Energy Programs Manager

The Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) is a 36 year-old multi-strategy sustainable economic development organization that seeks to create economic alternatives that work for people and places in need in Central Appalachia and Kentucky. MACED's long-term goals are a strong and diverse economy; increased family well-being, particularly for low-income people; healthy and protected land, air and water; and an effective and accountable democracy.

MACED is a fast-paced, dynamic and growing organization with a 29-person staff that manages $23 million in total assets. The organization focuses its efforts on sustainable development and change strategies that generate economic and environmental benefits to people and places. These strategies include: 1) providing financial capital and expertise to individuals, businesses and communities, 2) conducting research and engaging in effective communications to support good public policy, and 3) demonstrating effective community economic development efforts that make a difference.

MACED's strategic plan focuses on 2 sectoral strategies (new energy and sustainable forestry), deepens our commitment to entrepreneur and enterprise development, and promotes the development of a new economic vision in Appalachia and Kentucky.

Position Overview:

MACED is looking for a highly motivated and experienced professional to join its staff as the energy programs manager. This position will lead and manage MACED's efforts in the energy sector, specifically with MACED's How$martKY and Energy Efficient Enterprises programs; take an active role in program implementation; coordinate energy-related work across all of MACED's programs; and play an active role in the development of new energy-related work. Central to this position are a commitment to MACED's vision and long-term goals.

Energy at MACED:

Energy plays an important role in the state and the region MACED serves, both historically and as we look to the future. The economy of the communities in this region has been shaped by energy production for more than a century and the changing economy we live in will create challenges in building a sustainable future. MACED's energy work seeks to create new opportunities and new paradigms around energy efficiency, renewable energy and creative financing models that will support people, create jobs and reduce negative environmental impacts.

MACED currently operates 2 energy-specific programs, How$mart and Energy Efficient Enterprises (E3). MACED also actively participates in state energy policy work.

The How$mart program works with energy distribution cooperatives in eastern Kentucky to support and promote energy efficiency retrofits on homes. These are financed by the coops that invest in the long-term improvements by paying for the cost of the retrofits. The coops are able to recover their investment through monthly payments added to the bill while homeowners enjoy a net overall reduction in their bills, including the cost of the retrofit. MACED provides technical expertise through our staff to evaluate potential retrofits and supervise the contractors as well as providing capital through loans to the coops.

Energy Efficient Enterprises works with businesses, nonprofits, institutions and municipalities to help them identify and evaluate opportunities to implement energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements. MACED provides technical expertise and capital for these efforts. Over the past few years, MACED has focused particularly on grocery stores that are high energy users and important anchors for rural communities. The grocery energy savings program has financed more than $1 million in these improvements across the region, creating significant bottom-line savings for the businesses that have participated.

In addition to management and implementation of these programs, the energy programs manager will coordinate MACED's energy sector team; work with other MACED staff on energy policy work; and represent MACED as appropriate in external venues.

Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities of the energy programs manager include but are not limited to the following:

How$mart Managerial Support:

• Work closely with the How$mart program coordinator to effectively implement and expand How$mart.
• Serve as primary point person with the Public Service Commission in all matters related to How$mart.
• Work with coops and other agencies as needed to support How$mart implementation.
• Develop reports to funders, Public Service Commission and other entities as needed.
• Coordinate with other staff as needed to support fundraising for How$mart.
• Track program revenue and implement strategies to move How$mart toward long-term sustainability.
• Supervise How$mart program coordinator.

E3 Managerial Support:

• Work closely with E3 energy specialist to implement E3 workplans and meet program goals.
• Develop long-term plans for E3 program development in collaboration with other staff.
• Explore ways to maximize synergies between E3 and other MACED program areas.
• Develop reports to funders, Public Service Commission and other entities as needed.
• Coordinate with other staff as needed to support fundraising for E3.
• Track program revenue and implement strategies to move E3 toward long-term sustainability.
• Collaborate with other MACED energy-related work (e.g., grocery energy savings program).
• Supervise E3 energy specialist.

Energy Sector Coordination:

• Lead and coordinate energy sector meeting agendas, meeting times and other needed support.
• Lead and develop drafts of the energy sector work plan in conjunction with the energy sector team.
• Lead implementation of energy sector workplans.
• Represent MACED in external venues related to energy (e.g., EKPC Collaborative).

General:

• Participate in long-term planning for MACED's programmatic work both in and beyond energy-related programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications and Characteristics:

Knowledge and experience:

BA or BS in energy, sustainability, management or other field related to this position; a minimum of 3 years' experience in program development and implementation; demonstrated skills in effective staff management; experience in energy-related work; demonstrated ability to develop strategies and implement them; capacity for both big-picture thinking and detailed implementation; interest in the Appalachian region.

Personal characteristics:

Interest in energy efficiency. Well-organized, attentive to detail, creative, able to work on multiple projects at once, strategic and analytical thinker, high inductive and deductive reasoning skills, strong communication skills, able to work successfully on a team with diverse members, willing to travel on frequent driving day trips and occasional air travel overnight trips.

Technology and software:

Word-processing and spreadsheet skills (MS Word and Excel).

Communications:

Comfortable initiating contact and communications with clients and partners; strong written and interpersonal communication skills.

Physical:

Close vision with or without corrective lenses necessary for computer work; manual dexterity needed to operate computer; able to perform assigned duties in a time-efficient manner.

Preferred Qualifications and Characteristics:

Experience in energy efficiency, research and analysis. Experience working both as a team member and as a supervisor. Understanding of the Appalachian region.

Compensation: The position offers a competitive salary, based on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Position is based in Berea, Kentucky. Berea is a beautiful, small college town, an hour south of Lexington, on the edge of the Appalachian region.

To Apply:

Please email your resume, 3 references and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position. Application review will be on-going and continue until the position is filled.

MACED is an equal opportunity employer.