Rural Associate (m/w/d)

Our energy system is on the brink of a major transformation, and we're looking for someone to help us ensure this new system puts rooftop solar energy at the cornerstone!

About the Position

The Ohio Rural Associate will work closely with the Ohio Team, and the regional support team to carry out SUN's goals in the state of Ohio. This position will focus on organizing rural electric cooperative (REC) member-owners in Central Ohio.

This position reports to the Ohio Program Director.

This position is funded for a 11-month term, with the potential for extension based on the availability of grant funding.

Please include a resume with your application. A cover letter is optional; however, it can be a helpful way for you to communicate your fitness for the position if you think that may not be obvious from your resume. We will also ask all applicants to briefly answer in writing a question about your knowledge of and connections with REC territories.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401K with company match
• Flexible work schedule
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Paid time off
• Phone/Internet Stipend

Culture

Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit that started more than 15 years ago with a simple question. "Mom, can we go solar?" Since then, we've helped tens of thousands of people benefit from solar energy. We are dedicated to creating a clean, equitable, resilient energy system that benefits everyone - by helping people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.

At SUN, our culture is rooted in our people. We believe that meaningful work happens when everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to bring their full selves to the table. Our organization is built on 5 core values of being people-centered, equitable, inclusive, action-oriented, and committed to continuous learning. These values guide not only what we do, but how we do it, through collaboration, curiosity, and care for each other and the communities we serve.

We are proud to foster a workplace where diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences are celebrated. We prioritize employee well-being with flexible work environments, growth and development opportunities, and a strong sense of shared purpose. At SUN, we are more than a workplace, we're a community that values people, embraces progress, and believes in doing the right thing.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're looking to be part of a mission-driven organization that truly invests in its team, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include:

Community Engagement & Advocacy (70%)

• Organizing and engaging with a diverse range of solar supporters in urban, suburban, and rural communities, with an emphasis on engaging solar supporters in rural areas.
• Engaging with legislators, local governments, and partner organizations to advance the state program's policy and programmatic goals, especially related to rural-based solar issues.
• Representing the state program in coalitions and at in-person and digital events.
• Growing and facilitating ongoing public education and volunteer engagement through regular communications, public speaking at events, and leadership development that support the state program's policy and programmatic goals.
• Building a base of solar advocates (ex., REC member-owners, among others) in targeted territories who could be recruited to help advance pro-solar policies.

Program Coordination & Support (20%)

• Planning and implementing programs to help individuals and organizations go solar, cultivating partner relationships, engaging with the media, conducting public solar 101 sessions, and communicating with and supporting people interested in going solar.
• Providing technical assistance to individuals and entities interested in going solar.
• Conducting policy, regulatory, and market research to support the state's program goals, particularly related to solar messaging for rural outreach.
• Creating resources and authoring timely content to provide in-depth information on relevant solar topics and helping our members become more effective and informed advocates for solar.

Organization-wide administration (10%)

• Actively contribute to a workplace culture aligned with SUN's values of equity, inclusion, continuous learning, action-oriented, and people-centered.
• Show up fully for learning and planning, and activities, including all-staff meetings, retreats, and strategy sessions.
• Coordinate and work with external consultants as needed.
• Facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and take notes.
• As a key member of the team, contribute to brainstorming, developing, and executing new ideas.
• Manage your own regular administration, including timely submission of timesheets, receipts, reimbursements, scheduling, traveling planning, and HR paperwork.
• Other projects or tasks as assigned.

Work environment

This position requires the ability to:

• Occasionally lift and move equipment or packages up to 50 pounds
• Remain in a stationary position and work at a computer for extended periods
• Frequent travel by car to attend or support events and workshops. Occasional travel by airplane to staff retreats and/or conferences.
• Stand for extended periods while supporting events and/or community outreach activities

Core Competencies

At SUN, thriving means more than great work; it is about how we show up for one another, embrace challenges, and live our shared values. These Core Competencies guide our success together:

• Proactive and Accountable: takes initiative, follows through on commitments, and owns outcomes.
• People-Centered Communicator: communicates clearly and respectfully in both written and verbal forms. Seeks understanding through questions, engages in open dialogue, and is receptive to giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Adaptable and Growth-Minded: embraces learning with curiosity and approaches change with flexibility. Comfortable navigating new tools, systems, and evolving ways of working.
• Collaborative and Inclusive: builds strong relationships across teams, values diverse perspectives, and creates space for all voices to contribute.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience (professionally or as a volunteer) with grassroots organizing, event planning, project management, online engagement, and/or communications
• Resident of Central Ohio
• Ability to engage with diverse groups of people
• Ability to work remotely in an action-oriented environment, with frequent in-state travel and overnight stays within Ohio (25%) and biannual travel to staff retreats elsewhere in the United States
• Proficient computer skills, including online facilitation, and comfort with social media
• Ability to manage multiple projects from development through completion
• Valid US driver's license and access to reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to collaborate, network, and build working relationships
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• Knowledge of social, energy, and/or environmental issues affecting Ohio
• Strong public speaking abilities
• Experience working with and engaging rural communities in Central Ohio

Benefits

• Hourly compensation of $27.00
• Fun, remote work environment
• Flexible work hours
• Generous paid leave, vacation and wellness time
• Health (85% coverage for employees and dependents), vision, and dental insurance
• Paid holiday on all federal holidays - plus the day after Thanksgiving, the week between Christmas and New Year's Day off, and two additional days of your choice
• $1,000/year professional development stipend
• $50/month phone and internet stipend
• 401(k) retirement account with match after 1 year
• Meaningful, impactful work

We anticipate accepting applications until the third week of December, with the first review of candidates next week. However, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible, as we may begin interviews on a rolling basis (second week of December or first week of January).