Sr. Community Engagement Coordinator – Sunward: Community Solar Program

Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is an entrepreneurial nonprofit working on environmental solutions at the intersection of renewable energy and freshwater. Partnerships are key to our success. We build long-term relationships with our community, education, corporate, utility and philanthropic partners by first understanding their goals and needs and providing solutions that achieve those goals while achieving real, measurable social and environmental benefits.

About Community Solar

Community solar is a model by which a solar project distributes benefits to multiple customers, creating access to solar for low-income residents, renters, and those who face other barriers to putting solar on their homes. A community solar array can be installed on a community building or on land, and subscribers to the system can buy a “share” of the solar array, thus receiving electricity bill credits for electricity generated by their share of the system. BEF is a registered Project Manager through the Oregon Community Solar Program.

Who are we looking for?

This position will support the Sr. Program Manager, focusing primarily on community engagement, stakeholder and partner collaboration, and promoting program initiatives across diverse communities in Portland and Oregon. We are actively seeking individuals who are passionate about increasing access to renewable energy for low-income and BIPOC communities. The successful candidate will join our Renewables team, collaborating with various stakeholders to contribute to the Sunward Community Solar program, which aims to deliver meaningful benefits through community solar subscriptions for underrepresented communities in Portland and Oregon. 

Why Join Us? Our Values Are: 

Partnership: We believe we can accomplish more by bringing people together. 

Adaptability: We evolve, adapt, and apply what we learn to constantly improve our results.

Knowledge: We seek out and value diverse perspectives, embrace new ideas, and pioneer new approaches

Innovation: We recognize the scope and pace of the change we need demands that we innovate. This need for innovation inspires and energizes us. 

Integrity: We are honest with our employees, customers, and our partners.  We promise to always deliver the best possible outcomes for the environment and people we serve.

Primary Duties:

Community Engagement and Partnership Building

• Develop Relationships: Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with local government officials, community leaders, local non-profits, key partners, and other relevant stakeholders to design and implement successful projects. Build and maintain strong relationships to ensure the program's initiatives are culturally sensitive and effectively meet community needs. Work to be culturally responsive in relationship-building with partners.
• Inclusive Outreach: Develop and implement outreach strategies that ensure inclusivity and accessibility, aiming to reach a broad spectrum of communities, including underrepresented, BIPOC, and non-English speaker groups.
• Organize Community Solar Events: Plan and execute workshops, informational sessions, and marketing events. Coordinate event logistics, including venue selection, participant registration, and material preparation. Coordinate working group meetings and working sessions with partners.
• Enhance Visibility: Represent the program at community events, conferences, and public forums. Support recruitment of diverse program participation. Serve as a liaison to community groups.
• Schedule Flexibility: A flexible schedule is required to work evenings or weekends approximately 30% of the time, primarily to support relationship development, community outreach, and related meetings/working sessions.
• Travel: Travel might be required up to 20% of the time within Oregon. 

Program Promotion

• Communication Planning: Develop and execute outreach and engagement plans to achieve the program’s objectives.  Help support and create capacity for frontline community partners to better engage in wealth building through renewable energy.
• Content Creation: Develop promotional materials such as brochures, flyers, and information packets to educate the public and stakeholders on program efforts, benefits, participation, and project success. 
• Educational and Awareness Campaigns: Design and deliver educational programs that raise awareness about community solar benefits and opportunities, tailored to resonate with diverse community segments.
• Social Media and Online Engagement: Manage and update the program’s website and social media profiles. Engage with online communities and forums to promote program initiatives.
• Media Relations: Foster relationships with local and regional media. Write and distribute press releases and newsletter items. Coordinate interviews and media appearances for program spokespeople. 
• Subscriber Acquisition: Lead with subscriber acquisition and management processes aligned with the program's target communities and requirements.  Lead outreach efforts and tracking of leads and subscribers.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Strategy Development: Collaborate with the Sr. Program Manager to develop and implement strategies that align with community needs and program goals. Participate in strategic planning sessions, document stakeholder feedback,  and provide insights from community interactions.
• Feedback Integration: Partner with Sr. Program Manager to actively solicit and integrate feedback from community stakeholders to refine program strategies and activities, ensuring that they reflect the diverse voices and needs of the communities served. 

Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of all engagement activities and stakeholder communications. Document event attendance, outcomes, and participant feedback.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Develop, manage, and maintain a database of all stakeholders, partners, and interested parties in alignment with a BEF database and the Oregon Community Solar Program.
• Prepare Reports: Compile and prepare regular reports on community engagement efforts and outcomes. Assist in the preparation of grant reports and funding proposals.
• Collection of demographic data: Ethically collect and track racial and other demographic information on populations served.
• Oregon Community Solar Program: Upload subscriber information and coordinate with the PA team to keep the platform updated. Maintain a record of subscriber contracts and status in the verification process. 

Support Program Logistics

• Event Planning: Assist in scheduling and planning internal and external meetings. Ensure all logistical aspects of events are handled, including catering, technology needs, accessibility accommodations, and translation services when required.
• Material Preparation: Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, minutes, informational packets and registration documents. Develop and manage the distribution of educational and outreach materials.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in Communications, Environmental Studies, Public Relations, or related field.
• Bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in community outreach, public engagement, or a similar role, preferably within non-profit or renewable energy sectors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse community groups and people from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, and gender backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate and translate complex and technical information to diverse audiences in English and Spanish.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Passion for renewable energy and community development.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Key Competencies:

• Effective Verbal & Written Communication.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation.
• Cultural awareness and responsiveness.
• Demonstrates a commitment to racial, social, and economic justice through a DEI lens. 

What’s in it for you: 

• Salary Range: $70,604- $81,107 per year.
• 100% Employer-paid Medical, short-term and Long-Term Disability, Life insurance for employees; 75% subsidized for family/dependents.
• Retirement plan with 5% employer matching contribution.
• Generous PTO and Vacation Policy, including alternative care and self-care leave.
• Four-week paid sabbatical after first 6 years, then every 5 years thereafter.
• Opportunity to grow through training and development, including a generous paid professional development budget.
• Hybrid/Remote work.
• Flexible schedule.