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Training Program Director for Energy and Climate Skills Training Program
Renewable Energy Partners, Inc. (REP) seeks a creative, self-directed and motivated individual to lead the next phase of development in Energy and Climate Skills training programs at REP’s training facility in Minneapolis. REP is a fast-growing solar development firm that supports current training programs and is seeking effective leadership and partnerships to organize and manage the facility and coordinate training programs on a daily basis. This position includes working with multiple training program partners, leading efforts for new course development, and developing networks for funding, support services, and navigation and job placement.
Current Status:
REP has renovated its 22,000 square foot office and training center at 1200 Plymouth Avenue in North Minneapolis as a high-quality facility for Clean Energy and Climate Economy career skills training. The facility has on-site parking, bike lanes, and is on a major bus rapid transit route with short connections to the regional light rail network. The facility has five multi-purpose classroom and workshop areas available for training, totaling approximately 14,000 square feet. The building itself is a living laboratory for clean energy and sustainability technologies with rooftop solar integrated with a battery storage system, ground-source electric heat pumps for heating and cooling, EV charging and on-site management of 100% of the site’s annual rainfall.
Training spaces include an HVAC lab, solar classroom and workshop with solar cart training kits for NABCEP certifications, and a certified “tiny house” training tool for energy efficiency courses that will be completed in October as the only certified test site in the metro area for Building Performance Institute certifications.
The facility has been offering skills training and career exploration programs for 3 years with a focus on recruitment of BIPOC students and young adults from under-served communities. Current programs include HVAC Tech sponsored by Avivo Institute, NABCEP Solar Associate sponsored by the City of Minneapolis, Electrical Pre-apprenticeship sponsored by the electricians’ union, and sustainable landscaping sponsored by Metro Blooms. Some of the needed infrastructure is in place to support training programs with recruitment of trainees, pre-training skills assessments, support services to address barriers, program evaluation, and navigation and placement with employers.
Current program support has come from federal, state and local governments, and corporate and philanthropic foundations. Some core program support is committed through 2027, but funding needs to be increased and extended beyond next year. Training programs have had demonstrated success with high demand for current courses, and projections for job growth in new course areas such as Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Electrification and Green Infrastructure.
$73,500-$81,600 plus benefits based on the applicant’s experience
The successful candidate for this position will lead daily operations, support current training programs and student success, and develop new programs and partnerships to meet the long-term goals of the training center.
Position includes full back-office support for financial accounting, human resources, and other administrative requirements. Position includes dedicated office space, use of information technology and IT support, copying and printing, and supplies.
The Training Program Director reports to REP’s Chief Operating Officer and will be integrated with the full REP team of 20 individuals. Current budgets have sufficient funding for 4-5 training courses and 1.0-1.5 FTE positions to assist the Program Director. Additional staffing and course offerings will be added as funding is secured.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Demonstrated administrative and program management skills, preferred in a workforce development position.
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Commitment to student success through support services, career navigation, job placement and retention.
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Ability to network, develop and nurture partnerships for a comprehensive ecosystem that supports training programs and related services.
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Ability to be self-directed and lead a team in developing work plans and objectives, and manage the process of establishing metrics and evaluating progress on project goals.
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Have an entrepreneurial and data-driven approach to new program and course development and partnerships for program delivery.
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Experience with fundraising, grant-writing and building relationships with funders and sponsors.
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Experience with government and non-profit training programs, apprenticeships, credentials and industry certifications.
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Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of participants and support recruitment efforts that prioritize under-served populations of youth and young adults.
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Strong internal and external communications skills to manage the training program in collaboration with others and represent the program with the community and funders.
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Show passion for the work of addressing climate change and demonstrate commitment to equity and environmental justice.
Please submit your letter of interest, resume and references to: Michael Krause, [email protected]. This position was originally posted on July 31 and will remain open until filled.
