About the Partnership

GRID Alternatives (GRID), in a three-year partnership with Wells Fargo, is serving as the grant administrator for the Environmental Sustainability component of Wells Fargo’s $50 million commitment to the American Indian/Alaska Native community to help address their unique economic, social and environmental needs.

With $5 million in seed funding, the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund aims to catalyze the growth of solar energy and expand solar job opportunities on tribal lands across the United States. The Fund will provide vital financing for tribal partners to complete new solar demonstration projects; connect workforce development, job training and education resources; and develop long-term energy plans in alignment with tribal energy sovereignty goals.

About the Position

As a key leader in the partnership, the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund Director reports to the Vice President of Development and is responsible for implementing and managing all aspects of the Fund’s grant-making activities, tribal relations, communications, and reporting. This contract position will last approximately 30 months (with the possibility of extension or permanence) and will be based in Oakland, CA or Denver, CO. This position requires frequent travel to meet with tribal representatives, typically at project sites, conferences, and other convenings. GRID Alternatives provides vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use, but applicant must hold a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Grant Administration

The Fund Director will lead the grant design and administration process, emphasizing fairness and transparency in funding decision-making. This person will ensure efficiency throughout the entire grant process and contributes to strong relations between GRID, Wells Fargo, and tribal grantees.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and implement the grant-making program;
• Establish an application process/portal to manage letters of inquiry, proposals, and other key documents required in the application package;
• Review and prepare grant proposals for grants selection committee;
• Prepare grant application summaries and analysis documents of s to aid in evaluating and making awards.

Tribal Relations

The Fund Director will oversee the public/tribal/community relations activities of the partnership, including the overall management of all relationships with tribal grantee prospects, awardees, and other interested and involved stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as the principal contact with grantees and applicants;
• Arrange technical assistance for grants and projects, as needed;
• Pursue opportunities beyond grant-making to further program goals ; and
• Participate in relevant conferences and gatherings.

Communications and Publicity

The Fund Director will produce and manage a Communications Plan, in collaboration with GRID’s Vice President of Communications, that will include, but is not limited to, the type of recognition associated with Wells Fargo’s association with GRID, as well as the type of recognition associated with support for specific tribes, communities, events and programs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage all aspects of the communications plan outlined in the grant agreement;
• Deliver presentations regarding grant applications and other topics; and
• Assist in communicating information obtained from funded projects to policymakers, target communities, other funders, and the general community.

Reporting, Accountability, and Performance Monitoring

The Fund Director will facilitate partnership reporting between selected tribal grantees and Wells Fargo. This information shall be submitted annually to Wells Fargo. Key responsibilities include:

• Design evaluation protocols for projects within the grants program;
• Coordinate annual and final evaluation of all grants made within the grants program; and
• Prepare board, management and community reports on results of grant-based initiatives, in addition to formal reporting to Wells Fargo.

Position Requirements

Qualified candidates will generally have:

• Passion about energy sovereignty, affordable housing, and environmental and social justice work with tribes
• At least five years of professional work experience in philanthropy, grant-making, and/or the nonprofit sector
• Strong program and project management skills
• Extensive communication skills, both orally and written
• Significant skills in organizing, analyzing, presenting data, reaching conclusions and developing recommendations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations

Any Director/Manager at GRID Alternatives must be able to advance the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity work and understand that this can only be achieved within a framework of social, economic, and environmental justice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Tribal Nations and Native American communities.
• Bachelor's degree; graduate work and/or graduate degree in related field desirable.
• Knowledge of renewable energy projects, especially solar PV technologies and systems.

Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision/eye care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off, up to 10 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403B retirement plan, employee assistance program (EAP), flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), short-term and long-term disability (STD & LTD), and yearly professional development funds to further education up to $600. GRID prioritizes a healthy work-life balance for all staff.

To Apply
Submit both a resume and a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications. Due to the high volume of inquiries, please do not call or email us.

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. Women, formerly incarcerated individuals, and people of color are urged to apply.