Energy Savings Outreach Coordinator

~ Appalachian Voices is an award-winning, environmental non-profit committed to protecting the land, air and water of the central and southern Appalachian region, focusing on reducing coal's impact on the region and advancing our vision for a cleaner energy future. ~

Founded in 1997 (see our 15-year anniversary page), we are headquartered in Boone, N.C. with offices in Charlottesville, Va., Knoxville, Tenn., and Washington, D.C. Since we believe working in concert with others produces maximum results, we are proud members of the Alliance for Appalachia, Blueprint North Carolina, Clean Water Network, North Carolina Conservation Network and the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition. Click here to learn more.  

Position Overview 

Appalachian Voices is seeking a talented and passionate professional with grassroots organizing experience to help lead and execute our work for the Energy Savings for Appalachia campaign.

Launched in April 2013, the Energy Savings for Appalachia campaign aims to promote and generate support for utility energy efficiency finance programs that primarily help low-income residents lower their energy costs and make their homes healthier and more comfortable places to live.

We are promoting a type of debt-free financing called "on-bill financing" that helps residents cover the up-front cost of making cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Our primary focus is on rural electric cooperatives serving Appalachian communities in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

The Outreach Coordinator will lead the campaign's community organizing efforts, which will involve direct outreach via canvassing and community energy efficiency workshops, media outreach, and developing/nurturing partnerships with community-based organizations, local government agencies, and local energy services providers in our target areas.

The position will be supported by other staff, including the Energy Policy Director, AmeriCorps Associates and interns, as available. The intended location for the position is our Knoxville, Tennessee office, but the position will require a 3-6 month orientation and training period at the onset, located on our Boone, North Carolina office.

Responsibilities  

• Local campaign strategy and planning
• Grassroots organizing, including: canvassing, petitioning, tabling events, presentations, etc
• Expanding, training and managing our network of members, volunteers and activists
• Outreach to and networking with other community stakeholders, as appropriate
• Engaging and nurturing our partnerships with other state and regional organizations
• Producing monthly email blasts, newsletters, action alerts, blogs, Facebook posts and events and other online communications tools to mobilize our membership
• Maintaining detailed databases of petition signatures, email sign-ups, volunteers, community leaders, local energy service companies, key community partners, etc
• Leading development/fundraising efforts in Tennessee 

Qualifications 

• Experience with/working knowledge of Salsa, the Voter Activation Network and/or other online organizing tools
• Aptitude for communication with volunteers, members, activists, media and the public
• Excellent time management, work ethic and organization
• Strong grassroots organizing skills and experience
• Ability to communicate complex, technical and policy issues to the general public
• Strong writing and oral communication skills, experience writing grants a plus
• Strong management skills (volunteers, AmeriCorps staff)
• Strong collaborative spirit, sound judgment and leadership potential
• Passion for the Central and Southern Appalachian region
• Willingness to travel 

Note: The successful candidate will be committed to the mission of Appalachian Voices and motivated to join a team of hard-working, fun-loving, caring, smart and creative colleagues.   

Compensation: Competitive non-profit salary commensurate with experience, skills and educational background. Benefits include 3 paid weeks vacation, health insurance stipend and retirement savings plan.

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter, résumé and three references by email to Rory McIlmoil. 
• We will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

~ Appalachian Voices is an Equal Opportunity Employer and minorities are encouraged to apply. ~