GreenPower Administrator

As the environmental research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education, DRI conducts cutting-edge basic and applied research in land, air, life, and water quality across Nevada, the United States and on every continent. With more than 500 employees and two main campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI generates nearly $50 million in total annual revenue. DRI's faculty members are untenured, entrepreneurial and responsible for their own salaries from external grants and contracts. This blend of academic rigor and private-sector pragmatism has earned DRI a reputation for delivering rapid, high-quality environmental science in a businesslike fashion.

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) seeks a full-time Administrator for its GreenPower program. The program's mission is to promote and support education in renewable energy for Nevada's K-12 students and incorporate conscious living practices into their daily lives. The GreenPower program works with Nevada's K-12 educators to implement energy conservation concepts and practices into the classroom and also provides ideas, books and hands-on teaching tools (Green Boxes) to help students learn about and use green power. The program is funded by NV Energy.

Position Overview: 

The Green Power Administrator will report to DRI's Director of Communications and Government Affairs; manage all elements of the DRI GreenPower program and work closely with representatives from NV Energy, other participating power companies, as well as school districts in the State of Nevada. This position may be located at either of our campuses in Reno or Las Vegas, Nevada.

Division: Communications Office

Responsibilities:

Support GreenPower Schools:

• Continue to market and promote the GreenPower program to both new and participating schools, which help educators to teach students about renewable energy, energy conservation and sustainability by defining and creating requirements for participating schools and assisting them in achieving their requirements.
• Coordinate teacher professional development/training for GreenPower.
• Create and maintain partnerships to extend the reach of the GreenPower message.
• Reinvigorate DRI's Science Box program through Green Boxes and manage all elements of the program including: establishing an infrastructure for the Green Box program, hiring subject matter experts as curriculum developers, selecting topics for Green Boxes and assisting in developing the Green Box content based on Nevada's Education Standards to include a sustainability and environmental focus.
• Create and deliver Green Boxes for K-12 schools.

Marketing and Community Outreach:

• Represent DRI at renewable energy events such as Earth Day throughout Nevada.
• Raise awareness of GreenPower, coordinate with DRI's Public Information Officer(s) and work with media as needed.
• Create all GreenPower content for DRI's website.
• Write and submit proposals on behalf of GreenPower to obtain funding for the program and its administrator.
• Create and maintain data of the impact and reach of the GreenPower program in K-12 schools.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with standards, mission and goals of the Desert Research Institute.
• This program requires constant fund-raising through the Director of Communications and Government Affairs and the Vice President for Development. This position is called upon to support development and fund-raising efforts.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• 4 years of progressive administrative experience in event planning, project management and/or program management.
• 2 years of relevant education experience.
• Knowledge of the State of Nevada's education standards and continuing education requirements of K-12 teachers.
• Experience with renewable-energy, energy conservation, and sustainability education and applications.
• Ability to define and implement the mission and direction of the K-12 GreenPower program at DRI.
• Knowledge and proven successful experience in event planning, public relations, marketing and program development.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to exercise considerable initiative, discretion and independent judgment to handle multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines.
• Ability to plan, manage and problem solve in order to complete complex assignments and projects in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in math or science.
• Technical knowledge related to renewable-energy systems.
• Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures as applied to a research organization.

Compensation:  Salary is dependent upon experience. DRI's benefits package includes health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, 12.25% matching retirement by DRI, retirement options through VALIC, TIAA-CREF and/or Fidelity, paid annual and sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reduction at NSHE institutions for employee, spouse and dependents. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction. (See faculty benefits summary)   

Conditions of Employment:

At least monthly travel between Reno and Las Vegas will be expected, as well over night stays.

Perform physical tasks such as moving or lifting boxes items up to 30 lbs.

The individual who is offered and accepts this position must provide, within 30 working days of his/her start date of the position, a copy of the transcript(s) up to the highest degree he/she acquired, as awarded by an accredited institute as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).  

Closing Date:  Open Until Filled 

To Apply: 

The following materials will be required to submit or attach when you apply on-line:

1. A cover letter detailing your career interest in the position, how you meet DRI's qualifications;
2. A current resume; and
3. Contact information for 3 professional/work-related references.

Review of applications will start immediately and continue until semi-finalists have been selected. To learn more, visit us at DRI or call the recruitment office.