Job Details

Mission:

The Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI) advances equitable solutions for affordable, reliable, and clean energy so all people can thrive. We accelerate the move towards an energy system that is affordable, reliable, sustainable and supports healthy, thriving communities. We work with clean energy and social equity stakeholders to inspire lasting energy solutions for all people in Texas. We work with teams of experts from inside and outside the energy sector to conduct research, build evidence, create tools for practitioners, and partner with local jurisdictions to demonstrate and test new models that can scale for widespread impact. Our work enables affordable and clean energy solutions to reach underserved communities.

Expectations of Energy Programs Associate:

TEPRI seeks an Energy Programs Associate with an intellectual curiosity in energy innovations and a deep interest in making a positive impact at the intersection of energy and poverty through demonstration projects. The Associate will work closely with the Sr. Project Manager, Executive Director, and other TEPRI staff to achieve the objectives of TEPRI's strategic plan. As a member of the TEPRI team, the Associate's responsibilities will include managing the Community Voices Speaker Series, participating as a key member of the virtual power plant/resilience hub program team, serving as key coordinator on energy efficiency work, and supporting other program activities.

The ideal candidate will have exceptional organizational skills, strong analytical skills, experience communicating with different types of stakeholders, familiarity with the Texas energy sector, and exceptional skills in building relationships with diverse people, businesses, and organizations. Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Team Responsibilities (45%)

• Participate on the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and Resiliency Hub team, including analyzing building bill and meter data, researching and writing best practices reports, and coordinating relevant meetings with stakeholders - under the direction of the Senior Program Director
• Work with team to produce Community Voices in Energy Survey and Reports
• Participate with other staff on the energy efficiency project portfolio
• Research resiliency hub and solar/battery/microgrid development best practices
• Assist in writing reports for publication, proposals to funders, and TEPRI blog posts

Program Management Responsibilities (35%)

• Manage the Community Voices in Energy Speaker Series, which includes identifying relevant topics, procuring speakers for webinars and in-person events, and coordinating all logistics (approx. 4/yr)
• Research and write white papers, case studies, educational materials that translate complex technical material into accessible language
• Coordinate and oversee select TEPRI's energy efficiency projects in both the policy and project arena

Other Organizational Support (20%)

• On an as-needed basis, support other programs including Solar for All and other emerging projects, especially as they relate to community outreach and facilitation
• Support TEPRI's social media accounts and participate in the creation of communications efforts that align with TEPRI's mission and goals
• Assist in updating TEPRI's website to ensure that the content reflects TEPRI's latest work.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's and/or master's degree in a related field with 2-4 years of professional work experience.
• Experience working in a team environment, alternating between team player and team lead
• Experience with project development and management, university research, consulting, or professional services preferred
• Experience adapting language and communication mediums to meet different types of stakeholders
• Experience working with community-based organizations and with communities that struggle with poverty

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional writing, research and editing skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Must be able to work independently
• Passion and ability to learn new subject areas and skills
• Ability to conceptualize projects, track progress, and discern and communicate result
• Ability to communicate complex technical findings in a succinct and easy-to-understand manner using language meant to engage the public
• Must be flexible and capable of changing directions as projects progress or new opportunities arise
• Ability to meet commitments on time and within budget
• Demonstrate professionalism and the ability to speak on behalf of the organization when appropriate
• Ability to develop strong relationships with stakeholders, work collaboratively, motivate partners, and ensure that projects meet deadlines and accomplish the appropriate tasks

Communication, Outreach, and Culture

• Strong communication capabilities including writing and speaking to diverse audiences
• Able to handle media inquiries and engage technical and non-technical audiences, when appropriate
• Skilled at getting along with a wide variety of people who have diverse perspectives
• Ability to meet commitments on time and within budget
• Values patience, respect, and kindness, and brings joy to your interactions
• Spanish speaker is helpful
• Personable, with a good sense of humor

Environment:

TEPRI is an ambitious, productive, and growing non-profit organization. We have a small team of creative thinkers. Our team works out of an office space located on W. 6th Street in downtown Austin, Texas. We encourage everyone across the spectrums of race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, age, gender identity and expression, educational background, sexual orientation, and religion to apply.

Please send cover letter and resume to ...@tepri.org and ...@tepri.org with the subject line being "Energy Program Associate Application".

Salary is $70,000-$80,000 per year