Program Associate

Job Description

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!

The Florida Program Associate will work closely with the Florida Program Director and the regional support team to carry out SUN's goals in the state of Florida. This role balances grassroots engagement with program coordination, including building partnerships, supporting advocacy efforts, and managing solar group purchase campaigns in Florida.

The position will report to the Senior Florida Program Director.

Please include your resume and cover letter with your application.

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

History of SUN
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's values and culture
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:

Program coordination and support (60%):

• Organize and engage with a diverse range of solar supporters in urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout Florida.
• Engage with key stakeholders, local governments, and partner organizations to advance the state program's policy and programmatic goals.
• Assist in strategic development and planning for long-term program evolution.
• Provide technical assistance to individuals and entities interested in going solar.
• Collaborate in the creation of resources to help SUN's Florida supporters become more effective and informed advocates for solar.
• Assist as needed in other Florida program projects and goals.

Solarize Programming Implementation (30%):

• Plan and implement solarize programming in relevant geographic areas. This includes cultivating partner relationships, market interest scoping and power-building, and engaging with the media.
• Conduct public education sessions, holding both in-person and virtual events.
• Facilitate the whole deployment of solarize programming, including deployment and post-installation management.

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:

• Ability to occasionally lift and move equipment or packages up to 50 pounds
• Ability to remain in a stationary position and work at a computer for extended periods
• Ability to travel by car and airplane to attend or support events, workshops and staff retreats
• Ability to stand for extended periods while leading 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

• Resident of South Florida
• Minimum 2 years of experience (professional or volunteer) with community organizing and project management
• Ability to work remotely, with frequent in-state travel (20%)
• Ability to plan and execute presentations and in-person educational and topic-related events
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to engage with diverse groups of people
• Experience in solar energy
• Knowledge of solar, energy, and/or environmental issues affecting Florida

Benefits

• Hourly compensation of $27.00
• Fun, remote work environment
• Flexible work hours
• Generous paid leave, vacation and wellness time
• Medical (84%-99% 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 second week of May, 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.

Applicants may redact or remove any information in your submitted materials (such as resumes, transcripts, certifications, or CVs) that could reveal your age, including your date of birth, school attendance dates, or graduation dates, and they will not be penalized for doing so.

Requirements

• Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
• Resident of South Florida
• Minimum 2 years of experience (professional or volunteer) with community organizing and project management
• Ability to plan and execute presentations and in-person educational and topic-related events
• Ability to work remotely, with frequent in-state travel (20%)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge in: Computer skills

Equal Opportunity Employer

We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. 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.

SUN is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. We will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application, interview, hiring process, and work environment as required by law. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] so we can make the necessary arrangements. Only accommodation requests will be answered, and they will be handled confidentially.