Grant 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 Grant Associate is a key member of the fundraising team, providing essential support across grant development, research, funder relations, and development operations. This role contributes to writing and editing grant proposals and reporting materials, researching funding opportunities, managing grant-related data and systems, and helping communicate our impact. The Grant Associate also plays a central role in maintaining organized development records and supporting the team’s administrative processes.

This position reports to the Associate Development Director.

How to apply: If you think this job might be for you, please apply on our job board! Please include a resume and a cover letter with your application. We will also ask all applicants to submit a writing sample and to briefly answer two job-related scenario questions.

Job responsibilities include:

Fundraising and Grant Development Support (50%):

• Write and edit letters of intent, proposals, and reports for funders.
• Monitor new and relevant development opportunities, and programs in foundation, philanthropic, federal, state, and municipal funding for renewable energy fields that inform our work.
• Develop templates for proposals and reports to ensure efficiency and consistency in grant submissions.
• Work with the development team to research and identify prospective funders for multiple program areas and for unrestricted funding.
• Conduct topical research related to new programs under development, and summarize findings for inclusion in proposals or strategic planning.
• Collaborate across teams to support grant development and related organizational initiatives as needed.
• Explaining and referencing nuanced renewable energy topics in proposals and reports, such as Distributed Power Plants, solar siting, net metering, rural electric cooperatives, and more to illustrate SUN’s value and impact.
• Assist in preparing financial reports and invoices for grants.
• Support and manage funder relationships by tracking and maintaining consistent positive communications with funders; set up, prepare for, and attend meetings with funders, and support relationship management in other ways as directed by the Development team.

Development Administration Support (40%)

• Maintain accurate, well-organized files and records of all grants ensuring compliance with reporting and contractual requirements.
• Maintain systems and processes related to application tracking, charitable contribution intaking, and contact relationships.
• Monitor and audit development data health within Salesforce, EveryAction, Dropbox, and our other platforms as it pertains to grant revenue and other opportunities.
• Maintain up-to-date tracking of funding awards, deadlines, and contacts in Salesforce and Dropbox to support grant management and reporting.
• Respond to staff requests for development-related materials.

Organization-wide administration (10%)

• Actively contribute to a workplace culture aligned with SUN’s values of equity, inclusion, continuous learning, action-oriented, and people-centered.
• Show up fully for learning and planning and activities, including all-staff meetings, retreats, and strategy sessions.
• Coordinate and work with external consultants as needed.
• Facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and take notes.
• As a key member of the team, contribute to brainstorming, developing, and executing new ideas.
• Manage your own regular administration, including timely submission of timesheets, receipts, reimbursements, scheduling, travel planning, and HR paperwork.
• Other projects or tasks as assigned.

Work environment

This position requires the ability to:

• Remain in a stationary position and work at a computer for extended periods
• Travel occasionally by car and airplane to attend or support events, workshops and staff retreats
• Stand for extended periods while supporting events and/or community outreach activities.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in fundraising, grant development, or related roles, including experience drafting proposals, reports, or other funder-facing materials
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, with ability to translate technical or complex topics into clear, compelling language
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs, and able to learn new platforms quickly
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent follow-through
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Self-motivated, friendly, and collaborative
• Commitment to SUN’s mission and theory of change
• Ability to work remotely, with occasional travel, including traveling for fundraising meetings and events and two weeklong annual retreats in the United States or Puerto Rico

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish-fluency
• Experience with Salesforce, EveryAction, Instrumentl, Slack, Asana, CANTO, and Canva
• Interest and experience in renewable energy, grassroots advocacy, or nonprofit fields
• Experience with non-profit grant management

We anticipate accepting applications until the third week of December, with the first review of candidates next week. However, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible, as we may begin interviews on a rolling basis (first week of January).

Applicants may redact or remove any information in your submitted materials (such as resumes, transcripts, certifications, or CVs) that could reveal your age, including your date of birth, school attendance dates, or graduation dates, and they will not be penalized for doing so.

At SUN, our culture is rooted in our people. We believe that meaningful work happens when everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to bring their full selves to the table. Our organization is built on 5 core values of being people-centered, equitable, inclusive, action-oriented, and committed to continuous learning. These values guide not only what we do, but how we do it, through collaboration, curiosity, and care for each other and the communities we serve.

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. We are 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.

SUN is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. We will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application, interview, hiring process, and work environment as required by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at jobs@solarunitedneighbors.org so we can make the necessary arrangements. All requests will be handled confidentially.

• Hourly compensation of $24.76 - $29.72 based on experience
• Fun, remote work environment
• Flexible work hours
• Generous paid leave, vacation and wellness time
• Health (84% coverage for employees and dependents), vision, and dental insurance
• Paid holiday on all federal holidays - plus the day after Thanksgiving, the week between Christmas and New Year's Day off, and two additional days of your choice
• $1,000/year professional development stipend
• $50/month phone and internet stipend
• 401(k) retirement account with match after 1 year
• Meaningful, impactful work