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Project Director for Solar and VPPs
The Clean Energy States Alliance is a national, nonprofit coalition of state agencies and other public entities working together to advance clean energy. CESA has brought about transformative change in clean energy over the last 23 years as it has assisted states across the US in developing and implementing effective policies and programs. CESA staff provide guidance, policy analysis, technical assistance, and informational resources that enable policymakers to make informed choices on clean energy programs and market development strategies. With a commitment to expanding the benefits of clean energy to all, CESA serves as a convenor and information-sharing resource for many of the most innovative, successful, and influential public funders of clean energy initiatives in the country.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The anticipated starting salary is $74,000-$79,000, depending upon prior experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance with 10% employee cost contribution; life insurance; generous matching of retirement plan contributions; starting four-weeks paid time off; and paid sick days, parental leave, and company holidays.
The Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), a leading bipartisan nonprofit organization focused on advancing clean energy technologies to benefit all, seeks a Project Director to lead some of the organization’s solar activities and also work on the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Acceleration Initiative. CESA offers remote work, flextime, generous benefits, and an exciting opportunity to work with a motivated dynamic team to bring about clean energy transformation at the state level.
SUMMARY
The Project Director will sustain and work with a network of state officials representing Solar for All grantees; serve as CESA’s point person to the National Community Solar Partnership+; and participate as a key member of the team for the VPP Acceleration Initiative, a major new project that seeks to help states, local governments, communities, and financial institutions deploy and scale VPPs. The Project Director will report to CESA’s Senior Project Director for the VPP Acceleration Initiative.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Key activities and responsibilities include the following.
Project Management
- Lead working groups of state officials on topics such as community solar and energy affordability
- Coordinate with representatives of national energy laboratories and nonprofit organizations on National Community Solar Partnership+ priorities
- Sustain and lead the network of state officials who had received Solar for All Awards and continue to be convened by CESA; host office hours for this network
- Manage the work of consultants, interns, and other project participants
- Support administrative processes such as the development of consultant contracts and the management of budgets
Research and Analysis
- Research and write informational resources for states, such as explainers, white papers, and analyses pertaining to solar, VPPs, and other topics
- Provide technical assistance to state agencies, including developing or reviewing program models, requests for proposals, template agreements, communication material, outreach material, and other relevant material as requested by states
- Organize training sessions for state program staff
Communications and Outreach
- Organize public webinars and state-only meetings, including identifying speakers and hosting selected meetings
- Develop and cultivate relationships with state leaders, federal agencies, national labs, and nonprofits
- Participate in the organization of in-person meetings and workshops organized by CESA
Development
- Assist in identifying and cultivating funding prospects and/or funding partners
- Contribute to the preparation of proposals and application materials for funding opportunities, as well as reporting needed for existing funded activities
Other tasks may be assigned as needed.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
CESA embraces diverse backgrounds and experiences. We also recognize that applicants may not have the exact combination of knowledge and experience described below. If you don’t perfectly meet the qualifications, please consider applying and sharing the skills and experience you believe would be valuable in the role by highlighting them in your application.
EXPECTED QUALIFICATIONS
- At least five years’ experience in clean energy policy, clean energy development, or clean energy finance
- Experience reading, analyzing, summarizing, critically evaluating, and writing about solar, VPPs, and/or clean energy policy
- Knowledge of state-level energy programs
- This position requires learning about new topics based on state needs, and therefore requires a proactive approach to deep learning, and curiosity in approaching new subject matter
- Excellent writer, stellar attention to detail, strong communication and interpersonal skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Training in environmental policy, law, environmental management, business administration, or economics
- Experience with solar projects, low-income solar, solar consumer protection, or VPPs
- Experience working with state and federal governments
- Experience developing communications materials for a range of audiences
- Wide-ranging connections to people working to advance clean energy
- Understanding of the electricity grid and regulatory processes
- Experience working with a remote and geographically distributed team that primarily communicates through virtual interactions
TO APPLY
Submit a letter of interest and resume via email to [email protected]. The letter of interest should highlight why you are interested, your experience with clean energy, and your knowledge and experience with state-level policymaking. Applicants who do not provide these materials
