CPN seeks DC SUN Fellow

By Ben Delman on May 19, 2016

Update: We have filled this position.
Community Power Network / DC Solar United Neighborhoods is seeking a Fellow for it’s Solar Co-op Program. Fellows will help us deploy solar co-ops in Washington, D.C., and work on other topics such as community solar, Grid of the Future, permitting, and engaging the public on solar power.

About Community Power Network

DC SUN is dedicated to solar being accessible and affordable for every resident of Washington, D.C. We are dedicated to the vision that if a large and diverse number of people have a financial stake in the clean energy economy, they will fight for it. By building, demonstrating, promoting, and advocating for ways for people to financially benefit from clean energy, we build a broad new constituency for change. In additional to our national work, CPN implements state programs in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Florida. A core component of our state programs is to facilitate neighborhood solar co-ops. The basic approach is to gather homeowners, or businesses together and help them go solar as a group. By forming a group, participants can save up to 20% off the cost of the installation. We also support co-op members through the decision-making process, creating a group dynamic that helps more people go solar and we engage in policy work that improves and strengthens the solar market for everybody.

About the Fellowship Position

Fellows will support CPN’s Solar Co-op Program Manager and implement at least one D.C. solar co-op from start to finish. This is an exciting opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a growing organization, learn about solar energy, and apply your skills and energy to building the clean energy economy. You will be given a lot of responsibility and make a big impact. Day to day responsibilities include tracking participants in Salesforce, maintaining content on program websites, drafting materials for use by Program Directors, and planning events and activities with co-op participants. Ideal candidates will be available for 40 hours per week. The Fellow will receive a stipend ($2,000/month), with the possibility of transitioning into a full-time role in the long-term if it’s a good fit and funding is available. Qualified applicants will have very good attention to detail, the ability to work on multiple projects at a time. Experience in the solar industry, event planning, social media, communications, fundraising, organizing or advocacy work, energy policy and working in Salesforce or other CRM a plus. Experience with public speaking also an asset. We are looking for a candidate that ideally has strong connections and deep roots in D.C.

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

  1. Provide back office support to Solar Co-op Program Manager and state Program Directors.
    • Conduct satellite assessments of potential co-op members roofs.
    • Set up and maintain co-op sign up pages.
    • Update co-op information pages with relevant information.
    • Draft documents and materials for use by State Directors, including requests for proposals (RFPs), update emails, and other materials as needed.
    • Provide technical assistance by responding to inquiries, questions, and concerns of co-op participants.
    • Track correspondences with participants in Salesforce.
    • Support Solar Co-op Program Manager in invoicing and track payments by installers for concluded contracts.
    • Support Solar Co-op Program Manager in collecting and presenting metrics on program progress and successes.
  2. Support ongoing engagement of co-op members beyond co-op conclusion
    • Keep co-op members engaged and informed with co-op progress and DC Solar issues generally.
    • Plan and implement celebration parties after events and invite elected officials, disseminate pictures, and promote press coverage to build visibility of CPN and state networks.
    • Support Solar Co-op Program Manager in providing ongoing technical assistance to co-op members that experience technical difficulties.
    • Support Communications Manager in building a database of media/blog/listserv contacts that can be used to recruit participants or for policy outreach.
  3. Support CPN Executive Director in DC related advocacy and public engagement.
    • Attend and present at workshops and public events.
    • Draft policy documents, external communications.
    • Social media and short articles on new developments in D.C. impacting solar.
    • Monitor DC solar programs and analyze their effectiveness.

To Apply

Send cover letter and resume to Anya Schoolman at: jobs@solarunitedneighbors.org.