Energy Programs Outreach Specialist

Be part of the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE) to support a comprehensive energy, climate, and resilience (ECR) program! AIRE is a division of the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management (OSEM) Bureau of the Department of Environmental Services (DES), and serves as the County's central agency for intra-governmental and community development, facilitation, and execution of the County's energy, climate, and resiliency (ECR) plans, programs, and policies.
We are seeking an Energy Programs Outreach Specialist to serve as the County's and the OSEM's Liaison Lead for the County Board's Climate Change, Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (C2E2), with responsibilities governed by state transparency laws and County standards and procedures.
Work will involve extensive collaboration within the broader AIRE and OSEM teams, with key partners in DES supporting multiple program areas, and with external partners and stakeholders. Core areas of responsibility include production the ACCELERATE semi-annual editions and Annual Climate Progress Reports; development of THINK BIG Initiatives (THINK BIG is a branding and public engagement strategy to optimize uptake of climate-and-energy-facing practices); translation of complex ECR principles, programs, and policies for the public, and collaboration with the AIRE team on projects, programs, and policies.
Specific duties include:

• Serving as subject-matter-expert for external representation and public communications and engagement, and working together with other staff as part of the Staff Liaisons to Advisory Groups team;
• Supporting AIRE independent and multijurisdictional grant projects, programs, and policies, using knowledge of environmental management to develop public interest and participation in ECR Programs including those in the Community Energy Plan (CEP), Energy Assurance Plan, and the CEP Roadmap;
• Serving as the Staff Liaison to the County's Climate Change, Energy and Environment (C2E2) Advisory Commission to the County Board;
• Translating complex technical and/or quantitative ECR information into concise, easily understood content and graphics for fact sheets, infographics, dashboards, digital signage boards, flyers, posters, videos, presentations, board reports, and other materials;
• Communicating performance metrics and program outcomes in various formats to diverse stakeholders;
• Using Census, GIS, Co-Star Database, Social Vulnerability Index and other local, regional economic, social, demographic, and behavioral data to target and deliver content to multilingual communities;
• Planning, coordinating and/or attending public outreach and engagement for online/virtual and in-person events as Subject Matter Expert for ECR programs; and
• Developing, maintaining, and updating AIRE branding, campaigns, messaging, websites, program collateral, special events (e.g., "drive-and-ride" with EVs), social media campaigns and communications (Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor, and other online platforms).

The successful candidate will possess:

• Demonstrated experience in climate and energy program metrics, measurement, and reporting and translating data into dashboards, visualizations, websites, and other communications tools;
• Design/production experience with desktop publishing software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, Canva) and website production; and
• Experience using Venngage, Canva, OpenCities or similar tools for creating website and social media graphics.

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field; and
• Two (2) years of progressive responsible professional Environmental Planning experience.

Substitution: Additional education may be substituted for experience.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master's Degree in a related field and experience/credentials in one or more of the following:

• Demonstrated experience in community engagement on environmental matters, which includes the following:
  • graphics, infographics, and other materials;
  • Providing high-level outreach and communications with upper management, elected officials, and/or appointed commissions / committees; and
  • Developing communications and materials in the climate, energy or sustainability sectors, for a government, or non-profit foundation;
• Specialization in communications, website or online platforms, ability to write and/or edit press releases, news articles, and executive talking points;
• Knowledge of Gov Delivery or other customer relationship management (CRM) tools;
• Experience with communications and/or programs that support environmental equity and/or working in a communications function with a local government.

Please attach to your application any available work samples such as published articles, infographics, fact sheets, and/or talking points you have developed.
A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
Work hours: Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend work may be occasionally required. Some telework opportunities may be available with supervisor approval.
The official title for this position is Environmental Management Specialist, Associate.
The pay ranges listed above are effective June 18, 2023.
Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here.
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
#LI-HybridEmployment Type: Full-Time Permanent