Bilingual Community Coordinator (Internship)

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.

Bilingual Community Coordinator
Clean Energy Internship

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 Bilingual Community Coordinator will act as a vital bridge between MHET’s initiatives and the communities they support. This role involves conducting public engagement efforts in Kingston, NY, as well as in neighboring cities such as Poughkeepsie and Newburgh, to establish and strengthen connections with local residents, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders. The Bilingual Community 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 Improvement Grants, Kingston Community Energy, 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.
• Provide ongoing assistance to community members regarding program inquiries and enrollment, including collaboration with external organizations, service providers, local partners, and other stakeholders.
• 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