CONFLUENCE AMERICORPS PROGRAM

The Confluence AmeriCorps Program advances environmental equity through innovative partnerships with local organizations in the Portland metropolitan area. We offer life changing service opportunities that engage Members at the intersection of environmentalism and social justice while promoting individual leadership and development. This position is a dynamic combination of serving with a Project Partner on a dedicated project (80%) and engaging in professional and leadership development opportunities, alongside a 22 Member cohort (20%). www.confluencecenter.org

 

EQUITY & INCLUSION

Confluence does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, expression, pregnancy, parents/guardians with children, or veteran status. Confluence is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our Members and staff with ongoing equity trainings and career development opportunities. Confluence, like many environmental programs, is a predominantly white space, and in an effort to decolonize dominant structures of oppression, we encourage people of color to apply.

 

Confluence provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation and/or alternative formats at any point in the employment process.

 

DATES OF SERVICE

September 9, 2020 – July 30, 2021 (11 months – 1700 hours)

 

POSITION TITLE

Community Engagement Specialist

 

PROJECT PARTNER

Solar Oregon www.solaroregon.org

 

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is a partnership between Confluence Environmental Center, the AmeriCorps Program and Solar Oregon. Solar Oregon is a 501C3 non-profit that specializes in education and outreach around clean energy and energy efficiency across the state. We work directly with consumers delivering events, educational workshops, tours of homes and solar installations, and generally creating momentum around clean energy, and climate change. We are a small, dynamic organization with many opportunities for taking charge of projects and collaborating one-on-one with staff and board.

This position will assist in our statewide educational and outreach work. Our Member will deliver Basics of Solar presentations, energy efficiency workshops, and webinars, and assist with tabling at various community events throughout the region. Our member will also assist in the organization of events and look to increase our educational partnerships with disadvantaged communities who haven’t traditionally shared in the benefits of clean energy. Due to COVID-19, all events may be virtual (30%). This AmeriCorps position will partner with the SAGE program (Senior Advocates for Generational Equity) to provide pathways for education around clean energy with Portland-area school districts (20%). The Community Engagement Specialist will also help recruit volunteers and create programs for community members to share their “clean energy story” and participate in peer-to-peer education and learning (30%). Finally, our Member will also participate in Confluence led professional development activities which include: Professional Development Series, completing a Change Agent Project, team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to):

  • Increase awareness in underserved communities about the benefits, opportunities and rebates for solar and clean energy.
  • Deliver educational workshops about solar and clean energy, both in-person and as online
  • Partner with staff and school districts to increase the awareness and enthusiasm for solar and clean energy in schools.
  • Schedule and conduct tabling events, and interactive activities related to solar energy and energy
  • Expand the number of “solar ambassadors” connected with our organization and increase volunteer opportunities available.
  • Support Solar Oregon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, including strengthening partnerships with key organizations and helping to implement DEI training for staff and
  • Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; abide by program policies; attend and complete all training and service

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Strong presentation skills, comfortable with speaking to large groups
  • Strong written communication skills
  • An interest in engaging with others
  • Interest in solar energy and energy efficiency
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record (in accordance with organizational policy)
  • Willingness/openness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice
  • Ability to serve as part of a diverse team
  • Regular and reliable attendance and dependability
  • AmeriCorps Members must be: 18 years of age or older; U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident; able to commit to the full term of service; able to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Previous teaching experience
  • Bi-lingual
  • Solar technical expertise
  • Previous event management experience
  • Familiarity with low-income communities and/or communities of
  • Experience recruiting and managing volunteers

 

 

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE

  • $14,279 living allowance paid over the 11-month term of service (approx. $1,298 monthly, before taxes).
  • $6,195 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses)
  • Loan Forbearance
  • Health Care Insurance
  • Child Care Reimbursement
  • $100 Training Fund
  • Professional Leadership Certificate, Trainings and Networking
  • May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

 

PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

  • Solar Oregon’s office- Ecotrust building 721 9th Ave #280, Portland, OR 97209
  • If off-site transportation is required, Solar Oregon will pay for a rented vehicle contingent on a driver’s license and clean driving
  • Office located centrally and on a streetcar line. Bus and Max lines located near as
  • Secure bike storage

HOW TO APPLY

STEP 1: Apply to Confluence:

 

STEP 2:      Apply to Project Supervisor: (Conducts first round interviews and recommends top candidates to Confluence)

Email the following items to Zach Snyder at zachs@solaroregon.org , (719) 244-0450:

  • Résumé
  • Cover letter (1 page)
  • Contact information for three references (name, title, relationship, email & phone)

QUESTIONS ABOUT CONFLUENCE OR AMERICORPS?

Ashlie Tainer | Operations Coordinator | 503-349-0935 | atainer@confluencecenter.org