Northern Ohio Program Associate

Our energy system is on the brink of a major transformation, and we’re looking for someone to help us ensure this new system puts rooftop solar energy at the cornerstone!

About Us

Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit that started more than 15 years ago with a simple question: "Mom, can we go solar?" Since then, we've helped tens of thousands of people benefit from solar energy. We are dedicated to creating a clean, equitable, resilient energy system that benefits everyone — by helping people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.

About the Position

The Northern Ohio Program Associate works closely with the Ohio Program Director to carry out SUN’s goals for its Ohio program, with focus on the Northern Ohio region. Northern Ohio is defined as all territory north of Columbus MSA, including but not limited to Youngstown, Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Lorain, Sandusky, Toledo, Mansfield, Ashland, and Lima areas.

This position reports to the Ohio Program Director.

Job responsibilities Include:

• Plan and implement solar co-ops/Solar Switch campaigns, including cultivating partner relationships, engaging with the media, working with iChoosr, conducting public info sessions, communicating with and supporting members, facilitating the installer selection process, and managing installer relationships with members and SUN.
• Conduct policy, regulatory, and market research to support the state program’s goals.
• Help manage local/regional funder relationships. Work with the Program Director and Development team to draft grant applications and identify new local funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with Solar For All (SFA) lead applicants, cities, and coalition partners to design the program and participant pipeline, ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients while meeting program objectives and benchmarks.
• Coordinate with SUN Development staff, leaders, and partners to gather and synthesize necessary information for grant reporting.
• Engage with legislators, local governments, and partner organizations to advance the state program’s policy and programmatic goals.
• Provide technical assistance to individuals and entities interested in going solar.
• Collaborate with SUN’s Community Impact team to design and work with the Program Director to implement a volunteer action team for SUN Ohio.
• Collaborate with SUN’s IT and Communications team, maintaining online web infrastructure for the Ohio section of SUN’s website, including authoring timely content to provide in-depth information on relevant solar topics while encouraging public engagement in SUN’s network.
• Create resources to help our Ohio members become more effective and informed advocates for solar.
• Represent the Ohio Program on policy coalitions and at in-person and digital events.
• Plan and execute public-facing events that support the state’s policy and programmatic goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Resident of Ohio
• Minimum 2 years of experience with community organizing, solar/renewables space, or project management / coordination
• Ability to work remotely, with frequent in-state travel (1-2 trips/month)
• Ability to plan and execute presentations and casual events
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Great interpersonal skills
• Well-developed relationship building/managing skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Resident of Northeast Ohio
• Spanish fluency
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented and eager to take initiative
• Knowledge and experience in energy, renewables and/or solar

SUN welcomes candidates of diverse backgrounds and experience to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with a non-traditional education. We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

SUN is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.