPoint and spreadsheets, as well as Zoom and Teams.
Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail, time and deadline management, ability to manage multiple tasks, and ability to work independently.
Ability to work as part of a team with many kinds of people and to manage up effectively.
Commitment to GPI and CERTs’ missions and goals, and passion for equitable climate solutions and community-determined clean-energy action.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, sustainability, energy, or environmental justice is strongly desired.
Experience with local governments, community-based organizations, or underserved communities in sustainability, clean energy, or climate.
Fluency in common Twin Cities languages other than English.
Experience with design or desktop publishing tools such as InDesign, Illustrator, Canva, or similar tools.
Experience with GIS, R, or other data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative support for statewide CERTs initiatives, events, meetings, fundraising, and partner contracting.
Support the Community Energy Ambassadors Program through communications, administrative tasks, event planning, outreach, recruitment, and cohort development and support.
Provide administrative support for Metro CERT regional initiatives, events, meetings, communications, storytelling, and fundraising.
Coordinate internal and external partner meetings, including scheduling, agenda development, note taking, organizing notes, and ensuring follow-up and meeting evaluations.
Support planning and delivery of virtual and in-person events, including registration, catering, note taking, presenting, facilitation, and preparation of event materials.
Conduct outreach to encourage diverse and inclusive participation by communities and stakeholders.
Assist with grant and funding administration, including proposal development and grant reporting, and support development of contracts with external partners.
Coordinate with staff and external partners to ensure project timelines, deliverables, milestones, and goals are met.
Develop tools and resources for stakeholders, including documents, reports, and presentations, in coordination with partners and staff.
Provide research and analytic support, including data collection and analysis, interviews, web research, and use of databases, spreadsheets, and geographic information systems.
Compile research findings into case studies, blogs, short reports, spreadsheets, or databases.
Work with local and Native nation governments, schools, utilities, and underserved or historically marginalized communities to identify clean-energy needs and advance projects.
Support Metro CERT Seed Grant recipients through regular contact and assistance as needed.
Contribute to CERTs storytelling by writing blogs and short stories about clean-energy projects, conducting interviews, copy editing, and coordinating with CERTs and GPI teams.
Provide other programmatic assistance as requested by the Statewide CERTs Co-Directors, Community Energy Ambassador Coordinator, Metro CERT Regional Coordinator, CERTs Communications and Engagement Manager, or Vice President of Communities.