West Virginia Energy Program Community Manager

1 Position Overview

Location: Must be local to Charleston, WV area (within 1 hour commute) Employment Type: Full-time, Hybrid (minimum 1 day per week in local office)

ProtoGen, Inc. seeks a dynamic Community Manager to lead community engagement and outreach efforts for a West Virginia energy program. This position is essential to building strong community relationships and ensuring equitable access to solar energy solutions for West Virginia's most vulnerable residents. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to directly impact community empowerment and clean energy adoption across West Virginia.

2 Program Background

The West Virginia energy program aims to install solar infrastructure across the state. This four-year initiative focuses on reducing energy burdens for low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities while fostering economic development and enhancing grid reliability throughout West Virginia. The Community Manager will report to the Program Director.

3 Location Requirement

Candidates must be located within 1 hour of Charleston, WV, and able to maintain regular presence at our local office location.

4 Key Responsibilities

4.1 Community Engagement & Outreach

Design and implement comprehensive community engagement strategies to maximize program participation among target demographics

Organize and facilitate community forums, information sessions, and public meetings to educate residents about solar energy benefits

Build and maintain relationships with local community organizations, faith-based institutions, and neighborhood associations

Develop outreach approaches for local communities throughout West Virginia

4.2 Educational Materials Development

Create accessible educational content including factsheets, brochures, newsletters, and digital materials in multiple formats

Develop presentations and training materials for community workshops and information sessions

Design user-friendly guides explaining program eligibility, application processes, and solar technology basics

Collaborate with team to ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels

Maintain and update program website content and social media presence

4.3 Partnership Development & Management

Establish strategic partnerships with local nonprofits, community development organizations, and advocacy groups

Coordinate with social service agencies, housing authorities, and community action agencies to reach eligible participants

Build relationships with local government officials, community leaders, utilities, contractors, installers, and influential stakeholders

Manage partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and financing organizations

Facilitate collaboration between community groups and program implementation teams

4.4 Participant Support & Navigation

Serve as primary point of contact for community members interested in program participation

Guide potential participants through eligibility assessment and application processes

Provide ongoing support and communication throughout the solar installation process

Address community concerns and questions about program requirements and benefits

Coordinate with customer service teams to ensure positive participant experiences

4.5 Data Collection & Program Feedback

Conduct community surveys and focus groups to assess program effectiveness and community needs

Collect and analyze participant feedback to inform program improvements

Track community engagement metrics and outreach effectiveness

Prepare regular reports on community engagement activities and outcomes

Maintain detailed records of community interactions and partnership activities

4.6 Event Coordination & Programming

Plan and execute community events, information fairs, and educational workshops

Coordinate participation in local festivals, farmers markets, and community gatherings

Organize solar system showcases and participant testimonial events

Manage logistics for community meetings including venue coordination, materials preparation, and follow-up

Develop and implement seasonal engagement campaigns and awareness initiatives

5 Required Qualifications

5.1 Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in communications, community development, social work, public administration, or related field (additional community engagement experience may substitute on year-for-year basis)

Minimum 2 years of experience in community outreach, engagement, or program coordination

Experience working with low- and moderate-income communities and understanding of social equity issues

Demonstrated passion for community empowerment

5.2 Skills & Competencies

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with ability to engage diverse audiences

Strong public speaking and presentation abilities

Sensitivity when working with diverse populations

Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple community initiatives simultaneously

Proficiency with social media platforms, content management systems, and basic design software

5.3 Preferred Qualifications

Experience with renewable energy, environmental programs, or utility assistance programs

Knowledge of federal and state energy assistance programs and community development initiatives

Experience with grant-funded community programs or nonprofit program management

Familiarity with West Virginia communities and regional dynamics

6 What We Offer

Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity to make direct, measurable impact in West Virginia communities

Professional development opportunities in clean energy and community engagement

Collaborative work environment with mission-driven colleagues

Hybrid work arrangement with community-focused travel opportunities

Position with established community partnerships and program momentum

7 Application Requirements

Interested candidates must submit:

Comprehensive cover letter detailing relevant community engagement experience

Detailed resume demonstrating background in community outreach and program coordination

Three professional references, including at least one from community organization or social service agency

8 About ProtoGen, Inc.

ProtoGen is a leading distributed energy consulting firm specializing in sustainable and resilient energy solutions. Founded with a mission to advance energy security and resiliency by creating alignment among energy stakeholders, we bring together deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and exceptional educational skills to serve our diverse client base.

8.1 Our Core Services:

Energy project lifecycle management from conceptual development through operations and maintenance

Feasibility studies, design and engineering, and project management

Workforce development and training program administration

Curriculum design and learning management system development

Technical assistance and consulting for complex energy systems

8.2 Our Expertise:

We serve clients across multiple sectors including commercial & industrial companies, real estate developers, educational institutions, national laboratories, federal agencies, state energy offices, and municipal and tribal governments. Our team combines decades of experience in microgrids, distributed energy resources, solar PV systems, energy storage, and grid integration technologies.

8.3 What Sets Us Apart:

We offer a rare combination in our industry: deep technical expertise and experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to educate and bring along stakeholders. Our approach focuses on transparency, community empowerment, and delivering measurable results.

8.4 Our Values:

Transparency: Building trust through open communication and honest assessments

Empowerment: Helping communities enhance sustainability, resilience, and energy equity

Innovation: Advancing cutting-edge technologies and market solutions

Collaboration: Creating alignment among diverse energy stakeholders

9 Equal Opportunity Employer

ProtoGen, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Flexible work from home options available.