Program Manager, Clean Energy

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only organization that supports our nations’ counties’ elected officials through policy, education and advocacy work. NACo seeks a Program Manager, Clean Energy, to join our County Practices & Innovations Department.

The position is dependent on the availability of project-based outside funding.

Responsibilities and Activities:

• Create educational resources and design impactful events that help county government officials understand new and best practices in clean energy; network with county champions and challengers of clean energy strategies; and consider local leadership role, authority and opportunity to leverage clean energy technologies in their jurisdictions
• Provide quality information and guidance to county government officials on topics related to renewable energy, including but not limited to solar and wind
• Curate county best practices for clean energy ordinances and permitting, community-informed planning and other relevant tools suggested by interested county officials
• Conduct outreach to county leaders on U.S. Department of Energy Sol Smart and Distributed Wind technical assistance support
• Develop, disseminate, promote and measure uptake of NACo clean energy content for a policymaker audience, including through written materials, national webinars, small group convenings and workshops at NACo signature events
• Support the design and facilitation of focus groups with county officials to identify concerns, challenges, needs and requests for information about clean energy siting, technology, regulations and zoning authority, lead synthesis of findings and responsive content development
• Manage the timely delivery, day-to-day quality and completion of project deliverables
• Maintain productive ongoing relationships with NACo members, federal agency partners, industry specialists, foundation and corporate funders and other NACo departments

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• At least 3 years of experience in land use planning, energy siting, economic development or research or program evaluation on those or relevant topics; direct experience in energy sector or county government a plus
• Demonstrated understanding of solar and/or wind technologies and potential barriers to implementation at the county level
• Bachelor’s degree required, concentrations in environmental sciences or public policy a plus
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, including in public speaking and in facilitating meetings with internal and external stakeholders
  • Intellectual curiosity about barriers and incentives to clean energy transitions and ability to work well in a political environment while maintaining non-partisan perspective
  • Brings collaboration, creativity and solutions-orientation to the position and work products; works well under pressure and as part of a team and with external partners
  • Ability to work well with external partners, including communities and stakeholders from ideologically, racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work schedule is available, with minimum requirement of 3 days in the office to collaborate
• Salary Range: $70,000-$75,000 annually