Job Description

About Mid Hudson Energy Transition

Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers municipalities, their residents, and businesses to own and share renewable energy, create healthier buildings, and join in community wealth-building to strengthen the resilience of the Hudson Valley in the face of climate change. We engage and build on the active involvement of communities, with particular emphasis on low-income and communities of color that are being harmed first and worst by climate change.

Outreach Coordinator (Internship)
Location(s): Kingston, NY & surrounding areas in Hudson Valley, NY
Duration: 3-6 months
Hours: Flexible. 15-18 hours a week for full time students. Eligible interns not taking classes can work up to 40 hours per week.
Compensation: $22 - $25/hour

The Organization

Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers municipalities, their residents, and businesses to own and share renewable energy, create healthier buildings, and join in community wealth-building to strengthen the resilience of the Hudson Valley in the face of climate change. We engage and build on the active involvement of communities, with particular emphasis on low-income communities and communities of color that are being harmed first and worst by climate change.

The Outreach Coordinator will act as a vital bridge between MHET’s initiatives and the communities they support. This role involves conducting public engagement efforts primarily in Kingston, as well as neighboring cities in the Hudson Valley, NY, to establish and strengthen bonds with local residents, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders. This person will build new connections with historically underserved communities, with a focus on Black communities.

The Outreach Coordinator will play a crucial role in fostering relationships across all sectors of the community, ensuring that community members’ voices are heard and providing clear and effective communication about MHET’s programs. This includes conveying program details and benefits through diverse engagement strategies, both in-person and through other outreach methods.

Responsibilities:

• Foster authentic and compassionate relationships with community members.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of MHET’s initiatives: Home Upgrade Grants, Community Energy, Community Solar, the Home Energy Loan Program, and the HELP Fund.
• Conduct public engagement in person, digitally, and through printed materials to inform community members about MHET’s programs, including their objectives, specifics, and advantages
• Assist in the execution of outreach events and contribute to refining engagement strategies.
• Provide ongoing assistance to community members regarding program inquiries and enrollment, including collaboration with external organizations, service providers, local partners, and other stakeholders
• Maintain records of outreach efforts and confidential information related to program participants’ contact information.
• Develop a strong grasp of climate justice and energy equity, which are fundamental principles guiding our organization’s mission and approach.
• Engage in critical thinking and proactive support to help community members navigate energy-related concerns.
• Strengthen community connections through direct assistance and collaborative efforts

Successful candidates will have:

• Enthusiasm for community engagement and outreach.
• A desire to learn about energy systems; but in-depth prior knowledge is not needed.
• Experience working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity and inclusion, with a focus on building the capacity of communities to lead their own energy transitions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Prior experience in community organizing, marketing, or related fields is a plus.
• Ability to conduct local outreach in Kingston, as well as neighboring cities in the Hudson Valley, NY. Established connections with the BIPOC/LMI community is another plus.

Eligibility:Students will be required to meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• An individual currently attending or who attended a degree program at a college or university located in New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application.
• A current New York State resident attending or who attended a college or university outside of New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application. New York State residency, with proof of residency such as rental agreement or utility bills, must have been established prior to the start of the internship.
• New York State residents who are members of a disadvantaged community and/or Priority Population.

To Apply: To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter to our Careers Page portal explaining your interest in clean energy and community engagement.

Learn more about NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Internship here