Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Program Advisor (Community Engagement)

The Southern California Equitable Building Decarbonization (SoCal EBD) program is a groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind direct install initiative developed and led by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the County of Los Angeles (LAC). Designed to advance equitable climate action, SoCal EBD focuses on reducing building carbon emissions while increasing access to clean energy solutions for underserved communities. With its community-centered approach and innovative delivery model, the program sets a new standard for public-purpose energy initiatives in the region.

The Program Advisor (PA) is a trusted, empathetic, and culturally sensitive local advocate who builds strong community ties, communicates responsively, and forges genuine connections to support and empower participants throughout the program.

The success of a decarbonization program hinges on effective coordination, clear communication, and alignment among diverse program participants in a public-purpose program that requires more support. To streamline these processes, a PA is appointed to act as the primary liaison for all program-related matters with the program participants. This role and responsibilities support implementation of the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program through The Niles Foundation.

Role Overview

The PA is responsible for serving as the central point of contact between the decarbonization program team and EBD program Participants. This role focuses on clearly sharing information with participants, coordinating actions between the Construction Program Manager (CPM) and Participants, and providing ongoing support to participants at every stage of the EBD projects to ensure understanding and effective community education. In addition, this role is to establish trust within the community and its members.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the central liaison for all communications related to the CEC EBD program, acting as participants' point of contact.
• Coordinate with CEC EBD cross-functional teams to support seamless information flow and collaboration (where applicable).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of program objectives, scope, timelines, and targets.
• Continuously log communication notes, project milestones, and flags into various program tracking platforms.
• Engage directly with community program partners to respond to any requests.
• Execute all required enrollment procedures to reach the formalization of signed Participation Agreements.
• Support stakeholder engagement by providing regular updates, facilitating discussions, and ensuring all parties are informed and aligned.
• Assist in the preparation, review, and delivery of program documentation, including progress reports, presentations, and regulatory submissions, as needed.
• Provide insight into communities and their members through QA/QC processes.
• Engage directly with program participants, demonstrating an understanding of community dynamics and social climate.

What You Will Be Doing

• Complete participation enrollment
• Project planning and initiation
• Project tracking and closeout
• Coordination and communication
• Single Point of Contact for Project Lifecycle

Expected Outcomes

• Improved efficiency in program coordination and communication.
• Enhanced stakeholder engagement and accountability.
• Timely resolution of issues on projects.
• Consistent communication on the program, how it works, the benefits, and the next steps.
• Greater transparency and alignment with community needs.

What We Need You to Have (Minimum Qualifications)

• 2+ years of Community Engagement experience.
• 2+ years of experience in the fields of customer service, call centers, case management, community organization, environmental studies or science, urban planning, community development, public administration or policy, communications, social work, energy management, sustainability, utilities, energy efficiency, and/or a related field.
• Must have a valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Additional Qualification Considerations (Beneficial but Not Mandatory)

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies or science, urban planning, community development, public administration or policy, communications, social work, energy management, sustainability, utilities, energy efficiency preferred.
• Experience with tools such as Sightline, CRM platforms, and project management software to facilitate efficient coordination and reporting.
• Demonstrated background in project management, including planning, implementation, and closeout of multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Familiarity with management software to support workflow and cross-functional collaboration.
• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.

Fringe benefits and training.

Education Level:

• High School Diploma/GED Required
• Bachelor's Degree Preferred

2+ years of Community Engagement experience and 2+ years of experience in customer service, call centers, case management, community organization, environmental studies/science, urban planning, community development, public administration or policy, communications, social work, energy management, sustainability, utilities, energy efficiency, and/or a related field.