Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Manager

at Southeastern Wind Coalition

🏢 About Southeastern Wind Coalition

The Southeastern Wind Coalition (SEWC) is a unique non-profit coalition that brings together industry, academia, NGOs, government, and utilities to advance land-based and offshore wind in the Southeast. What sets SEWC apart is its business-minded, economically focused approach to building the case for wind energy, including supply chain development, and its collaborative, multi-state footprint across 11 states. Working here means being part of a passionate, fully remote team dedicated to growing the wind industry in a region where it's still emerging.

About This Role

As the Program Manager for Arkansas, you will be the key staff member driving SEWC's program and policy priorities in the state. You'll lead outreach and education efforts, build relationships with diverse stakeholders, and support member communications to advance wind energy development. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape Arkansas' wind energy landscape, from policy discussions to on-the-ground coalition building, while enjoying the flexibility of a remote position with up to 25% travel.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with SEWC team members and Arkansas stakeholders, drafting communications materials, and planning upcoming outreach events. You could also be researching policy developments, preparing presentations, or traveling within Arkansas to attend meetings with utilities, government officials, or community groups. The role blends independent work with collaborative engagement, all aimed at advancing wind energy in the state.

🎯 Who Southeastern Wind Coalition Is Looking For

  • You are based in Arkansas and have a strong understanding of the state's energy, political, and economic landscape.
  • You have experience in stakeholder engagement, coalition building, or community outreach, ideally in energy, environment, or a related field.
  • You are a self-starter who can work independently in a remote setting but also thrive in collaborative, multi-stakeholder environments.
  • You possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and can effectively represent SEWC to industry, government, and community audiences.

📝 Tips for Applying to Southeastern Wind Coalition

1

Highlight your Arkansas connections: explicitly state your location in Arkansas and any local networks or experience you have in the state.

2

Demonstrate your understanding of SEWC's business-minded approach: mention how you've worked at the intersection of economics and energy or environmental issues.

3

Show your ability to manage programs independently: provide examples of programs or initiatives you've led from conception to execution, especially in a remote or decentralized team.

4

Emphasize your experience with diverse stakeholders: detail how you've engaged with industry, government, NGOs, or utilities to achieve common goals.

5

Tailor your cover letter to the Arkansas context: discuss specific opportunities or challenges for wind energy in Arkansas and how you would address them.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your personal and professional ties to Arkansas and why you're committed to advancing wind energy there.", 'A concrete example of a successful outreach or education campaign you led, including how you measured its impact.', "How you would leverage SEWC's business-minded, economically focused approach to build support for wind in Arkansas.", "Your experience working with diverse stakeholders and how you would convene them to advance SEWC's mission in Arkansas."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Learn about SEWC's current initiatives and policy priorities in Arkansas, including any recent reports, press releases, or blog posts.
  • → Understand the key stakeholders in Arkansas' energy landscape, including utilities, regulators, and environmental groups.
  • → Research the status of wind energy in Arkansas: existing projects, potential for growth, and relevant state policies or incentives.
  • → Explore SEWC's 11-state footprint and how Arkansas fits into their broader regional strategy.
Visit Southeastern Wind Coalition's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Can you describe a time when you built a coalition or partnership to advance an energy or environmental initiative? What was your approach?
2 How would you engage with stakeholders in Arkansas who may be skeptical about wind energy?
3 What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for wind development in Arkansas?
4 How do you prioritize competing demands in a remote work environment while ensuring in-state presence?
5 Give an example of how you've used economic arguments to make the case for a renewable energy project or policy.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being vague about your connection to Arkansas: if you're not currently based there, explain your plans to relocate and any ties you have.
  • Focusing only on environmental passion without demonstrating an understanding of the economic and business case for wind.
  • Underestimating the importance of stakeholder engagement: avoid giving generic answers about outreach without specific examples.

📅 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 Southeastern Wind Coalition!