Director of Education / Workforce Development

For more than 15 years, Solar States, LLC has been a regional leader in the solar power field – both in terms of system installs, and workforce development in the emerging Green Collar economy. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we have installed over 1,400 residential systems including rooftop solar, canopies, ground mounts, carports, EV chargers, storage. We have also installed 6+ MW of commercial solar, typically behind the meter and typically in the 50 kw to 1.5 MW project size. Keeping true to our founding mission, we have trained over 450 new entries to the Green Collar economy. For 15 years, Solar States has been a dominant solar services provider in the Philadelphia region, and especially within the Philadelphia City limits.

Right now there is unprecedented potential for training and workforce development in the solar and energy sector. Solar States Education Department is ripe for momentous growth and looking to expand our mission and vision to be the onramp to the green collar economy. We are seeking an energetic and enterprising individual to fill an important position that will be part of the senior management team – Director of Education. In general, this position is expected to:

1. Drive the strategy + tactics for growing and developing education services by seeking new partnerships, sponsorships, funding and building additional curricula and programs
2. Oversee all training programs (internal and external) and maintain a strong relationship with workforce development partners
3. Directly support and manage team of instructors to encourage curriculum development and constant instructional improvement
4. Engage with the CEO to ensure that our curricula are effectual and up to date with current trends and best practices
5. Engage with Director of Residential Services to improve learning, training and skills development programs and initiatives for employees
6. Stay informed about industry trends, workforce grants and programs, and peer activities. Use these insights to identify and prospect new revenue streams and potential funding sources.
7. Invest 30% to 40% of total time in the field visiting classrooms and partners, to directly observe and continually drive improvements in content delivery while staying informed of student progress and development.
8. Engage with HR Consultants to make certain Solar States’ is connected with the industry’s top talent

Reporting Structure

This role will report to the CEO. This role collaborates with :

1. Director of Residential Services
2. Human Resources Consulting Firm

Prerequisites For This Role

1. Minimum of two years workforce development experience in the trades or construction industry
2. Organized, detailed-oriented
3. Strong communication skills
4. Creative problem solving skills
5. A working understanding of solar industry, installation techniques, solar power, and workforce policy

Special Considerations (Not Prerequisite)

1. NABCEP PV Associates
2. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Education, Social Work, Human Services or Psychology
3. Direct trades experience as an electrician or solar installer
4. Experience preparing high quality narratives, proposals or grant applications

Compensation

Base Compensation is highly variable depending upon skills and networks brought to the position by applicants. Expected range is from approximately $60,000 for applicants that meet many of the requirements, up to to $100,000 for a highly experienced applicant with solar (or related) experience.

Benefits include:

• Health Care (includes some vision coverage) with $150/mo employer contribution
• Dental Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• 401k program with 3% employer contribution
• 15 vacation days and 5 sick days per year
• Paid Holidays – 10 per year
• Company profit share program

COMPANY CULTURE

Solar States is a genuine triple bottom line company, focused on People, Planet and Profits equally. We are among the oldest certified B Corp companies in the nation, and we are the primary provider of solar related career development services in the Philadelphia region. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively seek to place qualified candidates within our team, including candidates with past justice records or other factors that are sometimes employment limiting. We have a collaborative workplace in which every employee, from our interns to senior management, is treated with respect and dignity. Come be a part of our terrific organization!