Program Associate at Plains Institute

Program Associate at Great Plains Institute

By The Sustainability Grid Desk

Location Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Type Full-Time, Hybrid / WFH Flexible

Salary USD 52,000 to USD 62,000 per year, commensurate with experience

Experience Entry-Level, 1 to 3 years of relevant experience

Deadline Applications considered on a rolling basis

Ideal

Start Date:

September 15, 2026

The Great Plains Institute (GPI) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to accelerate the transition to net-zero carbon emissions for the benefit of people, the economy, and the environment.

Headquartered in Minnesota, GPI has more than 70 professionals and operates nationally while maintaining a strong focus on the Midcontinent region. The organization works with communities, governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to advance practical climate and clean energy solutions.

GPI's work is guided by five core values:
trusted, inclusive, equitable, pragmatic, and transformative
.

GPI is seeking a Program Associate to support climate and clean energy planning initiatives, primarily focused on helping local governments develop and implement strategies to meet climate mitigation and adaptation goals.

The position will sit within GPI's Renewable Energy team while working closely with the Communities team. The role may also provide opportunities to contribute to areas such as climate resilience, clean transportation, renewable energy co-benefits, and energy resilience.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional interested in climate policy, renewable energy, sustainability, community engagement, and local government climate action.

The successful candidate will need to be organized, self-motivated, curious, community-focused, and comfortable managing multiple projects and stakeholders.

Approximately 70% of the role will involve supporting program managers across climate and clean energy projects.

Assist with grant administration, including proposal development and grant reporting.

Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and objectives remain on track.

Support the development of stakeholder tools, resources, reports, presentations, Power Points, and other project materials.

Conduct research and analytical work involving data collection, analysis, surveys, interviews, and web-based research.

Gather, organize, and analyze information using spreadsheets, databases, geographic information systems, and other analytical tools.

Translate research findings into practical outputs such as case studies, blogs, short reports, and databases.

Support external communications by drafting case studies and blog content, maintaining communications calendars, and updating websites.

Provide additional program support as requested by program managers, senior leadership, or the Vice President of Renewable Energy.

Approximately 30% of the position will focus on coordinating project meetings and events.

Schedule meetings with internal and external partners and support agenda development, meeting notes, follow-ups, and stakeholder outreach.

Work with GPI staff and external partners to understand meeting objectives and logistical requirements.

Manage virtual events and webinars, including breakout sessions, real-time surveys, and audio and video recording.

Coordinate event logistics where required, including venues, registration, sponsorship, travel, accommodation, catering, meeting materials, signage, and participant support.

Serve as a point of contact for speakers and participants.

Conduct post-event evaluations and use feedback to improve future meetings and events.

Support projects that help local governments develop and implement climate and clean energy plans.

Contribute to technical assistance activities, equitable community engagement, renewable energy research, and documentation of clean energy co-benefits.

Depending on interests and organizational needs, opportunities may also arise to contribute to climate resilience, clean transportation, energy resilience, and other clean energy initiatives.

One to three years of paid or volunteer experience working with local or state governments, community organizations, renewable energy development, sustainability, climate, or related areas.

Experience working with both local government and sustainability or climate initiatives is an…