YES! (Youth Energy Summit) is seeking a highly motivated, multi-talented team player who can help move YES! to the next level. The position will include a combination of grant project administration, direct interaction with students and YES! team advisers, and network development to expand YES! to serve 30-plus communities in west central and southwestern MN during 2011-2013. This position is made possible through a two year grant from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).
The Youth Energy Summit Unit Coordinator & Grant Project Leader position is a full-time (1.0 FTE), salaried position with benefits based out of Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center located near Spicer, MN.
Approximately half time will be dedicated to providing direct service to YES! Teams in west central MN as a YES! Unit Coordinator. YES! Unit Coordinators provide support, resources and consultation for teams of youth in grades 8-12 and their team coaches/adult advisors. Unit Coordinators plan and facilitate three workshops/events each year and assist teams throughout the year to identify and connect with local energy allies.
Approximately half time will be dedicated to providing grant project leadership and administration for a Minnesota ENRTF grant. Project Leader duties will include budget management, meeting rigorous grant reporting requirements and working closely with two other Unit Coordinators to expand YES! to 30-plus communities throughout west central and southern MN during 2011-2013.
Position requires interacting effectively with students in grades 8-12, as well as teachers, school administrators, school boards and various leaders in the public, private and non-profit sectors. The successful applicant will play a lead role in helping YES! teams to identify local and regional support and expertise needed to complete ambitious student-led renewable energy and energy conservation projects.
Position works closely with two other 0.5 FTE Unit Coordinators within the region (one based at PWELC and one at Southwest Initiative Foundation in Hutchinson). Position will work closely with program staff based at SWIF in Hutchinson as well as staff from Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center and may also interact with YES! Coordinators in other regions, including Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center.
Qualifications:
- Personable, highly self-motivated, good sense of humor
- 5 years experience working with high school age youth in an educational setting
- Sound understanding of renewable energy/energy conservation issues and opportunities in rural Minnesota
- Familiarity with schools, businesses and existing networks in west central MN – highly desirable.
- Passion for environmental stewardship and experiential education
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships within a network of organizations, businesses, communities, and individuals
- Excellent oral and written communication skills required
- Event-planning and organizing skills
- BA/BS degree in Environmental Studies, Education, or related field required. Masters Degree a plus.
- Experience managing grants and budgets required.
- Computer literacy required. Skilled w/ constructing and managing Excel documents. Fluent w/ online communication and social networking.
About YES! YES! empowers youth to partner with their community to create economic and environmental vitality through hands-on learning and team-based projects. YES! began in 2007 as a collaborative effort between Southwest Initiative Foundation and Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. The partnership between SWIF and PWELC has grown and has continued to attract new partners from other regions including Southern MN Initiative Foundation and Eagle Bluff ELC. Please visit www.youthenergysummit.org to learn more about YES! and the tremendous work which is being accomplished by YES! teams throughout our region.
About Prairie Woods ELC: PWELC is a regional center for environmental education and outdoor recreation which serves approximately 20,000 people each year from throughout west central and southwestern MN. The center operates almost entirely with renewable energy and features several prototype systems which have been replicated by YES! teams throughout the region. Prairie Woods has a strong commitment to the social, economic and environmental wellness of our region. Visit www.prairiewoodselc.org for more information on Prairie Woods.
Compensation: Salaried year-round position with health insurance, vacation, sick leave. This is a grant funded position contingent upon LCCMR/ENRTF funding. Salary DOE.
Timeline: Applications accepted immediately. Position will remain open until filled. Position may start as early as July 1 contingent upon release of ENRTF funds (start date may be subject to delays related to possible shut-downs in state government.)
To apply: Send resume, cover letter and writing sample via email to Dave Pederson, Executive Director, d.pederson@tds.net. No phone calls, please. Please specifically address your experience and training relevant to project/grants management, direct service with youth as a teacher or program facilitator, and knowledge of renewable energy issues and opportunities in rural Minnesota.
Visit http://www.youthenergysummit.org for further information about YES!
