The Solar Foundation (TSF) is seeking an experienced Program Director to lead the successor program to the U.S. Department of Energy funded Solar Ready Vets program. The Program Director will lead a small crossfunctional team to develop and implement a nationwide solar workforce training and hiring program for transitioning military service members and current veterans. In consultation with the Senior Director, the Program Director will assume responsibility for all aspects of the program, including planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling program activities, outcomes, and budget and will ensure achievement of ambitious program goals. The Program Director will occasionally perform other duties as assigned to meet the needs of a small and dynamic national nonprofit organization.
Key Responsibilities
• Planning & Execution
o Provide programmatic strategic direction
o Implement program according to scope, schedule, and budget
o Ensure high-quality deliverables and achievement of ambitious program outcomes
o Effectively manage program subrecipients, subcontractors, and staff
o Recruit and select capable, well-qualified staff and contractors as needed
o Ensure that staff and contractors are adequately oriented and prepared for their work
o Provide regular feedback to staff, recognizing accomplishments and areas for improvement
o Lead efforts to promote the program by effectively communicating program benefits to stakeholders
o Lead efforts to conduct research, surveys, and analysis in accordance with program scope
o Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate actions to mitigate the risks
o Represent TSF and program at external meetings and conferences
• Monitoring & Evaluation
o Gather feedback from program stakeholders and refine program accordingly
o Monitor scope, budget, and schedule, reporting results and recommend changes as needed
o Ensure that program activities comply with applicable laws and regulations
o Ensure proper reporting for program grant/contract
Qualifications
Candidates for this position will possess:
• A relevant undergraduate degree and at least five years of relevant work experience; or
• A graduate or other advanced degree in workforce development, education, public policy, public affairs, or other relevant field; and
• At least three (3) years of experience in program/project and staff management, focused on one or more of the following areas (in order of importance):
o Working with transitioning service members and/or veterans, especially in relation to job training and employment;
o Creating or managing job training, apprenticeship, or workforce development programs, especially in concert with government entities and/or community colleges; and/or,
o Work in solar energy, another renewable energy sector, or related field
• Superb written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Experience in effectively engaging and responding to the press and media
• Experience in managing data collection and analysis efforts
• Very strong project management, logistic, and organizational skills
• Strong negotiating skills, able to collaborate with stakeholders representing conflicting interests
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and follow through on implementation
• Ability to assess problems, identify root causes, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve
• An ability to build and maintain key relationships
• A demonstrated passion for TSF’s mission
***The most competitive candidates will possess the qualifications above and be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.***
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $95,000 per year, commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The Solar Foundation provides its staff with a competitive benefits package including enrollment in a 401(k) retirement plan with a capped employer match, health insurance, paid time off, transportation stipend, professional development funds, etc. This is a full-time position, and in accordance with the provisions of federal wage and hour laws, this position is classified as exempt, meaning this position will not be eligible for overtime pay. Employment at The Solar Foundation is at-will.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume, as well as a writing sample, to Ed Gilliland (egilliland@solarfound.org) with the subject line “Program Director Application”. Position is available starting December 17, 2018 and will remain open until filled.
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About The Solar Foundation
The Solar Foundation (thesolarfoundation.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar and solar-compatible technologies worldwide. We believe that increasing access to this clean, abundant, reliable, and affordable energy source will lift up people’s lives and bring about a prosperous future for all.
The Solar Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition to federal law requirements, The Solar Foundation complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.