Rural Program Associate (Remote within Arizona) - Virtual/Remote

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 Arizona Rural Organizing Associate will work closely with the Arizona Program Director and the regional support team to carry out SUN s goals in Arizona. The role will focus on creating informed and engaged rural solar advocates who can participate effectively in debates about the use of solar energy in their community.

 
This position reports to the Arizona Program Director.

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 rural regions in Arizona. 

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
History of SUN

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 & Organizing (60%)

• 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.
• Educating members and supporters about the benefits of responsibly-sited utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) through Solar 101s, happy hours, and other community events. 
• Mobilizing local solar supporters to weigh in on key utility-scale solar and BESS projects and support responsible solar and BESS ordinances. Mobilizing supporters in opposition to overly-restrictive local ordinances.
• 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, solar siting, and local ordinances. 
• 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. 

Program Coordination & Support (30%)

• Planning and implementing programs to help individuals and organizations go solar, cultivating partner relationships, engaging with the media, conducting public solar 101 sessions, communicating with and supporting people interested in going solar.
• Supporting the implementation of solar co-ops in rural counties. 
• Providing technical assistance to individuals and entities interested in going solar.
• Conducting policy, regulatory, and market research to support the state s policy goals, particularly related to solar messaging for rural outreach regarding utility scale solar siting and development.
• Occasionally meeting directly with policy-makers and preparing our membership for meetings with policy-makers at the state and local level.
• Creating resources and authoring timely content to provide in-depth information on relevant solar topics and helping our members become more effective and informed advocates for solar.

Organization-wide administration (10%)

• Actively contribute to a workplace culture aligned with SUN s values of equity, inclusion, continuous learning, action-oriented, and people-centered.
• Show up fully for learning and planning and activities, including all-staff meetings, retreats, and strategy sessions. 
• Coordinate and work with external consultants as needed. 
• Facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and take notes.
• As a key member of the team, contribute to brainstorming, developing, and executing new ideas.
• Manage your own regular administration, including timely submission of timesheets, receipts, reimbursements, scheduling, traveling planning, and HR paperwork.
• Other projects or tasks as assigned.

Work environment  

This position requires:

• Ability to occasionally lift and move equipment or packages up to 50 pounds
• Ability to remain in a stationary position and work at a computer for extended periods
• Ability to travel by car and airplane to attend or support events, workshops and staff retreats 
• Ability to stand for extended periods while leading events and/or community outreach activities

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:

• Proactive and Accountable: takes initiative, follows through on commitments, and owns outcomes. 
• People-Centered Communicator: communicates clearly and respectfully in both written and verbal forms. Seeks understanding through questions, engages in open dialogue, and is receptive to giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Adaptable and Growth-Minded: embraces learning with curiosity and approaches change with flexibility. Comfortable navigating new tools, systems, and evolving ways of working.
• Collaborative and Inclusive: builds strong relationships across teams, values diverse perspectives, and creates space for all voices to contribute.

Required Qualifications

• Resident of Arizona
• Minimum 2 years of experience (professional or volunteer) with advocacy campaigns, online engagement, and/or communications
• Ability to work remotely in an action-oriented environment, with frequent in-state travel (20%) and overnight stays within their state and two weeklong annual retreats in the United States or Puerto Rico
• Proficient computer skills including online facilitation and comfort with social media

Preferred Qualifications

• Resident of Pinal, Apache, Yavapai, and Coconino counties
• Fluency in Spanish
• Ability to collaborate, network, and build working relationships
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Ability to engage with diverse groups of people
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• Knowledge of social, energy, and/or environmental issues affecting Arizona
• Strong public speaking abilities

Benefits

• Hourly compensation of $27.00
• Fun, remote work environment
• Flexible work hours
• Generous paid leave, vacation and wellness time
• Medical (84%-99% coverage for employees and dependents), vision, and dental insurance
• Paid holiday on all federal holidays - plus the day after Thanksgiving, the week between Christmas and New Year s Day off, and two additional days of your choice
• $1,000/year professional development stipend
• $50/month phone and internet stipend
• 401(k) retirement account with match after 1 year
• Meaningful, impactful work

We anticipate accepting applications until the third week of May, 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.

Applicants may redact or remove any information in your submitted materials (such as resumes, transcripts, certifications, or CVs) that could reveal your age, including your date of birth, school attendance dates, or graduation dates, and they will not be penalized for doing so.

Requirements
Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
Resident of Arizona
Minimum 2 years of experience with advocacy campaigns, online engagement, and/or communications
Ability to work remotely in an action-oriented environment, with frequent in-state travel (20%) and overnight stays within their state and two weeklong annual retreats in the United States or Puerto Rico
Proficient computer skills including online facilitation and comfort with social media
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 an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at   View email address on my.career.place   so we can make the necessary arrangements. Only accommodation requests will be answered, and they will be handled confidentially.

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