Rural Associate (m/w/d)

Job Description

This position is funded for a 1-year 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 rural regions in your state.

The Nevada Rural Associate will work closely with the state program director and the regional support team to carry out SUN’s goals in their respective state. The role will focus on creating informed and engaged rural solar advocates who can participate effectively in debates about the use of solar energy in their community.

This position reports to the Nevada Program Director.

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.

SUN welcomes candidates of diverse backgrounds and experience to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with a non-traditional education. We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include:

• Planning and implementing programs to help individuals and organizations go solar, cultivating partner relationships, engaging with the media, conducting public solar 101 sessions, communicating with and supporting people interested in going solar.
• Providing technical assistance to individuals and entities interested in going solar.
• 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.
• Conducting policy, regulatory, and market research to support the state’s program goals, particularly related to solar messaging for rural outreach regarding utility scale solar siting and development.
• 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.
• 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.
• Representing the state program in coalitions and at in-person and digital events.
• Providing technical assistance to individuals and entities interested in going solar.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience (professionally or as a volunteer) with advocacy campaigns, online engagement, and/or communications
• Resident of Nevada
• Ability to work remotely in an action-oriented environment, with frequent in-state travel (20%) and overnight stays within their state and biannual travel to staff retreats elsewhere in the United States
• Proficient computer skills including online facilitation and comfort with social media

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to collaborate, network, and build working relationships
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Ability to engage with diverse groups of people
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• Knowledge of social, energy, and/or environmental issues affecting Nevada
• Spanish-fluency
• Strong public speaking abilities

Benefits

• Hourly compensation of $26.92
• Employer-sponsored health insurance (85% coverage for employees and dependents)
• 15 vacation days and 224 prorated wellness hours per year
• 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
• Parental, family, and jury leave
• 401(k) retirement account with match up to 2% after 1 year
• $1,000 professional development budget
• $50/month stipend for phone and internet
• Fun, remote work environment
• Flexible work hours
• Meaningful, impactful work

We anticipate accepting applications until second week of April, 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.