Job Description

Rural Sustainability Specialist

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Position Description

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

The Rural Sustainability Specialist will spend a majority of their time in these activities:

• 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

Qualifications

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 accomplish tasks 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. 

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