Job Description:

Academic Hourly-Green Business Research and Outreach Specialist




Smart Energy Design Assistance Center



Department of Landscape Architecture


University of Illinois College of Fine and Applied Arts


The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) seeks a Green Business Specialist to support US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) grant-funded work in helping businesses implement sustainability strategies and reduce pollution. The Green Business Specialist will help businesses in Illinois to identify and adopt sustainable practices to improve efficiency and reduce pollution. This role includes researching sustainability strategies, working directly with businesses to encourage and track implementation, creating outreach materials, and delivering presentations about SEDAC's green business programs. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois, with potential options for hybrid remote or remote work.


SEDAC is an applied research center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign funded by federal and state agencies including the Illinois State Energy Office at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; the US EPA; the US Department of Energy; local government agencies; and other funding sources. Our mission is to decrease the energy footprint of the State of Illinois through programs in energy efficiency, renewable energy development, greenhouse gas reduction, and clean energy workforce development.



Duties & Responsibilities



Research
• Research various sustainability strategies, best management practices, and technologies to increase efficiency and/or reduce environmental emissions for businesses.
• Research compostable, PFAS-free foodware alternatives for businesses that have received technical assessments.
• Research, monitor, and track progress on the implementation of sustainability strategies for assessed businesses and their environmental outcomes.
• Research, organize, and deliver presentations on the green business program work.
• Develop energy and sustainability analyses, reports, and deliverables.


Outreach & Consulting
• Conduct outreach to businesses for technical assessments across Illinois (email, phone).
• Participate in site visits at businesses to identify sustainability and energy efficiency opportunities.
• Develop action plans for businesses to achieve environmental outcome reductions.
• Outreach to businesses served to collect feedback and implementation of sustainability recommendations.
• Liaise with industry associations, economic development agencies, and other stakeholders to promote available business services and programs.
• Participate in funder/client meetings to develop program initiatives.
• Coordinate and perform social media activities and planning for green business work.
• Develop and disseminate communications, including outreach materials and resources, related to sustainability in business (funding initiatives, case studies, etc.).


Operations
• Track and report activities towards grants and project plans
• Track and report business implementation of emissions-reducing actions.
• Evaluate overall effectiveness of the program, recommend design and development modifications, and implement changes.
• Support semi-annual and annual progress reporting.
• Other relevant duties as assigned to further the mission of SEDAC.



Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Sustainability, Engineering, or related field.


• Demonstrated experience in analyzing complex data and providing written and verbal reports or recommendations.


• In-state (IL) travel is required for this position and the ability to travel in-person via reliable transportation to business sites must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Sustainability, Engineering, or related field.


• Three years of professional experience with energy and sustainability analysis in a related field.


• Project management experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Process knowledge of current developments and trends in sustainability and energy efficiency.


• Ability and willingness to travel in-state for business site visits.


• Ability to research and analyze information and data to make appropriate conclusions and recommendations.


• Excellent organizational skills, such as time management, task prioritization, follow-through, and ability to meet deadlines.


• Ability to work in teams.


• Demonstrate a high level of customer service.


• Knowledge of sustainability principles and best practices in areas such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, pollution prevention, or green buildings.


• Ability to use software such as Microsoft Office Suite and web-based information management tools.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Academic Hourly position, appointed through June 30, 2025, with the possibility of reappointment based on performance and funding. This position offers paid leave (1 hour of paid leave earned per 40 hours of work, up to 40 hours of paid leave per year). This could become a permanent position at a later date, depending on department needs and funding. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The budgeted range of hourly rates for this position is $30 per hour - $40 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Application materials should include a cover letter, a current resume, and at least three professional references with contact information. Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position. To apply, send all required application materials to sedac-info@illinois.edu . No phone calls, please.


First preference will be given to applications received by 8:00 am (CST) on November 25, 2024. The position will remain open until the position has been filled.


The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1027669
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu


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