Rural Sustainability Specialist

Rolling Oaks Hospitality, Inc.; Madison (WI); Remote; USD 64,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative organization is seeking a Rural Sustainability Specialist to enhance community engagement and promote sustainable energy technologies in rural and Tribal communities. This role involves collaboration with local partners, developing resources, and ensuring effective project management to drive clean energy initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in economic development and project management, with a passion for sustainability and community support. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a remote-first environment within Wisconsin. Join a dedicated team committed to building an inclusive and equitable economy for all.

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

BYOD Reimbursement

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 4+ years of experience required.
• Strong communication and project management skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage community relationships and promote sustainable energy solutions.
• Develop technical assistance tools and oversee project planning.

Skills

Communication Skills

Project Management

Technical Assistance

Attention to Detail

Self-Motivation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Job description

• Location: 2352 S. Park Street, Suite 303, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
• Base Pay: $64,400.00 - $80,500.00 / Year
• Job Category: Assigned Division
• Employee Type: Exempt

Contact Information

• Phone: [phone]

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Position Title: Rural Sustainability Specialist

Department: Business & Community Development

Reports to: Senior Director, Office of Rural Prosperity

Position(s) Supervised: N/A

FLSA Status: Exempt

*WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization, with a remote-work first environment. Remote work is intended to be performed in the State of Wisconsin.

Position Summary

The Rural Sustainability Specialist will be responsible for overseeing community engagement, outreach, and technical assistance in collaboration with the Resilience and Prosperity in Rural Northern Wisconsin program. The Rural Sustainability Specialist will play a key role in advancing our mission to improve access to sustainable energy technologies across rural and Tribal communities as WEDC works to build an Economy for All. This project-based, benefits-eligible role is not to exceed thirty-six (36) months.

Responsibilities

• Manage community relationships with Bayfield County, municipal partners, and with the Red Cliff Tribe.
• Collaborate with the program leadership team to identify opportunities for community engagement and resource navigation for participating communities.
• Develop technical assistance tools and provide project planning support that share learnings from the Resilience and Prosperity in Rural Northern Wisconsin program with rural and Tribal communities across the state.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to provide technical assistance on sustainable energy solutions across rural Wisconsin.
• Monitor and implement an annual work plan to measure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Engage with team members with a high level of trust, commitment, and accountability toward our common goals.
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and funding programs related to rural clean energy initiatives.
• Represent the organization at meetings, events, and conferences to promote rural and Tribal sustainability efforts and build strategic partnerships.
• Oversee and provide periodic assessment reports of technical assistance efforts with a final report at the end of the grant period.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, environmental science, engineering, sustainable technology, or a related field; or comparable education, experience, and/or training.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in economic development, clean energy, grant management, project management, or a combination thereof.
• Experience with providing technical assistance.
• Relevant work experience managing complex, multi-partner, and/or cross-sector programs.
• Previous economic or community development experience with rural and Tribal communities is preferred.

Skills and Talents:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and project management skills.
• Interest or experience in clean energy, climate change, environmental justice, social impact work, sustainability, economic development, equity, and a willingness to learn.
• Self-motivated with the ability to operate successfully and find solutions with little direction.
• Ability and sincere interest in assisting rural areas and Tribal Nations through relationship building via individual cold calls to attending public events.
• Proficiency with MS Office.

Other Requirements:

• State-wide travel will occur on an occasional basis, less than 30% of the time. Travel is anticipated to include day and overnight travel.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance that meets minimum state requirements are required.
• This position is eligible for reimbursement according to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program and requires the employee to provide a mobile device that allows for phone, text, and email access.
• Based on the responsibilities of this position, this position may need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WEDC DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING STATEMENT

WEDC must be a diverse and inclusive organization reflective of the businesses, communities, and people in Wisconsin and beyond. We believe that diversity drives innovation and commit to create an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace where our differences are celebrated as drivers of our organization’s performance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution and EEO/Affirmative Action Employer committed to excellence through diversity. Employment offers are made on the basis of qualifications, and without regard to race, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation.