Ohio Rural Associate (Remote within Central Ohio) - Virtual / Remote

Job Description

Job Description

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 the Position

The Ohio Rural Associate will work closely with the Ohio Team, and the regional support team to carry out SUN’s goals in the state of Ohio. This position will focus on organizing rural electric cooperative (REC) member-owners in Central Ohio.

This position reports to the Ohio Program Director.

This position is funded for a 11-month term, with the potential for extension based on the availability of grant funding.

Please 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 REC territories.

Benefits

Medical insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, 401K with company match, Flexible work schedule, Paid holidays, Paid sick leave, Paid time off, Phone / Internet Stipend

Culture

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.

SUN's values and culture

At SUN, our culture is rooted in our people. We believe that meaningful work happens when everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to bring their full selves to the table. Our organization is built on 5 core values of being people-centered, equitable, inclusive, action-oriented, and committed to continuous learning. These values guide not only what we do, but how we do it, through collaboration, curiosity, and care for each other and the communities we serve.

We are proud to foster a workplace where diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences are celebrated. We prioritize employee well-being with flexible work environments, growth and development opportunities, and a strong sense of shared purpose. At SUN, we are more than a workplace, we’re a community that values people, embraces progress, and believes in doing the right thing. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're looking to be part of a mission-driven organization that truly invests in its team, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include :

Community Engagement & Advocacy (70%)

• Organizing and engaging with a diverse range of solar supporters in urban, suburban, and rural communities, with an emphasis on engaging solar supporters in rural areas.
• Engaging with legislators, local governments, and partner organizations to advance the state program’s policy and programmatic goals, especially related to rural-based solar issues.
• Representing the state 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 (ex., REC member-owners, among others) in targeted territories who could be recruited to help advance pro-solar policies.

Program Coordination & Support (20%)

Organization-wide administration (10%)

Work environment

This position requires the ability to :

Core Competencies

At SUN, thriving means more than great work; it is about how we show up for one another, embrace challenges, and live our shared values. These Core Competencies guide our success together :

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Benefits

We anticipate accepting applications until the third week of December, with the first review of candidates next week. However, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible, as we may begin interviews on a rolling basis (second week of December or first week of January).

Requirements

Resident of Central Ohio

Minimum of 2 years of experience (professionally or as a volunteer) with grassroots organizing, event planning, project management, online engagement, and / or communications

Ability to travel periodically (~25% with overnight stays) to attend events within Ohio and biannual travel to staff retreats elsewhere in the US

Ability to work remotely in an action-oriented environment and to engage with diverse groups of people

Ability to manage multiple projects from development through completion

Valid US driver’s license and access to reliable transportation

Knowledge in : Computer skills

Equal Opportunity Employer

We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. 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.

SUN is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. We will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application, interview, hiring process, and work environment as required by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at jobs@solarunitedneighbors.org so we can make the necessary arrangements. All requests will be handled confidentially.

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