Application Guide

How to Apply for Ohio Program Associate (Remote within OH)

at Solar United Neighbors

🏢 About Solar United Neighbors

Solar United Neighbors is a mission-driven nonprofit that puts people at the center of the clean energy transition by organizing solar co-ops and advocating for pro-solar policies. Their community-first approach and focus on making solar accessible to all Ohioans makes them a unique and impactful place to work.

About This Role

As the Ohio Program Associate, you'll be the boots on the ground organizing solar co-ops, building partnerships with local governments and nonprofits, and advocating for solar-friendly policies. Your work directly helps Ohio homeowners save money and reduce emissions, while also shaping the state's energy future.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the national team, followed by researching Ohio utility policies for an advocacy letter. Afternoon could involve calling prospective co-op members to answer questions, then preparing materials for an upcoming info session at a local library. You might end the day by updating the website with new resources or meeting with a partner organization to plan a joint event.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Solar United Neighbors Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of experience in community organizing, solar/renewables, or project management, with a proven ability to mobilize people and manage complex campaigns.
  • Is a strong communicator who can build relationships with diverse stakeholders—from homeowners to legislators—and tailor messages to each audience.
  • Is highly organized and comfortable juggling multiple projects (e.g., co-ops, events, policy research) while working remotely and traveling frequently within Ohio.
  • Passionate about clean energy and social justice, with a basic understanding of solar policy and the ability to quickly learn Ohio's regulatory landscape.

📝 Tips for Applying to Solar United Neighbors

1

Highlight specific examples of community organizing or campaign management, especially any experience with coalition-building or public events.

2

Show your familiarity with Ohio's energy landscape—mention any knowledge of net metering, utility regulations, or local solar incentives.

3

Emphasize your ability to work independently and manage your time, as this is a remote role with frequent travel.

4

Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description like 'solar co-op', 'partner cultivation', and 'policy research'.

5

Include a cover letter that tells a story about why you're passionate about solar energy and how your skills directly align with SUN's mission.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your hands-on experience with community organizing or project management, with specific metrics (e.g., 'organized 5 info sessions with 200+ attendees').", "Your understanding of Solar United Neighbors' model and why you're excited to support solar co-ops in Ohio.", 'Your ability to work across teams and with external partners, including any experience with policy advocacy or grant writing.', "Your connection to Ohio—whether you're from there, have worked on Ohio issues, or understand the state's political and energy landscape."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read SUN's website and blog to understand their solar co-op model and recent Ohio campaigns.
  • → Look up Ohio's net metering policies and any recent legislative changes affecting rooftop solar.
  • → Check SUN's social media and news coverage to see their current advocacy priorities and partnerships in Ohio.
  • → Review the Ohio Power Siting Board and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for regulatory context.
Visit Solar United Neighbors's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you plan and execute a solar co-op campaign from start to finish?
2 Tell us about a time you built a partnership with a local government or nonprofit. What was the outcome?
3 How do you stay organized while managing multiple projects and frequent travel?
4 What's your understanding of Ohio's solar policies and the biggest barriers to adoption?
5 How would you engage a community that's skeptical about solar energy?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too vague about your organizing experience—use concrete examples with numbers and outcomes.
  • Focusing only on technical solar knowledge without showing community engagement skills.
  • Not demonstrating familiarity with Ohio's specific energy context or SUN's mission.
  • Underestimating the travel requirement—be honest about your willingness to travel 1-2 times per month.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Solar United Neighbors!

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