NES - Outreach Specialist I

Franklin Energy•Greenville, NC

About The Position

The Outreach Specialist I develops, coordinates, supports, implements, and manages outreach functions and performance for new program start-ups and legacy programs. The role coordinates with internal and external program stakeholders on processes and procedures to achieve outreach results. The position applies fundamental sales processes and supports energy-saving targets by contacting customers, visiting customers and Trade Allies, presenting programs, responding to inquiries, and moving projects toward completion. It recruits, trains, educates, and cultivates relationships with contractors and customers; supports outreach work plans; researches markets and prospective allies; coordinates events; and tracks activity and progress toward program goals. It may also assist with implementing energy-efficiency programs in a flexible capacity according to defined budgets and energy-savings targets. The role requires collaboration across teams, professionalism, honesty, and willingness to take direction. Travel of more than 50% is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; a technical school degree combined with demonstrated electric or gas utility field experience may be considered.
1–2 years of experience in the electric or natural gas utility industry, sales, commercial and industrial lighting, or conservation.
Previous customer service experience.
Results-oriented approach.
Ability to work in a team and collaborate on continuous improvement efforts.
Strong customer service and communication skills.
Ability to handle a wide variety of work in a fast-paced environment.
Detail-oriented, organized, self-starting, and able to prioritize workload.
Ability to identify and resolve project application issues with customers and Trade Allies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Strong data-entry skills for entering information into tracking systems and databases.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with customers, clients, and employees.
Ability to analyze and interpret data and solve practical problems.
Knowledge of mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, and ratios.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Reliable transportation.
Valid driver’s license.
Willingness to travel more than 50%.

Responsibilities

Make outbound calls to new and existing customers to meet assigned energy-saving targets.
Manage field time effectively through customer or Trade Ally visits.
Develop and present program presentations to spur project activity.
Respond to customer and Trade Ally inquiries and concerns by phone, electronically, or in person to move projects toward completion.
Maximize opportunities throughout the process to close projects.
Recruit, train, educate, and cultivate relationships with contractors and customers to encourage effective program marketing.
Maintain knowledge of program best practices, program offerings, and how offerings serve customers, including their features, advantages, and benefits.
Support creation, monitoring, and updating of outreach work plans.
Develop an understanding of the program’s strategic outreach direction and production levels to deliver established goals.
Conduct search-and-discovery work when answers are unclear.
Cold-call potential suppliers and contractors and develop their participation in programs.
Plan and coordinate events and present programs.
Research markets, gather data on businesses, and identify key allies to target for programs.
Identify barriers to improvement and report information to the Program Manager and Outreach Manager.
Prepare weekly and monthly project-based activity reports and track progress toward program goals.
Assist in implementing specific energy-efficiency programs in a flexible capacity according to defined budgets and energy-savings targets.
Work effectively with team personnel outside outreach roles, contribute ideas respectfully, and take direction from other team members.
Demonstrate honesty, keep commitments, and act professionally.