Director for Clean Energy Learning Center

Description

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is committed to our vision to be the educational home that transforms students' lives through economic and social mobility. We are one of eight Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Washington state with Hispanic students representing just under half of our student population. As such, CBC is committed to discovering and enacting innovative ways to intentionally serve Hispanic students while serving all. We center equity in all that we do and seek to attract and retain engaged individuals committed to helping all students be successful in accomplishing their goals.

The Director for the Clean Energy Learning Center will lead a Department of Energy (DOE) Community Capacity Building Grant Program (CCBGP) to advance education and career pathways in clean energy. In partnership with Energy Northwest, this role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive program that supports workforce readiness in clean energy, fosters diversity and inclusion, builds strategic partnerships, engages the community, and creates long-term program sustainability. The director will manage all administrative aspects of the DOE grant, including preparing performance reports, supervising support staff, and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional guidelines.

The Director will also cultivate pathways to student employment by engaging with community partners, organizing career events, and developing mentorships and internships. In addition, they will lead outreach and equity efforts to attract diverse student groups into clean energy pathways.

This position reports to the Dean for Career & Technical Education.

This position is receiving applications until January 1 , 2025 at 11:59 PM PST . The College will conduct initial interviews with selected candidates via Zoom and will conduct on-campus interviews with finalists.

If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Ashley Jordan at ajordan@columbiabasin.edu or (509) 542-4567.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage all administrative aspects stated in the DOE grant, including preparing required annual performance reports and financial statements, supervising and evaluating program support staff, and ensuring grant compliance;
• Develop the grant’s strategic plan, approve budget expenditures, establish data collection systems, and maintain records necessary for grant compliance and project evaluation consistent with federal and institutional guidelines;
• Collaborate with faculty and industry professionals to create and modify curriculum focused on clean energy technologies, hands-on training experiences, and industry best practices. Provide other support needed for assessment, program review, and accreditation;
• Frequently engage and maintain strategic partnerships with sub-awardees, industry partners and stakeholders, government agencies, and community organizations. Coordinate program advisory committee meetings as needed;
• Develop pathways for students to gain practical experience and employment opportunities within the clean energy industry by expanding internship opportunities, organizing events, scheduling guest lectures, and developing mentor programs that connect students with professionals in the sector;
• Lead marketing and outreach initiatives to raise awareness of clean energy careers and training opportunities, targeting middle schools, high schools, and local organizations;
• Collaborate with CBC departments to provide comprehensive wraparound support and services to program participants and enhance the participation of underrepresented groups, ensuring equitable access to learning and training opportunities;
• Plan and execute workshops, site tours, and STEM events to build a pipeline of students interested in clean energy careers. Track and monitor student’s progress and placement into employment positions;
• Identify and procure equipment and technology that aligns with grant objectives and industry standards. Oversee the installation and maintenance of equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation in training environments. Coordinate training sessions for faculty to ensure proper use, integration, and upkeep of new equipment;
• Assist with recruiting and selecting faculty responsible for teaching clean energy courses. Serve on College committees as appropriate; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university; and
• Five (5) years of experience in the energy industry, grant management experience, or leadership experience reasonably related to this administrative assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• Experience in curriculum development;
• Experience with grant-funded program management; and
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Competencies

Project Management : Manage projects by focusing attention on key priorities. Evaluate approaches, determine feasibility, and adjust plan as needed. Develop plans, coordinate projects and teams. Communicate changes and progress. Complete projects on time and on budget. Perform well without direct supervision. Do complex work independently. Follow tasks through to completion;

Adaptability: Adapts quickly to changing market conditions, workforce needs and educational demand, while juggling multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously;

Stakeholder Engagement: Convenes critical stakeholders in partnership and acts as the ‘hub’ for information, meetings, best practices and advising;

Analytical Skills: Identifies industry sector workforce needs including current and emerging skills, workforce volume requirements, education and training;

Curriculum Development: Design and develop new academic programs and courses. Align curriculum with accreditation standards and industry requirements. Strong understanding of pedagogical principles and learning theories;

Leadership : Lead through influence, rather than authority, and take ownership and accountability for the area of responsibility and decisions made. Demonstrate confidence within area of expertise – promote a cooperative work environment. Ability to appropriately apply leadership techniques to motivate, develop and guide employees;

Support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion : Reflecting CBC’s mission, vision and values, demonstrate a commitment to growing an inclusive workforce through leadership that contributes to diverse and equitable working environments for students, colleagues, and industry stakeholders. Demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity, and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the success of all;

Accountability : Accountable for own actions, decisions, errors, mistakes and/or failures to act when appropriate; accept responsibility when given, understand what duties employee is responsible for and can be counted upon to carry out those responsibilities; and

Teamwork : Demonstrate a willingness to work with, and help others in completing job assignments, the ability to accept constructive criticism, and to cooperate with fellow employees and supervisors; demonstrate alignment with the 'Yes And' culture, (e.g., being present and listening, making each other look good, embracing change and failure and choosing positivity).

Terms of Employment

This position is grant funded through September 30, 2027.

This is a full-time, overtime exempt, administrative staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, work hours will vary due to work demands (this will include evening and weekend work as required).

CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.

CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the “Benefits” tab for comprehensive benefits information.

Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW28B.112.080.
• Pass a criminal background check. Note: information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.
• Verify education at time of hire.
• Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.

OTHER JOB ELEMENTS
The working conditions listed below represent those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.

Work environment includes office and other settings as appropriate. It is a fast paced and sometimes stressful service environment. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises. This position has an occasional need for travel.