Communities Program Associate
The Communities Program Associate supports the Confidential Client's efforts to advance equitable clean energy and climate solutions through community-based initiatives in Minnesota. This role involves coordinating statewide and regional CERT programs, managing events and meetings, supporting grant administration, conducting research and outreach, and fostering inclusive participation among diverse stakeholders. The position requires strong organizational, communication, and technical skills to effectively support program goals and community engagement.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, a nonprofit organization focused on clean energy, sustainability, and climate solutions.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential Client is seeking a Communities Program Associate to support statewide and Metro-region clean energy initiatives (CERTs). This is an entry-level, full-time, hourly position based in Minneapolis, MN with hybrid/remote flexibility (some on-site time required). The role supports community engagement, event coordination, grant and administrative tasks, storytelling, and technical assistance for community-scale clean energy projects.
Compensation & benefits
Confidential Client offers a salary range of $52,000–$62,000 per year (commensurate with experience). Benefits include:
- Health insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Short- and long-term disability, life insurance
- Vision and dental
- FSA/HSA options
- Paid time off
- Professional development allowance
- Communication stipend
Responsibilities
The Communities Program Associate will support the Statewide CERTs partnership and the Metro CERT region. Primary responsibilities include:
- (50%) Statewide CERTs support
- (25%) Administrative support for statewide initiatives, events, fundraising, and contracts.
- (25%) Support for the Community Energy Ambassadors program — communications, event planning, outreach, cohort support.
- (50%) Metro CERT support
- Administrative support for Metro CERT regional initiatives, events, communications, storytelling, and fundraising.
Key duties:
- Coordinate meetings with internal and external partners (scheduling, agendas, notes, follow-ups).
- Plan and support virtual and in-person events (registration, logistics, facilitation, materials).
- Conduct outreach to ensure diverse and inclusive participation from communities and stakeholders.
- Assist with grants and funding tasks: proposal support, reporting, and contract coordination.
- Develop tools and resources: reports, presentations, case studies, blogs, and outreach materials.
- Provide research and analytic support (data collection, interviews, web research, spreadsheets, GIS as needed).
- Support Metro CERT Seed Grant recipients through regular check-ins and assistance.
- Work with local governments, Native nation governments, schools, utilities, and underserved communities to advance community-scale clean energy projects.
Qualifications
Minimum and preferred qualifications include:
- 1–3 years paid or volunteer experience with local governments, community organizations, or underserved communities in sustainability, clean energy, climate, or related fields. A bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, sustainability, energy, or environmental justice is strongly desired.
- Experience coordinating virtual and in-person meetings and events.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, spreadsheets); Zoom and Teams experience required.
- Experience with design tools (InDesign, Illustrator, Canva) and/or data tools (GIS, R) is a plus.
- Strong project coordination skills: detail-oriented, excellent time/deadline management, ability to juggle multiple tasks, and work independently.
- Strong research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse stakeholders and “manage up” effectively.
- Commitment to equity-driven, community-centered clean energy solutions. Fluency in Twin Cities languages other than English is a plus.
Work environment & physical requirements
- Typical hours are Monday–Friday during business hours; occasional nights and weekends may be required.
- Some remote work is possible, but the position requires regular time in the Minneapolis office.
- Regular use of computers, phone/headset, and office equipment. May require lifting boxes up to 50 lbs on occasion and performing event duties outdoors unless unsafe.
What makes a strong candidate
- Passion for climate, clean energy, and equitable community outcomes.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, collaborative nonprofit environment where initiative and problem-solving are valued.
- Demonstrated ability to engage historically marginalized communities with cultural humility and respect.
Additional notes
- This is a one-year position contingent on funding with potential for extension.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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