NES - Outreach Specialist I

Talent Acquisition•Durham, NC

8d•$50,000 - $53,000

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. It applies sales processes to engage customers, contractors, and Trade Allies; promote program participation; and move projects toward completion. The position also supports energy-efficiency program implementation, outreach planning, market research, event activities, reporting, and progress toward established energy-saving goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; a technical school degree combined with demonstrated experience in the electric or gas utility field 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 atmosphere 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 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

Apply fundamental sales processes, procedures, methods, and techniques.
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 to close projects.
Recruit, train, educate, and cultivate relationships with contractors and customers to encourage effective program marketing.
Maintain knowledge of program best practices and offerings, including their features, advantages, and benefits for customers.
Support creation, monitoring, and updating of outreach work plans.
Understand program strategic outreach direction and production levels to deliver established goals.
Complete search and discovery work when answers are unclear.
Cold-call potential suppliers and contractors and develop their participation in programs.
Plan, coordinate, and present at program events.
Research markets, collect data on businesses, and identify key allies for programs.
Identify improvement barriers 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 with implementation of specific energy-efficiency programs in a flex capacity according to defined budgets and energy-saving targets.
Work effectively with team members outside of outreach, contribute ideas respectfully, accept direction from other team members, keep commitments, and act professionally.