Solar for All Tribal Liaison, Renewables

Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is an entrepreneurial nonprofit working on environmental solutions at the intersection of renewable energy and freshwater. Partnerships are key to our success. We build long-term relationships with our education, corporate, utility and philanthropic partners by first understanding their goals and needs and providing solutions that achieve those goals while achieving real, measurable environmental benefits.

About Solar For All (SFA)

Solar for All is an initiative to make solar energy accessible and affordable for low-income and disadvantaged communities. It leverages existing incentives and support platforms, providing financial assistance for solar installations on single-family and multi-family homes, and supporting community solar projects. The program also focuses on workforce development, creating jobs in the renewable energy sector. Its goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance environmental justice, and promote energy equity.

Who are we looking for?

The Tribal Liaison will be responsible for leading and coordinating BEF’s Solar for All (SFA) efforts to engage and work with Tribal communities across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming. This role requires a deep understanding of Tribal cultures, governance structures, and the unique challenges faced by Tribal communities in relation to renewable energy projects. The Tribal Liaison will ensure that the Solar for All initiatives are inclusive, respectful, and beneficial to Tribal communities, aligning with the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund goals and BEF’s stated SFA goals.  All activities will be closely coordinated with the SFA staff in each of the states BEF serves, along with the SFA Program Director and Compliance Manager.

Why Join Us? Our Values Are: 

Partnership: We believe we can accomplish more by bringing people together. 

Adaptability: We evolve, adapt, and apply what we learn to constantly improve our results.

Knowledge: We seek out and value diverse perspectives, embrace new ideas, and pioneer new approaches

Innovation: We recognize the scope and pace of the change we need demands that we innovate. This need for innovation inspires and energizes us. 

Integrity: We are honest with our employees, customers, and our partners.  We promise to always deliver the best possible outcomes for the environment and people we serve.

Primary Duties:

Community Engagement:

• Cultivate and strengthen strong relationships with Tribal leaders, communities, and organizations to design and implement a successful program that is culturally sensitive and effectively meets community needs. 
• Act as the primary point of contact between BEF’s Solar for All team and Tribal communities in Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming.
• Contribute Tribal specific strategies and content that supports inclusivity and accessibility within the BEF SFA communication plan and educational/awareness campaigns.
• Working closely with the Sr Program Manager and Engagement Coordinators in each state, facilitate community meetings, workshops, and other outreach activities to inform and involve Tribal members in the Solar for All programs. Support Tribal participation in other SFA coordinate events.

• Collaborate with BEF SFA staff and Tribal representatives to identify and prioritize solar energy projects that benefit Tribal communities.  Assist with customer acquisition and management processes.
• Represent the specific needs and preferences of the Tribal communities in support of development and implementation of solar projects.  Partner with SFA Program Staff to actively solicit and integrate feedback from to refine program strategies and activities.
• Travel to various locations required approximately 50%, primarily to support relationship development, community outreach, and related meetings/working sessions.

Governance, Compliance, and Reporting:

• • Support the development of and ongoing engagement with Tribal-specific governance structure within each state’s program, ensuring that Tribal representatives have a voice in decision-making processes.
  • Work closely with the BEF SFA Compliance Manager and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal, state, and Tribal regulations and policies related to renewable energy projects.
  • Monitor and report on the progress of Tribal solar projects, ensuring that they meet the program's objectives and deliver meaningful benefits to the communities.
  • Keep detailed records of all engagement activities and stakeholder communications. Document event attendance, outcomes, and participant feedback.
  • Develop, manage, and maintain a database of all stakeholders, partners, and interested parties in alignment with a multi-state BEF database.

• Compile and prepare regular reports on community engagement efforts and outcomes. Assist in the preparation of grant reports and funding proposals.

• Support collection and analysis of data on project progress and outcomes, including environmental, economic, and social impacts.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building:

• Act as the primary BEF representative in collaboration sessions with other SFA awardees serving Tribal communities.  Lead internal (BEF) planning discussions to maximize SFA impact and avoid duplicative work efforts.  
• Identify technical assistance and capacity building needs related to Tribal planning, developing, and implementing solar energy projects.  Research and connect Tribes to existing services to support these needs or develop a proposal for a custom approach to meet the need.
• Develop and deliver training programs to build local capacity for renewable energy project management and maintenance within Tribal communities.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with Tribal communities providing tribal relations, government affairs and diplomatic relations, policy analysis and/or political communications services; OR
• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of Tribal governance, culture, and traditions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state regulations, and local related to renewable energy and Tribal affairs.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time and work flexible hours to meet the needs of Tribal communities.

What’s in it for you: 

• Salary Range: $69,387-$84,082 per year DOE.
• 100% Employer paid Medical, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Life insurance for employees; 75% subsidized for family/dependents.
• Retirement plan with 5% employer matching contribution.
• Generous PTO and Vacation Policy including alternative care and  self-care leave.
• Four Week paid sabbatical after first 6 years, then every 5 years thereafter
• Opportunity to grow through training and development including a generous paid professional development budget. 
• Hybrid work schedule.

Location: Hybrid position; residency in Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho required.

Open until filled. BEF will review applications as they are received and will interview qualified candidates as they are identified. Our goal is to have this team member start work on 10/31/24. For consideration, apply on https://beforg.bamboohr.com/careers or the company website at http://www.b-e-f.org/careers. 

Bonneville Environmental Foundation is an EEO employer