Senior Associate (SA)

A. What We Need – Position Description 

SEEA seeks a Senior Associate to change the status quo of SE energy efficiency by planning and implementing clean energy programs and projects. The SA will cultivate expertise and resources, engage with stakeholders to understand their distinct needs and perspectives, and support processes and special projects to leverage available resources for SEEA initiatives. Reporting to the director of technology and market solutions, the SA will support initiatives including, but not limited to, building energy codes/energy efficiency programs/energy efficient transportation efforts while contributing to SEEA’s cross-functional work. The SAwill build partnerships with state and local governments, nonprofits, academia, businesses, and utilities to support SEEA’s work across 12 states and 5 U.S. territories.

B. How You Will Create Change – Core Responsibilities

Cultivate Expertise and Resources

SEEA produces resources that create connections between data and lived experience to inform policy and program strategies adopted by SE stakeholders and decision-makers.The SA will support this work by:

• Ideating, collaborating, creating and delivering research summaries and other work products on energy efficiency, energy efficient transportation and decarbonization strategies.
• Creating and delivering targeted resources such as fact sheets, blog posts, webinars and in-person presentations, white papers, and other materials responsive to stakeholder needs and aligned with SEEA mission and vision.
• Cultivating expertise in stakeholder mapping, meeting planning and facilitation, and problem-solving.
• Convening subject matter experts and clean energy stakeholders to create roadmaps and other program design tools and solutions.
• Tracking industry policy and regulatory developments and identifying opportunities to expand partnerships and impacts.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

To create an inclusive clean energy future, we must work together to identify and support diverse needs. The SA will support SEEA’s stakeholder engagement and collaboration by:

• Serving as the point of contact/facilitator for teams and committees.
• Cultivating and maintaining trusting relationships across the region, including those in government, utilities, academia, business, nonprofits, and foundations. Facilitating information sharing and connection to share best practices, program design and funding opportunities in the region and upgrading SEEA internal processes to optimize impact.
• Collaborating with SEEA's teams to translate project outcomes into various formats, including reports, presentations, websites, and videos.

• Supporting SEEA’s virtual and in-person events, including meeting planning, logistics, etc. and representing SEEA at industry events.

Project and Program Management

With the supervision and support of a director or manager, the senior associate will:

• Build high trust relationships with project partners and relevant stakeholders (e.g., local communities, funding organizations, interested parties, state agencies, etc.) by serving as the point of contact and liaison to effectively communicate needs and resources.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project plans, documentation, and other deliverables as needed to support completing grant and project objectives.
• Prepare and submit funding reports, financial reports, reimbursement requests, and invoices as grant and project agreements require. 
• Lead and partner with SEEA staff with various initiatives, including special projects, research, grant proposal, and logistics planning.

C. Qualifications  

We are seeking candidates looking to grow in the SE clean energy sector with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree. 
• Minimum of two years’ experience in energy efficiency, utility, or sustainability industries; demonstrated advancement in complex responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, take initiative, lead by example.
• You deeply value equity and are committed to learning how to effectively advance conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• You enjoy interacting with others, listening to their needs, and responding accordingly.
• You have demonstrated the ability to manage work for multiple projects concurrently, adapt to shifting priorities, meet project objectives and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• You are responsible, self-motivated, and organized with high attention to detail.
• You are at ease within a fast-paced, dynamic, and highly collaborative working environment. 

• You have a personal commitment to learning and growing, upgrading knowledge and skills, and the ability to accept, learn from, and offer feedback to cross functional team members.

If you are excited about the senior position, but do not feel you meet every single criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway! Research shows that individuals from historically marginalized groups tend to self-select out of opportunities at higher rates. We take a comprehensive approach to all our hiring practices and want to hire those best aligned with our mission and goals.

D. Classification & Compensation

• This is a full-time, exempt salaried position. This position is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and may require occasional travel. SEEA’s current hybrid work schedule requires a minimum of two in-office workdays per week.
• We offer a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience. The salary for this position starts at $59,200.
• Successful applicants must demonstrate their legal status to work in the United States. 
• As a federal contractor, SEEA requires all employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series or have an approved exception to the requirement due to a medical condition or held religious belief. Therefore, successful candidates for this position must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exception before their first day of employment. Failure to provide proof of full documentation or receipt of an approved exception will lead to the withdrawal of the job offer.
• SEEA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an environment that supports and advances diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility. Accordingly, we consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

E. How to Apply

Qualified candidates may apply by submitting an application, including a resume and cover letter, through SEEA’s BambooHR portal: Senior Associate. Please, no emails or calls.SEEA’s hiring process, on average, takes two months to complete, including virtual and in-person interviews. Candidates considered for interviews will be asked to provide three professional or academic references. Candidates may also be asked to provide writing samples and be invited to share their skills and creativity throughout the interview process.

Who We Are

The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 2007, the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), promotes efficient energy as a catalyst for economic growth, workforce development, and energy security across 12 states and five U.S. territories. We provide research, consultation and education, stakeholder facilitation, program management, and financial services to a diverse set of stakeholders in the energy sector. We believe that all people in the Southeast should be able to live and work in healthy and resilient buildings, utilize clean and affordable transportation, and thrive in a robust and equitable economy.

SEEA’s Culture & Benefits

SEEA offers a highly collaborative and supportive work environment to allow employees to be authentic, learn, grow, and demonstrate their leadership abilities. We are committed to fostering an environment of transparency and trust that enables us to learn from one another and incorporate diversity, inclusion, and equity in our work.

Because we work with a broad set of stakeholders to address complex and evolving issues, all employees receive training on collaborative leadership, including the dimensions of trust, facilitating powerful and productive meetings, collaborative problem-solving and stakeholder identification and engagement.

Additionally, full-time employees receive the following benefits:

• Fifteen (15) days of paid time off, four (4) floating holidays, and seven (7) paid holidays annually.
• End of year office closure (paid leave December 24 through January 1).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plans with organizational match and immediate vesting (up to 4%).
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• Monthly mobile phone stipend and transit stipend ($35 each per month).
• Flexible work schedule and hybrid office setting with at least two in-office days weekly.
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities and funding.