Field Organizer

Communities have a powerful tool for creating social benefits, one that requires no sacrifice but instead aligns with their own interests as consumers: collective purchasing power.

Groundswell helps communities leverage their collective market power for good by pooling their demand for needed services and linking them with businesses that drive local economic opportunity and sustainability. Through this process, Groundswell helps families and community institutions reduce their energy costs, builds more resilient social impact organizations, and creates economic opportunity by growing inclusive clean energy sectors.

Groundswell has driven nearly $7 million in community-based clean energy projects and has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, GOOD Magazine and FastCompany. In 2011, Groundswell was selected as a Clinton Global Initiative America commitment maker for its model to grow clean energy economic opportunity in communities across the U.S.

For more information visit groundswell.org

Position Overview:

The Field Organizer will work closely with Groundswell leadership to recruit homeowners and organizations in Maryland to build demand for residential weatherization. They will identify and build relationships with community leaders and membership-based organizations to recruit homeowners to complete home energy upgrades in groups.

They will support and train partners and program participants to complete homeowner outreach, including energy meetings, to educate homeowners about the benefits of residential weatherization. They will also facilitate each homeowner group's selection of a home performance contractor through a competitive bid process, and work with the Program Associate to ensure that weatherization projects are completed.

This position will provide valuable experience for individuals interested in pursuing work in community organizing, the non-profit sector, politics and campaigns, and building the clean energy economy. Organizers will need to be experienced yet will have support in understanding the essential tools, processes, and strategies of effective organizing, energy efficiency, and community-based initiatives with a fast-growing non-profit.

This is a full-time position until May 1, 2013 with the opportunity for an extension. Although Groundswell's main office is located in DC, this position will be located in Maryland, with campaign primarily in Howard County. Since Field Organizers work with the community, the position requires availability on some weeknights and weekends. 

Responsibilities

Partnerships & Direct Engagement (30%)

• Build on existing and create new partnerships with community networks and organizations to enlist their support in neighborhood weatherization efforts

Strong Homes Project Implementation (50%)

• Create mission-aligned & goal oriented Strong Home participant teams, who outreach and engage their community through tactics, such as phone banking, door-to-door canvassing, and energy meetings
• Model bulk purchase of energy services through Strong Home projects, which includes community engagement, proposal development, and customer advocacy

Strategy & Planning (20%)

• Develop and implement campaign plans in selected communities with specific, measurable goals

Qualifications:

The Strong Homes Program is looking for applicants who enjoy strategic planning, building relationships across the community, and has prior community or economic organizing experience. All types of campaign experience, including issue-based, are welcome.

An ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, skills and experience:

• Experience building and managing relationships with diverse organizations, stakeholders and individuals
• Community or economic organizing experience
• Demonstrated passion on issues related to community-based economic development or energy service-related initiatives
• Self-directed, resourceful, balanced and transparent
• Dynamic and flexible team member
• Proactive and detail oriented with big picture thinking and creativity
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of residential energy efficiency
• Driver's license and ability to pass driving history check

Application Materials Required:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Name, Contact Info, and Nature of Relationship for 2 references, one of which is a current or previous manager

Use your application materials to explain your interest in Groundswell and its mission. Please highlight any exposure you have to Maryland communities.

Please specify in your cover letter what campaigns you have worked on and in what capacities, with an emphasis on how those experiences would make you successful in this position. Your cover letter should explain the skills, experience, and interests that qualify you to fulfill the responsibilities outlined above.