Engagement Coordinator – Idaho Solar For All Program
Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is an entrepreneurial nonprofit working on environmental solutions at the intersection of renewable energy and freshwater. Partnerships are key to our success. We build long-term relationships with our education, corporate, utility and philanthropic partners by first understanding their goals and needs and providing solutions that achieve those goals while achieving real, measurable environmental benefits.
About Solar For All (SFA)
Solar for All is an initiative to make solar energy accessible and affordable for low-income and disadvantaged communities. It leverages existing incentives and support platforms, providing financial assistance for solar installations on single-family and multi-family homes, and supporting community solar projects. The program also focuses on workforce development, creating jobs in the renewable energy sector. Its goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance environmental justice, and promote energy equity.
Who are we looking for?
The Engagement Coordinator will play a critical role in the successful implementation of the Idaho Solar For All Program. This position will support the Sr. Program Manager and act as a peer to the Program Manager, focusing primarily on community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and promoting program initiatives across diverse communities in Idaho. We are actively seeking individuals who are passionate about increasing access to renewable energy across Idaho. The successful candidate will join our Renewables team, collaborating with various stakeholders to contribute to the Idaho Solar For All Program, which aims to install solar technology in underserved communities, fostering sustainable energy use and creating job opportunities.
Why Join Us? Our Values Are:
Partnership: We believe we can accomplish more by bringing people together.
Adaptability: We evolve, adapt, and apply what we learn to constantly improve our results.
Knowledge: We seek out and value diverse perspectives, embrace new ideas, and pioneer new approaches
Innovation: We recognize the scope and pace of the change we need demands that we innovate. This need for innovation inspires and energizes us.
Integrity: We are honest with our employees, customers, and our partners. We promise to always deliver the best possible outcomes for the environment and people we serve.
Primary Duties:
Community Engagement and Partnership Building
- Develop Relationships: Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with local government officials, community leaders, tribal entities, utilities, local non-profits, key partners, and other relevant stakeholders to design and implement a successful program. Build and maintain strong relationships to ensure that the program's initiatives are culturally sensitive and effectively meet community needs.
- Inclusive Outreach: Develop and implement outreach strategies that ensure inclusivity and accessibility, aiming to reach a broad spectrum of communities, including underrepresented and groups.
- Organize SFA Events: Plan and execute workshops, informational sessions, and public meetings. Coordinate logistics for events, including venue selection, participant registration, and material preparation. Coordinate steering committee and working group meetings and working sessions.
- Enhance Visibility: Represent the program at community events, conferences, and public forums. Support recruitment of diverse program participation. Serve as a liaison to local government entities and community groups.
- Travel: Required travel to various locations approximately 40%, primarily to support relationship development, community outreach, and related meetings/working sessions.
Program Promotion
- Communication Planning: Develop and execute a statewide communications plan aligned with the broader BEF SFA communication plan. Adapt content and delivery to specific audiences while enhancing the Program’s effectiveness and impact.
- Content Creation: Develop promotional materials such as brochures, flyers, and information packets to educate the public and stakeholders on program efforts, benefits, participation, and project success.
- Educational and Awareness Campaigns: Design and deliver educational programs that raise awareness about solar and weatherization benefits and opportunities, tailored to resonate with diverse community segments.
- Social Media and Online Engagement: Manage and update the program’s website and social media profiles. Engage with online communities and forums to promote program initiatives.
- Media Relations: Foster relationships with local and regional media. Write and distribute press releases and newsletter items. Arrange interviews and media appearances for program spokespeople.
- Customer Acquisition: Assist with customer acquisition and management processes, aligned with the program target markets and requirements. Lead outreach efforts and tracking of customers.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Strategy Development: Collaborate with the Program Manager to develop and implement strategies that align with community needs and program goals. Participate in strategic planning sessions, document stakeholder feedback, and provide insights from community interactions.
- Feedback Integration: Partner with Program Manager to actively solicit and integrate feedback from community stakeholders to refine program strategies and activities, ensuring that they reflect the diverse voices and needs of the communities served. Facilitate steering committee, work group, and public sessions to solicit detailed input on program services.
Reporting and Documentation
- Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of all engagement activities and stakeholder communications. Document event attendance, outcomes, and participant feedback.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Develop, manage, and maintain a database of all stakeholders, partners, and interested parties in alignment with a multi-state BEF database.
- Prepare Reports: Compile and prepare regular reports on community engagement efforts and outcomes. Assist in the preparation of grant reports and funding proposals.
Support Program Logistics
- Event Planning: Assist in scheduling and planning internal and external meetings. Ensure all logistical aspects of events are handled, including catering, technology needs, and accessibility accommodations. Support stakeholder travel and stipend requests, arrangements, and tracking.
- Material Preparation: Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, minutes, and informational packets. Develop and manage the distribution of educational and outreach materials.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in Communications, Environmental Studies, Public Relations, or related field.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in community outreach, public engagement, or a similar role, preferably within non-profit or renewable energy sectors.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse community groups.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Passion for renewable energy and community development.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Key Competencies:
- Effective Verbal & Written Communication
- Ability to translate technical and regulatory concepts to the public
- Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation
What’s in it for you:
- Salary Range: $63,000-$67,000 per year DOE.
- 100% Employer paid Medical, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Life insurance for employees; 75% subsidized for family/dependents.
- Retirement plan with 5% employer matching contribution.
- Generous PTO and Vacation Policy including alternative care and self-care leave.
- Four Week paid sabbatical after first 6 years, then every 5 years thereafter
- Opportunity to grow through training and development including a generous paid professional development budget.
- Hybrid/Remote work.
- Flexible schedule.
Location: Hybrid, Remote, Idaho Preferred
Open until filled. BEF will review applications as they are received and will interview qualified candidates as they are identified. Our goal is to have this team member start work on 3/17/25. For consideration, apply directly through this link.
Bonneville Environmental Foundation is an EEO employer.
