MTERA Director of Tribal Energy Capacity Building

The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) is a non-profit organization that brings together Member Tribes to plan and pursue clean energy projects on Tribal Lands. MTERA's mission is to promote Tribal sovereignty, energy independence, environmental justice, and economic development through renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. MTERA has recently received significant funding to support its clean energy projects, including a $62.3 million Solar For All grant and a $20 million Community Change Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is a critical time in the growth of the organization, as it expands its capacity and impact on Tribal Lands. We are seeking a Director of Tribal Energy Capacity Building to lead one of our core objectives of ensuring all of our Member Tribes have the internal capacity to achieve their energy visions. The Director of Tribal Energy Capacity Building will report to the Executive Director and will be responsible for working with Tribes to build the internal capacity of Tribes to plan, fund, and deploy valuable energy projects and programs that leverage the technical assistance and funding resources provided by MTERA and our partner network. The Director will also help build Tribal energy departments and organizations within each of our Member Tribes, ensuring that they have the skills, knowledge, and resources to achieve their energy goals and objectives. The Director will work closely with the Director of Tribal Energy programs to align our capacity building objectives with our energy programs. The Director will also have fundraising responsibilities to find and secure funding to support the mission of building capacity within each of our Tribes.

Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in energy, engineering, environmental science, public administration, or a related field. • At least five years of experience in energy project or program management, preferably in a Tribal or non-profit setting. • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tribal energy and organizational development issues, opportunities, and challenges, and a strong commitment to Tribal sovereignty and self determination. • Strong relationships with funders and other partners who can support capacity building efforts • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders. • Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment. • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, and familiar with energy-related software and tools. • Willingness and ability to travel frequently within the Midwest region and occasionally outside the region, as required by the position. • Preference will be given to qualified Tribal members and candidates with experience working with Tribes.

Main Duties and Responsibilities • Develop and implement a strategic plan for Tribal energy capacity building, in alignment with MTERA’s vision, mission, and values. • Establish and maintain effective relationships with Tribal leaders, energy staff, and stakeholders, and provide them with guidance, support, and advocacy on energy issues. • Lead fundraising efforts associated with MTERA’s capacity building objective. This includes maintaining strong relationships with funders and identifying and pursuing funding opportunities. • Coordinate and deliver technical assistance, training, and mentoring to Tribes on various aspects of energy planning, energy organizational development, management, and policy. • Assist Tribes in identifying, applying for, and managing funding opportunities for energy projects and programs, and collaborate with MTERA’s Director of Energy Programs to align capacity building objectives with MTERA’s energy programs • Facilitate the creation and growth of Tribal energy departments and organizations, and provide them with organizational development, governance, and leadership support. • Integrate with MTERA’s energy programs and project deployment goals by ensuring that our Member Tribes have the internal capacity to plan, fund, and deploy the projects led by our Energy Program • Conduct outreach and engagement activities to raise awareness and visibility of MTERA and its services, and to promote the benefits and opportunities of Tribal energy development. • Research and monitor emerging trends, best practices, and policy developments in the Tribal energy sector, and share relevant information and resources with Tribes and MTERA staff. • Represent MTERA at regional and national forums, events, and meetings, and build strategic partnerships with other organizations, agencies, and stakeholders in the energy field. • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the performance of the Tribal energy capacity building staff, and foster a collaborative and supportive team culture. • Prepare and present reports, proposals, and updates to the MTERA Board of Directors, Executive Director, and funders on the progress and outcomes of the Tribal energy capacity building program.

$140,000 - $180,000 Annually