Executive Director

REpowering Schools is a 501(c)(3) organization that collaborates with educators, the renewable energy industry, and national and state government initiatives to build a strong renewable energy workforce pipeline. The organization develops programs and opportunities that engage learners of all ages and backgrounds in renewable energy education and training. REpowering Schools is committed to fostering a diverse and sustained workforce by connecting schools, communities, and industry partners. Its work supports long-term career pathways in clean energy while advancing equity and inclusion in STEM and workforce development. The organization operates nationally and partners with stakeholders across sectors to scale impactful educational programs.

About the role

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief administrator and strategic leader of the organization. The ED is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring financial sustainability, managing staff and committees, and driving strategic growth and state-level support. This role requires a dynamic leader who can effectively engage with partners and donors, manage board relations, execute robust communication and outreach, and secure funding through grant writing and strategic partnerships with private and public sector organizations. The position is fully remote with some travel required to support implementation of programs. Some expenses to support office space will be compensated. Although full time is preferred, fractional time would be considered based on applicant circumstance.

Responsibilities

• Planning and Development
  • Strategic Planning: Lead the development and execution of long-term strategic goals and plans to fulfill the organization's mission and expand its impact.
  • Development: In concert with the Board and staff, create development goals to ensure organizational sustainability, develop a fundraising plan, and execute with Board and staff support to achieve the goals.
  • Programmatic Leadership: Provide oversight and mentorship of all organizational programming in partnership with staff, partners, and funders.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Identify, build, and maintain high-level relationships with external stakeholders, industry leaders, state, federal organizations, universities/colleges, and peer organizations to advance mutual goals.
• Board Relations
  • Board Management: Act as the primary liaison between staff and the Board of Directors; facilitate regular communication, prepare draft agendas and materials for board meetings, and assist in governance activities.
  • Committee Management: Provide guidance, structure, and administrative support to active board committees to ensure alignment with overall organizational priorities.
• Staff Management
  • Operational Oversight: Direct, mentor, and evaluate hourly and salaried staff members to foster a collaborative and high-performing work culture.
  • Management: Provide oversight, prioritization, and implementation management of staff to execute all organizational projects, workplans, and budgets.
  • Timesheet Approval: Review and approve timesheets for hourly staff to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
  • Compensation Adjustments: Develop and present recommendations for staff compensation adjustments, facilitating official Board approval before implementation of full-time salaried staff adjustments.
• Finances and Operations
  • Budget Management: Develop annual operating budgets, monitor cash flow, track expenses, and ensure the organization operates within its approved financial parameters.
  • Contracting: Oversee or implement organizational contracts and agreements.
  • Operations Oversight: Maintain organizational infrastructure, administrative policies, and compliance standards to support efficient day-to-day productivity.
• Communication & Outreach
  • Messaging and Outreach Direction: Develop, oversee, and coordinate organizational messaging and outreach strategy.
  • Events and Networking: Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and networking functions.
  • Public Speaking & Exposure: Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, delivering presentations and speeches to elevate brand awareness and thought leadership.
• Fundraising and Development Oversight
  • Strategic Donor Cultivation: Leverage industry contacts from the Board of Directors and external networks to identify, research, and engage high-potential corporate funders and sponsors.
  • Pipeline & Lead Management: Oversee the fundraising pipeline, participating directly in high-level follow-up actions and leading strategic exploratory calls with prospective major sponsors.
  • Sponsorship Renewal & Retention: Guide structured outreach campaigns to maintain relationships with current sponsors, ensuring high renewal rates and long-term organizational sustainability.
  • Proposal or Grant Writing: Lead or support research, draft, and submit compelling grant proposals to secure funding from foundations, government entities, and corporate donors.
  • Grant & Revenue Diversification: Research foundation grants and alternative funding opportunities, providing strategic input and final review on all funding applications.
  • Data & Progress Tracking: Ensure the rigorous maintenance of the donor and sponsor database to accurately track fundraising metrics against organizational goals.
  • Board Reporting: Develop comprehensive, at least quarterly fundraising reports to present progress, insights, and strategic adjustments to the Board of Directors.

Requirements

• Required Skills & Attributes
  • Proven Executive or Senior Management: Demonstrated executive management experience, preferably within a non-profit or relevant industry sector, including fundraising, budget creation, financial forecasting, and fiscal management.
  • Self-Motivated & Proactive: A driven leader who can anticipate organizational needs, initiate new program strategies, and execute plans with minimal supervision.
  • Highly Organized: Exceptional project management capabilities; proven ability to manage multiple complex program timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams simultaneously.
  • Excellent Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to authentically engage and persuade diverse audiences (students, executives, donors, and community leaders).
  • Collaborative Team Player: Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, fast-paced team environment that includes diverse internal and external parties, fostering a culture of inclusivity and shared success.
  • Passionate: Outgoing and engaging with a desire to make impactful generational change in the renewable energy industry by engaging students, teachers, and industry leaders to co-create the future workforce of the U.S. renewable energy industry.
• Experience & Education
  • Masters or other professional degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, or a related field.
  • 5–8+ years of progressive experience in program management, non-profit leadership, or educational administration.
  • Experience collaborating directly with a Board of Directors or governance committee of non-profit or for-profit organizations.
  • Strong track record in fundraising, grant acquisition, and diversifying organizational revenue streams in the profit or not-for-profit sectors.
  • Direct experience within the clean or renewable energy industry is highly preferred. A solid understanding of clean energy concepts, market trends, and stakeholder networks will significantly accelerate success in this role.