Executive Director

Full Time position for a nonprofit organization. This role reports to the Board of Directors.

Solar Austin is a nonprofit organization that has been focused on solar advocacy and education since 2002. Its mission is to accelerate the transition to clean, renewable energy in Central Texas and expand access to solar's benefits to everyone, mitigating climate change while creating a healthy community and supporting a strong local economy.

Solar Austin has been instrumental in spurring and guiding the creation of solar-supportive policies at Austin Energy. For over two decades, we have engaged the public through monthly activities and continue to look for opportunities to expand our work to support the transition to clean energy, especially rooftop solar.

We are committed to improving equitable access to the benefits of solar for all. We seek grants and other funding to support this work. 

We are currently working to expand access to solar via our: 

• Donated Community Installations Program
• Solar policy advocacy and engagement
• Solar education 
• Pathways to Clean Energy Careers Program

The Executive Director will carry out Solar Austin’s vision through responsible fiscal management and oversight of the organization’s ongoing community programs. 

The Executive Director will be responsible for the following:

• Working collaboratively with the board to create an annual strategic plan for board approval.
• Executing the strategic plan and track progress to achieve key indicators. 
• Working collaboratively with the board to draft annual budgets for board consideration and approval.
• Fundraising to maintain the sustainability of the organization, including researching and writing grants and proposals, maintaining funder relations, and completing grant reports in a timely manner throughout the year. Prioritizing diversification of funding sources and fundraising to secure the budget for the upcoming year in advance.
• Reporting on fundraising progress (grants, events, sponsorships, individual donors) to the board.
• Strategizing with the board on fulfilling grant deliverables. 
• Managing all Solar Austin projects to ensure grant deliverables are met on time.
• Managing payroll and accounting systems.
• Managing Solar Austin’s online presence through email, social media, and website updates.
• Administering Solar Austin’s programs, including:
• Pathways to Clean Energy Careers Program
• Donated Community Installations Program
• Solar policy advocacy and engagement
• Solar education 
• Monthly happy hours and other events
• Looking for opportunities and funding to engage in additional types of work to support local solar deployment (possibly including solar workforce development). 
• Working collaboratively with the board on planning and execution of existing and new programs and initiatives. 
• Maintaining and cultivating relationships and partnerships with other organizations with aligned missions.
• Maintaining and making Solar Austin files and materials easily accessible to the board via various systems (Google Drive, CRMs, event software, etc).
• Working collaboratively with the board to hire Solar Austin employees and contractors. 
• Managing Solar Austin employees and contractors.
• Attending monthly board meetings and board committee meetings. The Executive Director is not a voting member of the board but is expected to report on recent and upcoming activities and work with board and committee chairs to develop agendas and schedule meetings.
• Representing Solar Austin at key events.
• Other duties, as assigned by the board and in alignment with the Solar Austin mission.

Required

• Demonstrated experience and passion for advancing solar energy, clean energy, climate action, and environmental justice.
• At least 3-5 years of direct fundraising/grant writing experience.

Preferred 

• 2 years Executive Director or non-profit finance management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit administration, public policy or a relevant field.
• Enthusiasm for improving diversity and inclusion in the solar industry.

Skills

Required

• High-level organizational and project management skills.
• Strong management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive community relationships.

Preferred

• Proficient in Wix, Canva, and basic data management platforms.

• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation leave 
• Paid holidays
• Optional health care stipend
• Remote work (although must be located in Austin area)

Salary

$82,000 - $90,000, with opportunity for increase contingent upon successful fundraising 

Solar Austin is an equal opportunity employer and places a high value on diversity. Please apply.

• To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to info@solaraustin.org with “Executive Director application” as the subject.