Program Associate Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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 the Position
The Ohio Program Associate works closely with the Ohio Program Director to carry out SUN’s goals for its Ohio program by managing campaigns in solar adoption, building partnerships, supporting policy and advocacy efforts, and engaging communities.
This position reports to the Ohio Program Director.
Please include a resume with your application. A cover letter is optional; however, it can be a helpful way for you to communicate your fitness for the position if you think that may not be obvious from your resume. We will also ask all applicants to briefly answer in writing a question about your community engagement and de-escalation skills.
Benefits
Medical insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, 401K with company match, Flexible work schedule, Paid holidays, Paid sick leave, Paid time off, Phone/Internet Stipend
Culture
History of SUN
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.
SUN's values and culture
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.
We are proud to foster a workplace where diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences are celebrated. We prioritize employee well-being with flexible work environments, growth and development opportunities, and a strong sense of shared purpose. At SUN, we are more than a workplace, we’re a community that values people, embraces progress, and believes in doing the right thing. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're looking to be part of a mission-driven organization that truly invests in its team, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.
Responsibilities
Job responsibilities Include:
Program coordination and support (90%):

• Plan and implement solar co-ops/Solar Switch campaigns, including cultivating partner relationships, engaging with the media, working with iChoosr, conducting public info sessions, communicating with and supporting members, facilitating the installer selection process, and managing installer relationships with members and SUN.
• Conduct policy, regulatory, and market research to support the state program’s goals.
• Help manage local/regional funder relationships. Work with the Program Director and Development team to draft grant applications and identify new local funding opportunities.
• Coordinate with SUN Development staff, leaders, and partners to gather and synthesize necessary information for grant reporting.
• Engage with legislators, local governments, and partner organizations to advance the state program’s policy and programmatic goals.
• Provide technical assistance to individuals and entities interested in going solar.
• Collaborate with SUN’s Community Impact team to design and work with the Program Director to implement a volunteer action team for SUN Ohio.
• Collaborate with SUN’s IT and Communications team, maintaining online web infrastructure for the Ohio section of SUN’s website, including authoring timely content to provide in-depth information on relevant solar topics while encouraging public engagement in SUN’s network.
• Create resources to help our Ohio members become more effective and informed advocates for solar.
• Represent the Ohio Program on policy coalitions and at in-person and digital events.
• Plan and execute public-facing events that support the state’s policy and programmatic goals.

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, traveling planning, and HR paperwork.
• Other projects or tasks as assigned.

Work environment
This position requires the ability to:

• Occasionally lift and move equipment or packages up to 50 pounds
• Remain in a stationary position and work at a computer for extended periods
• Travel frequently by car, and occasionally by airplane, to attend or support events, workshops and staff retreats
• Stand for extended periods while supporting events and/or community outreach activities

Core Competencies
At SUN, thriving means more than great work, it is about how we show up for one another, embrace challenges, and live our shared values. These Core Competencies guide our success together:

• Proactive and Accountable: takes initiative, follows through on commitments, and owns outcomes.
• People-Centered Communicator: communicates clearly and respectfully in both written and verbal forms. Seeks understanding through questions, engages in open dialogue, and is receptive to giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Adaptable and Growth-Minded: embraces learning with curiosity and approaches change with flexibility. Comfortable navigating new tools, systems, and evolving ways of working.
• Collaborative and Inclusive: builds strong relationships across teams, values diverse perspectives, and creates space for all voices to contribute.

Required Qualifications

• Resident of Ohio
• Minimum 2 years of experience with community organizing, solar/renewables space, or project management / coordination
• Ability to work remotely, frequent in-state travel (1-2 trips/month) with overnight stays within Ohio and weeklong biannual retreats in the United States or Puerto Rico
• Ability to plan and execute presentations and casual events
• Ability to collaborate and engage with diverse groups of people
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Well-developed relationship building/managing skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish fluency
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented and eager to take initiative
• Knowledge and experience in energy, renewables and/or solar

Benefits

• Hourly compensation of $27.00
• Fun, remote work environment
• Flexible work hours
• Generous paid leave, vacation and wellness time
• Medical, 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

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

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.
Requirements
Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
Resident of Ohio
Experience with community organizing, solar/renewables space, or project management / coordination
Ability to work remotely, frequent in-state travel (1-2 trips/month) with overnight stays within Ohio and weeklong biannual retreats in the United States or Puerto Rico
Ability to plan and execute presentations and casual events
Verbal and written communication skills
Ability to collaborate and engage with diverse groups of people
Ability to manage multiple complex projects
Well-developed relationship building/managing skills
Knowledge in: Computer skills
Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. 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 an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at jobs@solarunitedneighbors.org so we can make the necessary arrangements. Only accommodation requests will be answered, and they will be handled confidentially.
Requisition #cmq5phbzckc6a0ilhssjnj6yq