AZ Rural Organizing Associate; Remote AZ

About the Position

The Arizona Rural Organizing Associate will work closely with the Arizona Program Director and the regional support team to carry out SUN's goals in Arizona. The role will focus on creating informed and engaged rural solar advocates who can participate effectively in debates about the use of solar energy in their community.

This position reports to the Arizona Program Director.

• Organizing and engaging with a diverse range of solar supporters in urban, suburban, and rural communities, with an emphasis on engaging solar supporters in rural areas.
• Educating members and supporters about the benefits of responsibly‑sited utility‑scale solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) through Solar 101s, happy hours, and other community events.
• Mobilizing local solar supporters to weigh in on key utility‑scale solar and BESS projects and support responsible solar and BESS ordinances. Mobilizing supporters in opposition to overly‑restrictive local ordinances.
• Engaging with legislators, local governments, and partner organizations to advance the state program's policy and programmatic goals, especially related to rural‑based solar issues, solar siting, and local ordinances.
• Representing the state program in coalitions and at in‑person and digital events.
• Growing and facilitating ongoing public education and volunteer engagement through regular communications, public‑speaking at events, and leadership development that support the state program's policy and programmatic goals.

• Planning and implementing programs to help individuals and organizations go solar, cultivating partner relationships, engaging with the media, conducting public solar 101 sessions, communicating with and supporting people interested in going solar.
• Supporting the implementation of solar co‑ops in rural counties.
• Providing technical assistance to individuals and entities interested in going solar.
• Conducting policy, regulatory, and market research to support the state's policy goals, particularly related to solar messaging for rural outreach regarding utility‑scale solar siting and development.
• Occasionally meeting directly with policy‑makers and preparing our membership for meetings with policy‑makers at the state and local level.
• Creating resources and authoring timely content to provide in‑depth information on relevant solar topics and helping our members become more effective and informed advocates for solar.

• Actively contribute to a workplace culture aligned with SUN's values of equity, inclusion, continuous learning, action‑oriented, and people‑centered.
• Show up fully for learning and planning and activities, including all‑staff meetings, retreats, and strategy sessions.
• Coordinate and work with external consultants as needed.
• Facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and take notes.
• As a key member of the team, contribute to brainstorming, developing, and executing new ideas.
• Manage your own regular administration, including timely submission of timesheets, receipts, reimbursements, scheduling, traveling planning, and HR paperwork.
• Other projects or tasks as assigned.

• Ability to occasionally lift and move equipment or packages up to 50 pounds
• Ability to remain in a stationary position and work at a computer for extended periods
• Ability to travel by car and airplane to attend or support events, workshops and staff retreats
• Ability to stand for extended periods while leading events and/or community outreach activities

• Proactive and Accountable: takes initiative, follows through on commitments, and owns outcomes.
• People‑Centered Communicator: communicates clearly and respectfully in both written and verbal forms. Seeks understanding through questions, engages in open dialogue, and is receptive to giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Adaptable and Growth‑Minded: embraces learning with curiosity and approaches change with flexibility. Comfortable navigating new tools, systems, and evolving ways of working.
• Collaborative and Inclusive: builds strong relationships across…