Energy Director Job Description

Job Title: Energy Director, Blacks In Green

Background: Blacks in Green (BIG) is a national network for environmental justice and economic

development created to close America’s racial health and wealth gap via the new green economy using a

whole-system solution for the whole-system problem common to Black communities everywhere. BIG

has pioneered environmental economic development for the benefit of Black America since 2007— a

501c3 non-profit tackling pollution and poverty with a goal of closing America’s racial health/wealth

gap via the new green economy and transforming Black communities into oases of resilience against the

climate crisis. We’re building economies in energy, horticulture, housing, tourism, and waste via our

Sustainable Square Mile TM system.

Green Energy Justice Cooperative (GEJC) is an Illinois-registered member-owned cooperative. GEJC is

focused on developing clean energy solutions that benefit low-income and people of color in Illinois,

with a focus on serving the South Chicago community. GEJC was founded by members of Blacks In

Green, an environmental justice focused non-profit based in the Woodlawn neighborhood of South

Chicago. GEJC’s mission is to provide low- and moderate- income communities of color with the

economic and political power to own energy generation, using programs and partnerships under a

cooperative model. Board Members and advisors are from our network of community and nearby

environmental justice organizations and are responsible for ensuring that GEJC meets the needs of its

membership.

Job Summary: BIG is seeking a dedicated Energy Director to join our dynamic team. This position will

be housed at BIG but will also provide strategic services to our partners at GEJC. The Energy Director

will oversee clean energy efforts across BIG, including a several-member team and intersections of

clean energy with other existing workstreams, and will report to BIG’s CEO. Through our development

services agreement, the Energy Director will oversee GEJC’s current development of a 9 MW DC

community solar portfolio under the Illinois Shines program from the Illinois Power Agency. They will

oversee an existing team of three staff members and two outside consultants and report to the GEJC

Board. They will oversee GEJC operations, finances, and Board engagement as well as leading on state

policy and contract management.

Key Responsibilities:

● Oversee the Energy program for BIG, including providing development services to BIG affiliate

organization GEJC

● Identify appropriate intersections within and between BIG and GEJC operations and ensure a

smooth partnership between the two organizations

● Manage multiple staff members and ensure smooth project management across the organizations

● Serve as the face of GEJC and participate in external events to increase visibility and credibility;

develop and manage strategic relationships, especially with donors, funders, and investors

● Acquire appropriate debt and equity to complete GEJC projects

● Track Illinois energy policy developments and act on behalf of BIG and GEJC as appropriate

● Support GEJC’s mission for energy justice by ensuring the 7 cooperative principles are reflected

in day-to-day operations and that community priorities are integrated into projects for both GEJC

and BIG

● Manage and mitigate risks associated with building a new green energy vision for South Chicago

● Lead and manage the GEJC Board for optimal input and direction

● Oversee all contracts on behalf of GEJC, and all energy-focused contracts on behalf of BIG, to

ensure effective and efficient delivery of services

Required Skills and Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s degree in renewable energy, environmental science, finance, nonprofit

administration, or a related field

● At least 5 years of experience in relevant mission-driven work

● At least 3 years of management experience with demonstrated ability to lead teams and oversee

successful projects

● Financial expertise, including experience writing grants, balancing organizational budgets, and

managing long-term (5-20 year) forecasts

● Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Basecamp, Asana, Monday.com)

and MS Office Suite

● Familiarity with community-led initiatives and a commitment to social, environmental and/or

energy justice

Preferred Qualifications:

● Master’s degree in renewable energy, environmental science, nonprofit administration, or a

related field or equivalent experience

● At least 10 years of work experience in relevant mission-driven organizations

● 5-10 years of management experience with demonstrated results

● At least 3 years working in the solar industry; familiarity with state and federal solar incentive

structures, including tax equity

● Experience working within BIPOC-led organizations focused on BIPOC community outcomes

● Deep knowledge of cooperative principles and management

Salary Range: $95,000 to $120,000 commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Life, dental, vision and medical insurance; federal holidays off and two (2) weeks of paid

vacation plus 16 paid holidays and five (5) additional days of PTO/sick leave.

Location: This role is based in Chicago, IL. Work will be primarily (90%) remote, but BIG has a strong

preference for someone based in the community and able to build local relationships.

Blacks In Green is an equal-opportunity employer.

Please email your resume and statement of interest to candidates@blacksingreen.org.

Questions may be directed to Sachiko Graber, Interim Energy Director at sachiko@waxwingllc.com.