Contract Position 

About Sovereign Energy 

Sovereign Energy prioritizes Indigenous voices and leadership to achieve a just, equitable, and sustainable energy future. Operating at the intersection of energy, environment, and cultural resource preservation, we recognize the adverse impacts of ongoing energy extraction, exploitation, and political barriers on Tribal energy sovereignty, Tribal Nation building, and Indigenous communities. Our mission is to transform this landscape by empowering Indigenous communities to spearhead a regenerative energy future, advance climate goals with meaningful actions, and advocate for reparations for the injustices inflicted by harmful energy practices. We achieve this through our foundational pillars: Renewable energy education, Tribal capacity building, policy and regulatory advocacy, and cultural resource protection.

As an Indigenous-led organization, Sovereign Energy is committed to supporting Tribes and Indigenous people by adhering to values that reflect our cultural core beliefs.

Position Overview

The Tribal Renewable Energy Outreach Coordinator is a contract position that reports to the Director of Community Education and Outreach. This role is primarily responsible for advancing Sovereign Energy’s renewable energy education initiatives by supporting Tribal-focused outreach, stakeholder engagement, and workforce development. The Coordinator will help implement educational programs, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that Tribal communities are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to participate in and lead clean energy efforts.

Scope of Work 

Tribal-Focused Renewable Energy Education

• Support the development and implementation of a curriculum designed to enhance Tribal leadership’s and community members’ understanding of Tribal energy sovereignty, renewable energy literacy, and current Tribal energy issues.

• Support the development of white papers, presentations, and other materials translating complex energy issues into digestible information for Tribal governance and staff and Indigenous audiences.

• Organize and implement hands-on participatory learning opportunities and site visits for Tribal leadership and staff to build understanding and comfortability with renewable energy projects.

• Develop promotional materials to increase Tribes’ interest in opportunities such as New Mexico’s Community Solar Act and Solar For All programs.

• Lead Tribal stakeholder engagement processes to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities in renewable energy education; assess needs, resources, and response strategies.

• Coordinate, promote, and actively participate in both in-person and virtual events to ensure their success.

• Contribute to press plans, collaborate with community members and partners on storytelling campaigns, and draft op-eds and press materials.

Partner and Stakeholder Education 

• Collaborate with coalitions of stakeholders, including Tribal organizations, frontline communities, environmental justice advocates, governmental entities, and renewable energy developers, to advance Tribal renewable energy education.

• Represent Sovereign Energy at public forums, networking events, and presentations to build the organization’s presence and positive public image within Tribal communities.

Education and Workforce Development 

• Contribute to the creation and implementation of Sovereign Energy’s scholarship program, including developing the program’s impact framework, eligibility criteria, timeline, and outreach strategy.

• Compile a directory of educational institutions and programs supporting Native students pursuing energy sector opportunities.

• Build and collaborate with Tribal and public educational institutions to identify gaps and opportunities to advance the student to Tribal renewable energy professional pipeline. 

Qualifications 

• Excellent writing skills with the ability to distill complex issues into clear, accessible materials.

• Deep understanding of Tribal nation-building, Tribal sovereignty, and environmental and climate justice principles.

• Ability to adapt technical energy materials into formats suitable for Tribal energy education.

• Strong communication skills to explain complicated concepts to diverse audiences.

• Experience working with Tribal Nations and Native populations, especially in the Southwest, is preferred.

• Self-starter with a proactive approach to initiatives and responsibilities.

• Willing to travel as needed.  

• Event planning and management experience. 

• Proven ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with community leaders.

• Familiarity with design tools, including Canva.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

• Minimum of three years of experience working directly with Tribal Nations, with preference for experience in the Southwest.

• Minimum of two years of experience in community education and engagement. 

• Minimum of two years of experience in communications, media studies, grant writing, or technical reporting.

Mindsets

• Strong commitment to serving Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities within a mission-driven organization.

• Passion for building strong new capacity at a growing organization

• Effective project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Enthusiasm for Tribal energy issues and educational opportunities.

• Strong strategic thinking and excellent oral and written communication skills.

• High attention to detail and accuracy. 

• High motivation, initiative, and the ability to collaborate in both team-based and individual work settings.

Location 

This position is remote, but applicants must reside in New Mexico.

Position Details

• Approximate Weekly Time Commitment: 40 hours

• Work Schedule: Primarily during standard business hours, with occasional evening and weekend commitments

• Compensation: $35.00–$40.00 USD per hour

• Position Type: Contract position (not benefits-eligible)

• Travel: Significant in-state travel required across New Mexico

• Reimbursements: All position-related expenses, including travel costs, will be fully reimbursed

How To Apply 

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to mayane@sovereignenergy.org with the subject line: Tribal Renewable Energy Education Coordinator.

As this is a contract position, applicants are required to disclose all contracts held within the past two years, as well as any current contracts and contracts currently under negotiation. This information will help ensure transparency and alignment with Sovereign Energy’s values and priorities.

Please note that the hiring process includes two virtual interviews and a short assignment.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM

We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the Sovereign Energy team!