About Mid Hudson Energy Transition

Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers municipalities, their residents, and businesses to own and share renewable energy, create healthier buildings, and join in community wealth-building to strengthen the resilience of the Hudson Valley in the face of climate change. We engage and build on the active involvement of communities, with particular emphasis on low-income and communities of color that are being harmed first and worst by climate change.

Community Engagement Coordinator
Location(s): Poughkeepsie, NY & surrounding areas in Hudson Valley, NY
Duration: 3-6 months
Hours: Flexible. 15-18 hours a week for full time students. Eligible interns not taking classes can work up to 20 hours per week.
Compensation: $22 - $25/hour

The Organization

Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Inc. (MHET) is a not-for-profit community-based organization that empowers municipalities, their residents, and businesses to own and share renewable energy, create healthier buildings, and join in community wealth-building to strengthen the resilience of the Hudson Valley in the face of climate change. We engage and build on the active involvement of communities, with particular emphasis on low-income communities and communities of color that are being harmed first and worst by climate change.

Job Summary:

The Community Engagement Coordinator will act as a vital bridge between MHET’s initiatives and the communities they support. This role involves conducting public engagement efforts primarily in Poughkeepsie, as well as neighboring cities in the Hudson Valley , NY, to establish and strengthen connections with local residents, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders. The Community Engagement Coordinator will play a crucial role in fostering relationships across all sectors of the community, ensuring clear and effective communication about MHET’s programs. This includes conveying program details and benefits through diverse engagement strategies, both in-person and through other outreach methods.

Responsibilities:

• Foster authentic and compassionate relationships with community members.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of MHET’s initiatives: Home Upgrade Grants, Mid-Hudson Community Solar, the Home Energy Loan Program, and the HELP Fund.
• Conduct public engagement in person, digitally, and through printed materials to inform community members about MHET’s programs, including their objectives, specifics, and advantages.
• Offer Spanish language support during community meetings, educational sessions, and public engagement activities.
• Ensure that translated resources and communications are accessible to community members, regardless of their familiarity with New York’s energy landscape.
• Assist in the coordination and execution of outreach events, assess their impact, and contribute to refining engagement strategies.
• Support the design and implementation of a community listening process.
• Help map and assess local organizations and community initiatives to understand alignment and partnership potential.
• Assist with planning listening tour locations, outreach, and engagement strategies.
• Participate in community listening sessions and document key insights.
• Support meetings with local organizations, community groups, and leaders.
• Contribute to summarizing findings and identifying opportunities for future collaboration.
• Maintain records of outreach efforts, language accessibility successes and challenges, and community feedback.
• Develop a strong grasp of climate justice and energy equity, which are fundamental principles guiding our organization’s mission and approach.
• Engage in critical thinking and proactive support to help community members navigate energy-related concerns.
• Strengthen community connections through direct assistance and collaborative efforts.
  
  

Successful candidates will have:

• Enthusiasm for community engagement and outreach.
• A desire to learn about energy systems; but in-depth prior knowledge is not needed.
• Experience working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity and inclusion, with a focus on building the capacity of communities to lead their own energy transitions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Prior experience in community organizing, marketing, or related fields is a plus.
• Fluency in Spanish and English is required.
• Ability to conduct local outreach primarily in Poughkeepsie, as well as neighboring cities in the Hudson Valley , NY.

Eligibility: Students will be required to meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• An individual currently attending or who attended a degree program at a college or university located in New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application.
• A current New York State resident attending or who attended a college or university outside of New York State within the last 12 months as of the date of the intern application. New York State residency, with proof of residency such as rental agreement or utility bills, must have been established prior to the start of the internship.
• New York State residents who are members of a disadvantaged community and/or Priority Population.

To Apply: To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter to our Careers Page portal explaining your interest in clean energy and community engagement.

Learn more about NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Internship here.