Job Title: Solar Program Associate
Type: Full-Time (Hybrid Work Schedule)
Start: June 2024
Location: New York, NY
Solar One seeks a driven Solar Program Associate for Here Comes Solar, its solar technical assistance program that expands access to the benefits of solar to low-income renters, multifamily cooperatives, and affordable housing in New York. We make solar more accessible and affordable by: providing technical assistance to affordable housing and community organizations so they can develop cost-effective solar projects; organizing buildings into solar purchasing groups; securing zero-down financing for solar projects; and assisting renters to enroll in local community solar projects. To date, Here Comes Solar has facilitated more than 900 successful solar installations, and we are growing our team to increase our impact in 2024 and beyond!
The Solar Program Associate will be an integral member of the team and will complete tasks such as conducting solar viability assessments, networking and performing outreach & education activities, and communicating with building owners/decision-makers and community partners to help them take the next steps for their solar projects. The Associate will be fundamental in growing current solar campaigns in partnership with the NYC Accelerator, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and community-based nonprofits. This role includes ample opportunity for professional growth and learning -- the Solar Program Associate will conduct research, work on strategic projects, and develop skills such as solar energy system design and financial modeling. As a member of the Here Comes Solar team, you will report to the Senior Solar Program Manager and work with colleagues and senior leadership to ensure program success.
This is a hybrid position. Staff typically work in the Long Island City office twice a week and the remaining days are worked remotely.
Responsibilities include:
- Educating New Yorkers about the benefits of solar energy and encouraging their participation in Solar One’s affordable solar programs, including incentive eligibility, monetization strategies and value of solar
- Managing intake of new leads, including:
- Following up via phone call and email to confirm solar viability and benefits
- Evaluating buildings’ solar energy potential via remote desktop analysis
- Recording customer data and notes into Salesforce
- Participating in internal and external solar program planning meetings
- Promoting our program
- Providing program support as necessary including research, writing, and preparing presentations
- Participating in and contributing to internal working groups to strengthen our program
Qualifications and Skills
Successful candidates for this role should be able to demonstrate the following:
Technical Skills
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint)
- Comfortable with web-based tools and technology
Soft Skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking/problem solving
Experience and Subject Area Expertise
- Bachelor’s Degree, or an Associate’s Degree and at least 4 years of relevant experience
- 0-2 years of relevant full-time professional experience
- Knowledge of solar technology and business or interest/aptitude to gain knowledge on the job
- Strong knowledge of and/or passion for renewable energy, environmental justice, and affordable housing
- Works well with independent work as well as in collaborative team settings
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience working with low-income communities and/or affordable housing
- Fluency in Spanish or another language spoken widely in New York City
- Familiarity with Salesforce, Canva, or Helioscope is a plus
Salary and Benefits:
Starting annual salary range is $59,000 - $62,000, commensurate with experience.
Solar One’s full-time employment benefits include:
- A work environment where your contribution is essential and celebrated
- Training and career development
- Hybrid in-person/remote work schedule
- Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, EAP
- Life and disability insurance
- 4 weeks of paid time off, increasing with tenure
- Paid Holidays
- 401(k) retirement savings
Solar One is an equal opportunity employer. Solar One strives to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in all elements of our work and with our partners to support the interdependent needs of renewable energy and resilience and people in a rapidly changing world. Solar One recruits and employs through a lens of equity and encourages people of all races, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law to apply.