Job Title: Tribal Solar Project Manager (Solar for All)

Job Type: W2 employee

Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2025

Location: Looking for candidates based in Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin. Work is remote with significant local travel.

Travel: 2-4x per month (primarily local travel within Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, with occasional national travel)

Salary: $90,000-$100,000

Benefits: This position will have a comprehensive benefits plan that is competitive with the non-profit sector. This package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan with employer matching, and continuing education allowances. Additionally, we offer flexible work hours to support work-life balance.

About MTERA: The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) is a non-profit intertribal organization comprised of Midwest Tribes. We are planning and pursuing innovative Tribal energy projects that respect the sovereignty and unique culture of individual Member Tribes, while leveraging the collective strength and resources of all Midwest Tribes.

Job Summary: MTERA was awarded a $62M EPA Solar for All (SFA) award to plan and deploy residential and community solar projects for the benefit of the 35 Tribal Nations located in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in partnership with 5+ coalition partners. This program provides Tribes with the financial and technical assistance necessary to plan and build residentially benefiting solar projects on Tribal Lands in the Midwest.

MTERA is seeking an experienced Tribal Solar Project Manager to monitor, manage, and oversee the implementation of Tribal solar projects funded through this program. This role requires strong leadership and communication, project management expertise, and a deep understanding of the solar industry. The individual will manage multiple projects from initial design and permitting through construction and completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, quality standards, and safety regulations. The position requires collaboration with the internal MTERA Solar for All team, Tribes, external stakeholders, and contractors to ensure project goals are met efficiently and effectively. This role requires a strong understanding of Tribes, Tribal sovereignty, and the unique challenges and opportunities for developing clean energy resources in Indian Country. A Tribal background is strongly preferred. This role will directly report to the MTERA Solar for All Program Director.

Through their work on the MTERA SFA program, the Tribal Solar Project Manager will play a key role in MTERA’s overall vision of supporting individual Tribal energy projects. This position may collaborate with other MTERA programs to further this mission, particularly the Community Change Grant program. This position is funded by the Solar for All program, which runs through April 2029; while funding for the role beyond this is not guaranteed, the role has the potential to evolve to support future energy project initiatives through other MTERA programs pending receipt of additional funding.

Summary of Responsibilities: The primary responsibilities are as follows:

1. Oversee the execution of solar energy projects across the region, from initial design and permitting through to construction and commissioning.
2. Serve as the primary point of contact and resource for 12+ Tribes located within Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin throughout the project development and implementation process.
3. Develop collaborative working relationships with Tribes, including frequent in-person visits to support effective communication and oversight on all ongoing Tribal Solar for All projects within the region.
4. Develop and manage project budgets and schedules, ensuring that projects stay within budget and on schedule.
5. Oversee and track the delivery of technical assistance from MTERA Coalition partners to Tribes on broad topics, including capacity building, workforce development, financing, pre-construction, and project deployment support.
6. Collaborate with MTERA internal staff and the SFA team to ensure continuity for Tribes participating in multiple MTERA programs.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in relevant fields
2. 2+ years of experience in project management, preferably in the energy sector
3. Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
4. Knowledge of renewable energy technologies and market trends
5. Understanding of and/or experience working with Tribes and knowledge of Tribal history, sovereignty, and cultures

Application Process:

Please visit the following link to apply online: https://www.mtera.org/current-job-openings

If you run into any issues with the online application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to <contactus@mtera.org>. We look forward to receiving your application!