Indiana Rural Associate (Remote within Indiana)

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!

About Us!

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.

About the Position

The Indiana Rural Associate will work closely with the Indiana Team, and the regional support team to carry out SUN's goals in the state of Indiana. This position will either focus on rural organizing or, on organizing Rural electric member cooperatives (REMC) member-owners. This position reports to the Indiana Program Associate Director.

This position is funded for a 1-year term, with the potential for extension based on the availability of grant funding.

How to apply: If you think this job might be for you, please apply on our Careers.Place job board! 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 and REMC territories.

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 Hoosiers interested in going solar.
• Organizing and engaging with a diverse range of Indiana solar supporters in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
• Conducting policy, regulatory, and market research to support the state's program goals.
• Engaging with legislators, local governments, and partner organizations to advance the state program's policy and programmatic goals.
• Providing technical assistance to individuals and entities interested in going solar.
• Creating resources and authoring timely content to provide in-depth information on relevant solar topics and helping our Indiana members become more effective and informed advocates for solar.
• Representing the Indiana Program in coalitions and at in-person and digital events.
• 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.
• Building a base of solar advocates (REMC member-owners for Indiana) in targeted territories who could be recruited to help advance pro-solar policies.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience (professionally or as a volunteer) with grassroots organizing, event planning, project management, online engagement, and/or communications
• Resident of Indiana
• Ability to engage with diverse groups of people
• Ability to work remotely in an action-oriented environment, with frequent in-state travel and overnight stays within Indiana (25%) and biannual travel to staff retreats elsewhere in the United States
• Proficient computer skills including online facilitation and comfort with social media
• Ability to manage multiple projects from development through completion

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to collaborate, network, and build working relationships
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• Knowledge of social, energy, and/or environmental issues affecting Indiana
• Strong public speaking abilities
• Experience working with and engaging rural communities

We anticipate accepting applications until end of March, with the first review of candidates in the middle of March. However, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible, as we may begin interviews on a rolling basis.

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.