Join Our Team as the Town of Southbridge’s Energy Manager & Community Energy Advocate!
Are you passionate about sustainability, energy efficiency, and community empowerment? The Town of Southbridge is seeking a dedicated and mission-driven professional to lead its efforts in municipal energy management and community outreach. In this unique dual-role position, you’ll have the opportunity to develop and implement carbon reduction strategies for municipal buildings—especially schools—while also serving as a key advocate for Mass Save® programs within our diverse community. From technical energy planning to grassroots engagement, this role offers a meaningful chance to make a lasting impact on our town’s path toward climate resilience and equity.
Position Purpose:
The Energy Manager and Community Energy Advocate is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating energy efficiency, climate mitigation, and sustainability initiatives for the Town of Southbridge. This dual-role position supports energy and emissions reduction efforts across municipal buildings—particularly schools—in alignment with Massachusetts’ goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Additionally, the position leads outreach and engagement with residents and small businesses to promote participation in Mass Save® energy efficiency programs, with a focus on reaching underrepresented and majority-minority communities. The position builds partnerships, fosters community involvement, and expands local knowledge of energy-saving opportunities that lower utility costs and contribute to a more sustainable future. The Energy Advocate component of this role is part of the statewide Community First Partnership (CFP) and receives training and ongoing support from the Town and Mass Save Sponsors. This is an opportunity for a mission-driven, collaborative professional to make a measurable impact through municipal leadership and community-based advocacy.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions, or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
· Develop, implement, and manage energy and carbon reduction projects across all municipal buildings, including schools, streetlights, and the vehicle fleet. Track energy usage, emissions, utility data, and other performance indicators using tools such as Mass Energy Insight; prepare annual and quarterly reports and work plans.
· Develop or update the Town’s Energy Management Plan and maintain compliance with Green Communities designation requirements, including annual reporting, grant submissions, and tracking of program deliverables.
· Coordinate with the Facilities Department, building operators, and external vendors to design and implement short- and long-term energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives. Oversee technical assistance, vendor procurement, and project implementation.
· Prepare written materials in support of energy and sustainability initiatives, including grant applications, requests for proposals, press releases, presentations, and content for public-facing platforms. Manage project budgets and reporting for grant-funded activities and Mass Save® incentives.
· Serve as the Town’s liaison on energy and sustainability matters to departments, elected officials, local organizations, Mass Save Sponsors, and regional/state partners. Represent the Town in the statewide Community First Partnership (CFP) cohort.
· Lead community outreach efforts targeting underrepresented groups, such as renters, non-English-speaking households, moderate-income residents, and small businesses. Promote participation in Mass Save® programs through presentations, events, and media campaigns.
· Build and maintain partnerships with nonprofits, community-based organizations, and municipalities to align outreach and energy efficiency efforts with shared goals. Respond to customer inquiries and coordinate with Mass Save vendors to resolve specific needs.
· Recruit, train, and manage volunteers, interns, and contracted services to support outreach, education, and project implementation efforts.
· Create and maintain digital content, including website and social media posts, to increase community engagement in sustainability and energy initiatives. Monitor outreach effectiveness and engagement metrics.
· Maintain accurate data and records using tools such as Salesforce and spreadsheets. Ensure compliance with data privacy standards set by Mass Save Sponsors. Participate in regular trainings and contribute feedback to improve local and statewide program strategies.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, environmental science, environmental policy, engineering, business, communications, or a related field; and at least three (3) years of professional experience in energy efficiency, sustainability, project management, or community outreach. An associate’s degree in a related field with five (5) or more years of relevant experience may be considered. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Knowledge of energy management systems, energy performance analysis, greenhouse gas inventories, and decarbonization goals at the state and local level. Familiarity with commercial HVAC systems, lighting controls, weatherization measures, and energy procurement practices. Understanding of laws, regulations, and initiatives related to the Green Communities Act, renewable energy, and energy efficiency programs. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems such as Salesforce. Awareness of sustainability initiatives and community engagement strategies. Spanish fluency or strong bilingual communication skills are highly desirable to support outreach in the Town’s majority-minority and multilingual communities.
Ability: Ability to manage multiple energy and outreach projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion. Ability to build strong relationships with diverse populations, including majority-minority communities, and work effectively across language, socio-economic, and cultural lines. Ability to deliver public presentations, lead outreach campaigns, and collaborate with stakeholders to align efforts with shared goals. Ability to recruit and coordinate volunteers, follow up with program participants, and adapt strategies to community needs. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Skill: Excellent project management, organizational, communication, and public speaking skills. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with a demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and inspire action. Proficiency in data entry, tracking, and reporting using spreadsheets or similar tools. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate energy performance and identify areas for improvement. Experience with budgeting, financial recordkeeping, report writing, and digital outreach, including social media. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the areas of energy management and community sustainability.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear; operate objects, tools, or controls; pick up paper, files and other common office objects. Ability to view computer screens and work with details for extended periods of time. Must be able to communicate written and verbally.
Supervision:
Supervision Scope: Performs highly responsible functions requiring initiative, judgment, and the ability to work independently in planning, coordinating, and implementing municipal energy and sustainability programs. Provides professional guidance and support to Town departments, external partners, and volunteers in achieving energy efficiency and community engagement goals.
Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Director of Economic Development and Planning.
Supervision Given: May provide direct or functional supervision to interns, volunteers, contracted vendors, and consultants engaged in energy or outreach-related projects and initiatives.
Job Environment:
Work is performed under typical office conditions; work environment has a moderate noise level; frequent work is conducted in the field with exposure to various weather conditions; frequently travels and attends evening meetings.
Operates automobile, computer, calculator, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
Makes frequent contacts with municipal, regional, state and federal officials, town departments, chamber of commerce, quasi-public agencies, town boards and commissions, the business community, the media and the general public. Methods of communication are in person, by telephone, and email.
Errors in procedures or the interpretation of state and local legislation, could result in delays and recommendations adversely affecting economic development and the local economy, as well have legal and/or monetary repercussions.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)
Funding Acknowledgement:
This position is funded in part by Eversource and National Grid, as Sponsors of Mass Save. We acknowledge and appreciate their support in helping us achieve our energy goals.
Hours and Compensation:
This is a 36 hour per week position. The range for the rate of pay is on average $30/ hour + benefits.
The Town of Southbridge is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation/identification, or any legally protected status. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
