Energy Project Grant Writer

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota seeks a Local Energy Project Grant Writer to support grant development for local clean energy projects in Minnesota. Humphrey's Center for Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (CSTEP) is supporting efforts by rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and tribal nations to secure climate and energy funding from federal agencies.

This project is closely aligned with the new Great Lakes Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC), which is co-led by the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Community Development, with the mission to support community organizations in successfully navigating funding opportunities to access the resources they need to lead in the clean energy transition, pollution clean-up, and green workforce development.

The Local Energy Project Grant Writer is expected to contribute to the successful development of funding proposals for energy projects benefiting rural, remote, and underserved communities in Minnesota. A particular focus for grant writing will be in support of projects led by rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and tribal nations seeking funding from federal agencies.
While the focus of technical and grant writing assistance for this role is Minnesota rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and tribal nations, there will be opportunities to engage with a network of technical assistance providers across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio in the Great Lakes TCTAC.

This is envisioned as a full-time role, however candidates seeking part-time work will also be considered. This is a one-year position, which could be renewed for an additional year, depending on performance and funding.

Pay Rate: $70-80K

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

70% Grant writing:

• Writing grant technical volumes
• Budget development
• Supporting development of additional required documents of funding proposals, such as Concept Papers, Statement of Project Objectives, Budget Justifications, Community Benefits Plans

30% Outreach and engagement:

• Meeting with funding applicants to understand project concepts and translate them into technical grant proposal language
• Meeting with staff from organizations applying for local energy project grants to understand key priorities

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience equal to eight years
• Experience developing complex grant proposals, especially federal grant proposals
• Familiarity with federal agency requirements for energy infrastructure grants

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years' experience in grant writing
• Experience in the energy sector, particularly work with rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and tribal nations.
• Experience in local clean energy project development
• Strong technical writing skills

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.