Rural Energy Manager I or II

Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) is seeking a Rural Energy Manager to work with remote Alaska communities, national laboratories and other partners to support the transition to cleaner and more resilient energy systems.

We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek a dedicated person who has the skills and ambition to succeed at REAP. Ideal candidates should have demonstrated experience and interest in climate and energy, knowledge of Alaska’s energy ecosystem, lived or working experience in rural Alaska, and an ability to think critically about energy issues in the state.

Location: REAP staff must reside in Alaska and be able to take 5-10 trips annually across the state. REAP staff have the option for hybrid work within the state, with regular in-person work as required. REAP has offices in Anchorage and Juneau.

Background: REAP is the only nonprofit in Alaska with a statewide focus specifically on increasing adoption of energy efficiency and renewable energy. We do this through policy and advocacy, education, training and workforce development, and technical assistance. REAP is a coalition of over 60 businesses, electric utilities, developers, Alaska Native organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and local governments. Since its founding in 2004, REAP has worked to educate policy makers and the public on important energy issues. Visit alaskarenewableenergy.org to learn more.

Job Description: The Rural Energy Manager will support rural communities in advancing their energy goals and increasing adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions – from utility-scale projects to building-level improvements.

This position may be filled at either the Rural Energy Manager I or Rural Energy Manager II level, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. Both levels perform program management duties related to the development and implementation of energy projects and initiatives. The Rural Energy Manager II is distinguished by a higher level of responsibility, independent decision-making, and experience managing complex projects and stakeholder relationships. 

Responsibilities include:

• Lead multiple complex projects through the entire lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, offboarding and follow up.
• Work directly with communities to define energy priorities and develop plans to implement those priorities.
• Design, coordinate and deliver, and/or facilitate training, public education, events and other public engagement to support meaningful participation in energy planning and project development.
• Identify opportunities to support community renewable energy, energy efficiency and resilience priorities.
• Connect communities to resources within the organization or through external opportunities, such as funding, training, education, subject matter experts, and technical assistance.
• Act as a liaison between local entities and relevant technical experts and scientists from outside the community.
• Manage relationships between diverse community stakeholder groups, local utilities, technical national lab team members, and other partners.
• Serve as a source of knowledge and expertise around Alaska energy issues, local stakeholders, and other local and statewide characteristics to partners from outside Alaska, including the national labs.
• Collaborate with partners and other REAP staff to understand gaps and opportunities, and to improve REAP’s effectiveness. 
• Other duties as assigned           

Rural Energy Manager I Minimum Qualifications:

• At least two years of experience working in the energy sector, with a preference for rural Alaskan energy experience.
• Basic understanding of power generation systems – utility and/or building scale.
• Self-motivated, creative, team-oriented and excited to travel to rural communities.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, deliverable tracking, and reporting.
• Highly organized, strong attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to engage and collaborate with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and work with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong interpersonal communications and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to design and facilitate workshops and meetings.
• Proficiency in office IT (Microsoft Suite, Adobe Suite, GSuite, Mac, Dropbox, Airtable, etc.).

Rural Energy Manager II Minimum Qualifications:

• All qualification listed for Rural Energy Manager I
• At least five years of experience working in the energy sector or working in rural Alaska
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex projects and stakeholder engagement

Ideal candidates will additionally possess one or more of the following qualifications:

• Work or lived experience in rural Alaska.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
• Data analysis experience.
• Knowledge of Alaska energy institutions, infrastructure, and funding mechanisms.
• Knowledge of microgrid technologies and operations, including distributed energy resources, grid integration, control systems, grid management, energy distribution, infrastructure development, and utility operations in rural or remote communities.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and policies relevant to renewable energy and rural utility operations in Alaska (e.g., PCE, IPPs, PPAs).
• Experience working with federal energy programs.

Working Conditions: Most work occurs in an office setting. This position will require travel to rural communities. Transportation modes may include jet, small plane, four-wheeler, snow machine, ferries or other types of boats.