Extra Help Sustainability Outreach Specialist
University of Illinois

Extra Help Sustainability Outreach Specialist

Smart Energy Design Assistance Center

Department of Landscape Architecture

University of Illinois College of Fine and Applied Arts

The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) is currently searching for a Sustainability Outreach Specialist to assist with program outreach across numerous projects. This position will work with the Marketing and Outreach Program Director. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois, with potential options for hybrid remote or remote work.

SEDAC is sponsored and funded by federal and state agencies including the Illinois State Energy Office at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; the US Environmental Protection Agency; the US Department of Energy; local government agencies; and other funding sources.

SEDAC is an applied research center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a mission to decrease the energy footprint of the State of Illinois. SEDAC works to achieve its mission through a wide range of programs in energy efficiency, renewable energy development, greenhouse gas reduction, and clean energy workforce development.

Duties & Responsibilities

Recruitment of Research Participants
• Conduct internal and external outreach to recruit participants for SEDAC programs through website, print material, email, social media, calls and other forms of engagement.
• Disseminate developed communications, including outreach materials and resources, related to climate change, environmental justice, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
• Cultivate relationships with clients, community-based organizations, and stakeholders.
• Conduct outreach to program participants to identify implementation of recommendations or additional support needed.
• Research, organize and deliver presentations, news releases, and other public-facing communications.

Research & Development of Educational Materials
• Research and develop content for educational programming and engagement initiatives.
• Research outreach strategies to effectively reach target audiences.
• Develop metrics to analyze outreach efforts and effectiveness.
• Create best practices for hosting events and conducting event outreach.
• Develop strategies for tabling and booth engagement at stakeholder events.
• Research strategies and approaches to conducting outreach in underserved or environmental justice communities.
• Develop resource materials for sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate-related topics.
• Support the development of engaging content for SEDAC programs and offerings.

Operations
• Track all outreach activities, developing and managing systems for all SEDAC programs.
• Track client implementation activities across multiple programs.
• Analyze the effectiveness of outreach activities and implement new pathways to increase outreach and engagement success.
• Assist with report development in collaboration with program managers.
• Other relevant duties as assigned to further the mission of SEDAC.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, Public Relations or other related field.

• One year of experience in marketing or communications.

• Demonstrated experience in analyzing complex data and providing written and verbal reports or recommendations.

• Demonstrated proficiency with at least one creative suite of products, such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) or similar.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in environmental studies, sustainability, energy studies or other closely related field with a minor or dual major in marketing, business, public relations, communications, or environmental writing.
• One year of experience in marketing or communications focused on topics of energy and sustainability.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to use software such as Microsoft Office Suite and web-based information management tools.

• Familiarity and interest in topics of energy and sustainability.

• Ability to effectively conduct outreach to individuals and organizations where no prior relationship exists, to build new relationships or to recruit potential clients for relevant program services.

• Ability to research and analyze information and data to make appropriate conclusions and recommendations.

• Excellent organizational skills, such as time management, task prioritization, follow-through, and ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability to navigate social media platforms to post content, track engagement, and build audiences.

• Ability to work in teams.

• Ability to communicate complex scientific or engineering concepts to lay audiences

Rate of Pay:

The rate of pay for Extra Help Sustainability Outreach Specialist positions start at $30 per hour and increases based on level of work. The rate of pay is determined by the job description submitted by the department.

Work Schedule:

We offer short or long-term assignments up to 900 hours, which is about 6-months of full-time work. Employees can work either full or partial days and full or partial weeks.

Extra Help Positions:

Extra Help employees are appointed to fulfill casual or emergent needs within units. The amount of time for which services are needed is not usually predictable and payment for work performed is on an hourly basis and based on actual hours worked. Extra Help employees do not receive holiday pay or paid sick or vacation leave.

Extra Help employees are required by State Universities Civil Service System rules to take a 30-calendar-day break after working 900 hours. At the end of the 30 days, you may begin another 900-hour employment cycle in a new position if available. Working Extra Help will in no way affect any other employment opportunities with the University of Illinois, including your position on and Civil Service register.

Application Procedures:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 25, 2024. Application materials should include a cover letter, a current resume, and at least three professional references with contact information. Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Application instructions can be found at the following link: https://humanresources.illinois.edu/assets/docs/How-to-Apply-Instructions.pdf

Questions:

If you have additional questions regarding this Extra Help position, please contact Bobbie Clegg at bjclegg@illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1027972
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu