Tribal Program Director (HQ Tribal) Remote
Why you want to work here...
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.
Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.
Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.
Based in Oakland, California, GRID has 8 regional offices and affiliates serving all of California, Colorado, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware; GRID also works in Nicaragua, Mexico and Nepal. GRID has a dedicated staff of 350 and growing!
What It's Like At GRID…
At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports the learning, growth, and well-being of all of our team members. Every member of GRID Alternatives must participate in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.
Why this is a big deal...
Since 2010, GRID Alternatives has worked with tribal communities across the United States to support their renewable energy goals and visions for a sustainable future through tribal-focused programs. The Tribal Program supports tribes in asserting control over their energy resources and focuses on making project implementation feasible by leveraging state and federal programs, philanthropic dollars, and partnerships with other tribes across Indian County while working in alignment to identify, develop, finance and implement solar power projects that meet community needs, including education, hands-on training, and energy cost reductions for tribal members.
Since 2018, the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF), a tribal-led grantmaking program, has partnered with 85+ tribes and 50+ tribal individuals to support renewable energy development, workforce and training, and leadership development goals. The TSAF has provided tribes with access to philanthropic capital through competitive grantmaking and leadership development programs. At its core, TSAF is about more than just regranting; it’s about mobilizing and developing tribal solar projects and integrating workforce development and training, nation-building, and strengthening the energy resilience of tribal communities with visions for a clean energy outlook for generations to come. The upfront expenses to install and maintain solar systems are out of reach for many tribal communities, which is why TSAF funding has been critical to each grantee we have supported.
The Opportunity…
The Program Director position is located in Denver, CO and reports to the Co-Executive Director of Implementation, works directly with the Co-Executive Director of Development and works with the National Tribal Program staff, including the Construction and Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund operations. This position is remote and responsible for developing and managing a Program for region-specific solar deployment on Tribal Lands. This role involves increased oversight responsibilities, strategic planning, and collaboration with the Tribal Staff, GRID departments and external collaborators, to
ensure the success and growth of the program.
GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications.
Programmatic efforts
- Develop, oversee and administer an entire program for tribal partners to access more funding for the deployment of solar technologies on tribal lands
- Strategize programs short-term and long term goals ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
- Participate in regular calls and meetings with relevant GRID regional offices, National Tribal Program and other GRID departments to strategize and implement program goals
- Manage and lead timely outreach to tribes and prospective partners on resource, opportunities and implementation of the program in coordination with the Outreach and Engagement staff
- Oversee the organization of the program’s, asset management, and project management resources
- In collaboration with Project Managers and Regional Offices, travel and conduct project site visits or outreach when necessary
- Develop and implement strategy for partnerships with National Tribal Program Staff, CA regional offices, external organizations and Tribes to achieve program goals
- Manage accounting and budgeting of program and forecast budgets to achieve future goals and objectives
- Establish governance structures and mechanisms to ensure effective oversight.
- Manage client, stakeholder, and contractor relationships
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Manage compliance for federal and state funding ensuring the program’s communication, reporting, deadlines, deliverables and other requirements as necessary
- Compile and analyze data for use in a variety of formats including annual reports, public relations material, white papers, and presentations.
- Assist the National Tribal Program in evaluating the metrics, outcomes and impact of the Program
- Meet with accounting and operations teams regularly to monitor grant budgets and processes are updated in organizational database
- Utilize Salesforce, ASANA, Microsoft Sharepoint and Google Suites to develop communication methodologies between all responsible parties, staff, and related programs and people for fulfilling program priorities
Responsibility for Work of Others
- The Program Director will supervise and direct the program coordinators, project managers of the Program
- Manage a team of program administration staff, ensuring high performance and growth.
- Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
What You Need To Bring To This Role...
- Experience working directly with culturally diverse groups of people, Native American experience required
- Experience in renewable energy, particularly solar, clean mobility, and have an understanding solar/battery
- Demonstrated commitment to serving Indian Country in a mission-driven organization and program
- Demonstrated ability to assess qualitative and quantitative outcome data and to provide coaching and technical assistance to tribal partners to help them achieve goals
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written/verbal communication skills; strong presentation skills
- Strategic thinking, able to conceptualize, lead and execute complex projects and effectively convey their impact to various audiences
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines and objectives
- Master’s Degree in related field
It would be great if you also had...
- PMP certified project manager
- 5+ years’ experience performing as the program lead, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, environmental and climate related work
- Experience working with tribal communities for energy development
- Excellent research/evaluation experience; writing reports and grant applications/proposals
- Experience with Salesforce CRM, Microsoft, ASANA or a similar project management software and Google Suite (Gmail, calendar etc)
Where you will sit & the places you may go…
This position is remote and may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects. Availability to work nights and weekends may be required. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use, but applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and good driving record. This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects. Availability to work nights and weekends may rarely be required.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, GRID Alternatives may not provide vehicles for work travel but will provide travel reimbursement for work-related personal vehicle use, per diem and lodging. Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Let's Talk Money
This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary range $100,000-$110,000 and commensurate with experience.
How We Take Care Of You...
Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance.
Ready to Apply?
Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted. Please do not call and/or email requesting an update.
Thank you for your interest in GRID Alternatives! 
