P2 Professional

AmeriCorps Position Description Position Title: Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Project Sponsor: Solar Oregon (www.solaroregon.org) Project Location: Southeast Portland Organization’s Mission: To provide education and community outreach to encourage Oregonians to choose solar energy. Founded in 1979, Solar Oregon is a non-profit membership organization and is a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. Solar Oregon is currently partnering with the Portland Office of Sustainable Development, Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc., ENERGY STAR New Homes program, and Oregon Department of Energy to engage over 3000 Oregonians through outreach activities and compelling workshops designed to inform and educate Oregonians on how to ‘Go Solar’. Solar Oregon also coordinates the Oregon Green and Solar Tours as well as the Goal Net Zero Home Tour which display innovative technologies, inspiring lifestyles and creative design features contributing to a more sustainable way of living. Position Summary: Solar Oregon is growing quickly and presents an opportunity for the right individual with the skills, desire and flexibility to help grow this innovative and up-and-coming organization. Transferable skills, enthusiasm, and personal initiative are more important than direct solar industry experience. This is a very unique opportunity to put your transferable skills to work in building Solar Oregon, thereby allowing you to make a smooth transition into the field of renewable energy and sustainability. This 11 month position provides an avenue to make connections across the state in the field of renewable energy as well as a very real possibility for continued work with us as our organization’s growth allows. This is an AmeriCorps position with the newly created Professional Placement program (P2), offered through the Northwest Service Academy’s Lower Columbia Center. P2 has been designed to provide opportunities for highly qualified men and women to serve on compelling, environmentally focused projects. A win-win situation is achieved by placing highly qualified professionals in an environment that allows them to transition into this promising field while contributing to the developmental needs of a small non-profit or a transitional program with a larger organization. See www.p2professional.org/blog/ www.nwserviceacademy.org or www.solaroregon.org General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to): 1. Coordinate marketing efforts of all programs and events. * Work with Executive Director and Board of Directors in re-developing the Marketing Communications plan and targeting key strategies in reaching the public. * Act as primary marketing contact between Solar Oregon and our partners. * Research internet resources for event announcements and post all events on internet calendars and list serves. * Develop event announcements with Solar Oregon branding and graphics to market events via e-newsletter and flyer distribution. * Manage low-maintenance, technology-based systems to schedule, advertise and maintain reservation lists and payment records for workshops and events. 2. Research and develop collaborative relationships with news resources, peer organizations and professional groups. * Research media resources, manage database of news sources and develop press releases for special events. * Proactively develop relationships with organizations and professional groups that are helpful in connecting us with our target audience. 3. Coordinate membership benefits program. * Manage membership renewal and new member registration process. * Actively recruit new members using mail merge letters (email and in print). * Manage current membership benefits as well as creatively develop new benefits. 4. Develop Solar Ambassadors program. * Develop a mentoring program by connecting current Solar home owners with those interested in going solar. 5. Manage and develop graphic materials. * Design graphic promotional materials (in print and web based). * Manage brand identity; ‘look and feel’ of Solar Oregon materials. 6. Outreach and tabling. * Assist in staffing information booths at sustainability events and expos across the state promoting solar energy and providing consumer education. 7. Office. * Manage general office admin as it relates to marketing, membership development and outreach. * Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner. Position Requirements: 1. Technical Skills * Overall competence with MS Office applications: Power Point, Outlook/Thunderbird, Excel, and Word. * Basic proficiency with design software such as Microsoft Publisher, In Design, Photoshop. * Knowledge of internet communities and online marketing resources. 2. Personal Skills * Enthusiastic, engaging personality with the ability and desire to actively make connections with people. * Very proactive self starter who is a natural promoter. * Ability to juggle multiple priorities and hit the ‘sweet spot’ in the curve of diminishing returns. 3. Availability * Available to work some evenings and weekends. (Average: Two weekends and two week nights per month – flex time). * Regular access to a reliable vehicle. * U.S. Citizen, national or lawful permanent resident. Preferred Qualifications: * Graphic design, marketing and PR training and experience. * Experience with, or knowledge of, renewable energy and solar technologies. * Background in outreach, sales or recruitment for values based organizations. * Experience with html e-newsletter management (i.e. Constant Contact). * Public speaking experience. Member Benefits Include: * A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1,250). * Training fund of up to $500. * Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used. * Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable). * Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included). * Child care allowance for those who qualify. * Solar Oregon provides flexible hours and work days, and the opportunity to become part of a team of individuals equally committed to sustainability and renewable energy. Application Deadline: April 16, 2008 NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center Interviews: No set schedule. Open until filled. Type of position: Professional Placement Service Dates: April 2008 – March 2009 Length of Term: 1,700 hours How to apply: Step 1: Submit an interest letter and resume to Michael VanDerwater, Executive Director at Solar Oregon, 205 SE Grand, Portland, OR 97214 or Michael@solaroregon.org. No phone calls or visits please. Step 2: Complete your application and send it to Margi Guilfoyle at margi@p2professional.org: (All application materials can be found on the “How to Apply” page of our website) * Application – Complete the AmeriCorps Application. It may be submitted by mail, fax or email * Two Written References – Please ask your recommenders to complete the NWSA Reference Form. It may be submitted by mail, fax or email. * Certification Form – Print, sign and date the Certification Form. This document MUST be submitted by mail to our offices at 55 SE Main, Portland OR 97214. Questions about the position? Contact: Michael VanDerwater, Michael@solaroregon.org General questions about P2, Northwest Service Academy, or AmeriCorps? Contact: Margi Guilfoyle Professional Placement Coordinator NWSA Lower Columbia Center 55 SE Main Street, Portland, OR 97214 503-234-2383 ext 118 fax 503-232-0166 margi@p2professional.org www.p2professional.org/blog/ www.nwserviceacademy.org AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER