Community Partnerships Manager

Founded in 2001, Northwest SEED (Sustainable Energy for Economic Development) empowers community scale clean energy through expert guidance that combines technical support, community education and practical implementation to help communities achieve their sustainability and economic development goals. Northwest SEED delivers the technical, business, and project management expertise to support communities in selecting, designing and implementing local energy projects. 

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for strategically creating and strengthening partnerships with utilities, government agencies, funding institutions and community organizations to substantially increase the number of community scale clean energy projects in the Northwest. The Community Partnerships Manager conducts a range of business development activities, including marketing and outreach, fundraising and initial project feasibility screening. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and works closely with program staff.

Responsibilities:

New Business Development, Fundraising (60%):

• Research funding opportunities, prepare funding proposals and respond to RFPs to launch new community scale projects and initiatives.
• Grow Northwest SEED's programs by prospecting and securing fee-for-service contracts.
• Develop and maintain an annual business development plan that outlines strategies to meet fundraising goals.
• In partnership with the Executive Director, develop and maintain funding partnerships.
• Strengthen the network of allied organizations and individuals supporting Northwest SEED's mission.
• Attend and report on new business development activities at board fundraising committee meetings and quarterly board meetings as requested.

Relationship Management, Networking (30%):

• Conduct outreach, networking and marketing to target communities.
• Develop, coordinate, and support key partnerships in target communities.
• Help identify the most promising community clean energy opportunities.
• Attend outreach and networking events on evenings and weekends as needed.

Organization Support, Project Management (10%):

• Participate in developing organizational goals, strategic plans, and program work plans.
• Maintain and update Northwest SEED marketing materials and website as budget allows.
• Support and/or manage community-scale energy projects as work load and qualifications allow.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Experience in outreach and marketing to community organizations, businesses, utilities and local governments.
• Successful history of fostering relationships with diverse entities to create funding proposals and launch new initiatives. Experience with donor solicitation and/or cultivation a plus.
• Experience developing and managing government and foundation grant proposals.
• Proven interpersonal skills working within a non-profit team environment. Experience working within a consulting/fee-for-service environment a plus.
• Background in clean energy (renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy conservation) project design and/or management.
• Self-directed; able to manage tasks with minimal supervision.
• Travel around the Pacific Northwest is required. Candidates should be willing to hold a flexible work schedule to support travel requests.

Compensation: This position is full-time located in our Seattle office. Competitive non-profit salary, depending on experience and education. Generous benefits including health, dental, paid leave, retirement plan, professional development allowance and public transit subsidy.

To Apply:

Please email cover letter, resume and a 2-page writing sample with subject line: Community Partnerships Manager . Position will remain open until filled with a preferred start date of July 31 st , 2012. No phone calls or mailed applications please. Applications must be received by Friday, June 22nd , 2012 to be considered.

Northwest SEED is an equal opportunity employer.