Posted: 8/22/2014 – 1:24 pm
Location: Portland Metro
Closing Date: 9/12/2014
Industry: Education, Energy, Environment
Type: Full Time

Description:
BEF’s Solar 4R Schools program is inspiring a new generation of clean energy leaders with the insight and innovative thinking necessary to solve today’s most pressing energy challenges. To get there, we’re transforming solar technology into a complete system of hands-on, STEM-based education and teacher training. Our vision is to integrate engaging renewable energy education into every science classroom in the nation.

Scope of Position
The Program Manager, Energy Education position is a hands-on role responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Solar 4R Schools program, including designing and delivering renewable energy training to k-12 educators; leading the development of new educational resources such as classroom activities, website content and teacher training materials; working with the Program Director to develop strategies for gleaning teacher feedback and improving program offerings; serving as a key point of contact to educators, school districts and funding partners; serving as BEF’s renewable energy education expert.

Required Experience and Knowledge
• 3+ years delivering and managing professional trainings on renewable energy, energy-efficiency or other STEM subjects
• Undergraduate degree in education, environmental science, or related topic
• Experience working with k-12 teachers and an understanding of teaching energy, renewable energy, electricity topics or other STEM subjects
• Demonstrable success leading professional-level group workshops for diverse adult audiences

Required Skills
• Self motivated with an entrepreneurial spirit, able to lead projects and inspire others
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain positive collaborative relationships among staff, funders, key clients and stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey both verbally and in writing complex technical ideas to diverse audiences with varying degrees of background knowledge
• Ability to embrace new challenges in a rapidly growing and changing work environment
• Comfortable with using technology, updating web content and willingness to learn new technologies for program management and implementation
• Ability to manage and organize multiple projects with varying timelines, utilize information management systems and create and adhere to project completion timelines and budgets
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent multi-tasking and prioritization skills

Specific Responsibilities/Essential Functions
• Deliver in-person and remote teacher-training sessions, modifying both as needed to provide exceptional learning opportunities for Solar 4R Schools participants
• Perform day-to-day management of the Solar 4R Schools program, including:
o Track and maintain inventory of science classroom materials
o Manage shipping of Solar 4R Schools science classroom materials
o Process and track project invoices and contracts
o Process and track Solar 4R Schools applications and manage application database
• Develop Solar 4R Schools renewable energy education curricula, revising as necessary to maintain BEF’s best-in-class solar schools program
• Develop Solar 4R Schools renewable energy education science kits, revising as necessary to provide cutting edge, hands-on opportunities for teachers and students working with renewable energy
• Provide content review and work with subject matter experts as appropriate to perform technical review of subject matter on all Solar 4R Schools materials relating to renewable energy technology and electrical engineering topics
• Maintain and develop the Solar 4R Schools STEM teacher network, including maintaining and moderating the web-based educator community and learning center
• Conduct or facilitate STEM renewable energy engineering challenges with schools and funding partners
• Monitor national and regional trends in STEM education and incorporate these trends appropriately into the Solar 4R Schools curricula—specifically renewable energy education, NGSS and Common Core State Standards and best practices in teacher professional development
• Provide timely and responsive support to teachers during the development of STEM renewable energy classroom activities and renewable energy education programming nationwide
• Assist with program evaluation and obtain teacher feedback in order to develop informed strategies to deepen the quality and usefulness of the program to educators
• Support the development of grants to grow and expand the Solar 4R Schools program
• Represent BEF and the Solar 4R Schools program to external audiences
• Utilize cross-functional services, such as marketing, contracts and administration in an effective manner
• Able to lift 35 pounds repeatedly and up/down stairs, load and unload vehicles, receive and send shipments, drive multiple hours or travel by plane to training sites and use tools to manipulate/work with wires and small component parts in science kits
• Able to travel 20-25%time; valid driver’s license required
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the Program Director, Solar 4R Schools

Application Guidelines/Contact:
Send cover letter, resume AND salary requirements to jobs@b-e-f.org
Deadline: September 12, 2014
Subject line must include the position title