retrofitMAINE Director

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About:  retrofitMAINE (rfME) is an initiative of passivhausMAINE, designed to support energy retrofits of Maine building typologies using passive house principles for the benefit of Maine residents and its construction community. rfME received funding from the federal Buildings Upgrade Prize (Buildings UP), designed to scale retrofits, in 2024. This funding helped shape the initiative into its current focus areas of resident support, workforce training, community outreach and education, and data collection. 

Mission: passivhausMAINE is a non-profit organization committed to decreasing carbon. phME supports high performance, building science based new construction, low carbon building materials and is committed to scalable retrofits across Maine through local, regional and international partnerships.

Vision: phME's vision is for a more resilient and energy independent Maine. Through training, education and policy action, we support initiatives to build awareness for a Maine that operates on 100% renewable power. We encourage passive house as a minimum building standard on the path towards 100% Net Zero, Net Positive, and fully regenerative buildings throughout the state.


passivhausMAINE is a nonprofit focused on decarbonizing the built environment. The director we are hiring will be welcomed into our team with capable and good spirited assistance in builder training, marketing, event planning, and sharing our strong local, regional and international connections.

An ideal applicant would have strong roots in community outreach as well as academic and professional partnerships in the building science world. Alternately, an applicant with a background in low-income financial assistance, local, state and federal programs, combined with Building Science or Community outreach would also be a strong candidate. A clear vision of the complexity of retrofits on a technical and social level is imperative.

We are ready to add a new member to our team. Read ahead for details about this position.






Job Description

Objectives/Job Duties: 

Resident Support

  • Organize, provide, and manage energy coaching services for residents over a diverse geography.

  • Develop trust-based relationships with clients to support retrofit projects at various stages.

  • Understand and be able to navigate the retrofit project landscape - both the technical aspects of retrofits as well as the various rebates/incentives and other forms of aid (financial or otherwise) that may be necessary for projects to come to fruition.

Workforce Training

  • Collaborate with phME’s Training department on a retrofit-focused workforce training, responding to worker needs.

  • Support a knowledgeable workforce prepared to conduct whole-home, deep-energy focused retrofits of typical Maine buildings.

Data Collection

  • Collect, collate, and conduct basic analysis of relevant retrofit data.

  • Utilize data as appropriate for conversations in advocacy, fundraising/grant-writing, and other landscapes.

Community Outreach and Education

  • Conduct community outreach to advertise relevant programs and connect with residents and community, supporting retrofitMAINE to become more like a ‘community-based’ initiative.

  • Identify and build supportive partnerships with community-based and other organizations.

  • Provide community education regarding retrofit projects - both the technical aspects as well as the various rebates/incentives and other forms of aid - in various formats, such as energy cafes, presentations, webinars, etc.

Administrative

  • Support rfME Committee and Committee Chair in decision-making for the initiative.

  • Work with Executive Director and others within phME team as-needed on funding-related applications.

  • Lead program management/administration, oversee temporary staff, and support growth and development of the initiative.

To apply

Please send a CV and letter of interest to naomi@passivhausmaine.org.  

Position Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in energy or environmental science/studies, economics, architecture/building science, business management, engineering, social/environmental justice, public health, or related field

  • A relevant master’s degree is considered beneficial. 

Experience:

  • 4+ years of experience in program management, policy, project management, and/or administration with a record of progressing professional responsibility;

  • Demonstrated program management experience, problem-resolution, and facilitation/negotiation skills;

  • Experience in the building science or renewable energy sector, community engagement, or public sector preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of building decarbonization technologies and practices (e.g., heat pumps, weatherization) and ability to learn and converse proficiently on technical topics related to buildings and building decarbonization approaches and technologies;  

  • Familiarity with relevant regulatory, policy, and programmatic interventions related to decarbonization in buildings; 

  • Understanding of the construction and trades industry and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders including architects and engineers, property owners/managers, HVAC companies, construction managers, and consumers;  

  • Experience prioritizing equity in the energy transition;

  • Rigorous attention to detail; 

  • Well-developed customer service skills; 

  • Keen understanding of prioritization and an ability to work effectively on multiple projects;

  • Demonstrated ability to get up-to-speed quickly and work independently;  

  • Excellent problem-resolution skills and demonstrated ability to make informed decisions; 

  • Team-first attitude and the capacity to be flexible in a dynamic work environment; 

  • Demonstrated ability to work with internal and external stakeholders, and cultivate appropriate relationships; 

  • Working knowledge of basic accounting and payment processing (budgets, invoices, etc.) preferred; 

  • Ability to read and absorb complex contracts, policies, rules, etc. and extract the information needed to ensure compliance with each;  

  • Strong mastery of Excel and Google Workspace;

  • Experience with making cross-functional decisions impacting programs, metrics, and results; 

  • Excellent organizational, collaboration, written and oral communication, and presentation skills; and

  • Strong quantitative research and analytical skills.

Location: Hybrid -home/Freeport, Maine with some travel in Maine.

 Compensation

 

  • $60-75,000 per annum/ full time position

  • Health benefits stipend

  • Four weeks paid vacation

  • National holidays off

  • Professional development stipend