Outreach Specialist

Location: Hybrid in Washington, D.C., or Remote (U.S.)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: 2-5 Years

About the Hydropower Foundation

The Hydropower Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the visibility of hydropower careers. We champion water power by preparing a robust and thriving industry workforce and establishing the U.S. hydropower industry as a leading career destination. Through education, outreach, and workforce development initiatives, we work to connect students (colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools) and veterans programs with industry professionals.

Hydropower is America’s first renewable, providing affordable, around-the-clock reliable, emission-free energy to roughly 30 million homes, and 40 percent of U.S. renewable electricity.

Position Summary

The Hydropower Foundation is seeking a motivated and organized Outreach Specialist to lead engagement efforts with colleges and universities — including community colleges and trade schools — as well as industry professionals and veterans groups. This role is central to our mission, helping to connect students, veterans, and early-career professionals with career opportunities and industry professionals in the hydropower sector.

The ideal candidate is passionate about renewable energy and/or workforce development, skilled at building relationships across audiences, and comfortable engaging in both in-person and remote environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute outreach strategies targeting two- and four-year colleges, universities, community colleges, and trade and vocational schools to promote hydropower career pathways.
• Build and maintain relationships with student groups, faculty, career centers, industry professionals, and veterans’ groups.
• Plan, coordinate, and represent the Foundation at career expos, campus events, industry conferences, and outreach events.
• Develop presentations and deliver public-facing communications to students and professional audiences.
• Help manage and grow the Foundation’s social media presence across platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop outreach materials, digital content, and educational resources.
• Track outreach activities and key performance indicators, maintain databases, and provide regular progress reports to leadership.
• Research and identify new partnership opportunities with student groups, faculty, workforce development organizations, and veteran service programs.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in communications, public relations, environmental studies, energy policy, education, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2-5 years of experience in outreach, communications, workforce development, education, or related field.
• Knowledge of outreach and engagement strategies for reaching college and university audiences, including community colleges and trade schools.
• Experience with social media and developing content strategies to engage students and young professional audiences.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with comfort engaging diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to also work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of or genuine passion for the energy industry, renewable energy, and/or energy workforce development.
• Experience working with or outreach to veterans’ groups or veteran service organizations.
• Experience in event planning, from coordination through execution.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on America’s renewable energy workforce.
• A collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave.
• Salary range: $60,000-$68,000

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter to info@hydrofoundation.org. Please include “Outreach Specialist Application” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave.