Academic Hourly-Green Business Research and Outreach Specialist - 1027669-6689

The University of Illinois seeks a Green Business Research and Outreach Specialist to support sustainability initiatives for Illinois businesses. Responsibilities include researching sustainability practices, engaging with businesses, creating outreach materials, and monitoring progress on environmental strategies. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required, along with data analysis skills. The position offers hybrid or remote work options and focuses on reducing pollution and improving energy efficiency.
About the position

The Green Business Research and Outreach Specialist at the University of Illinois will support the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) in implementing sustainability strategies for businesses in Illinois. This role focuses on researching sustainability practices, engaging with businesses to promote and track the adoption of these practices, and creating outreach materials to educate stakeholders about green business programs. The position may offer hybrid or remote work options and is essential for advancing the mission of reducing pollution and improving energy efficiency in the state.

Responsibilities
• Research various sustainability strategies and technologies to increase efficiency and reduce environmental emissions for businesses.
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• Research compostable, PFAS-free foodware alternatives for businesses that have received technical assessments.
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• Monitor and track progress on the implementation of sustainability strategies for assessed businesses and their environmental outcomes.
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• Organize and deliver presentations on the green business program work.
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• Develop energy and sustainability analyses, reports, and deliverables.
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• Conduct outreach to businesses for technical assessments across Illinois via email and phone.
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• Participate in site visits at businesses to identify sustainability and energy efficiency opportunities.
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• Develop action plans for businesses to achieve environmental outcome reductions.
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• Collect feedback from businesses served regarding the implementation of sustainability recommendations.
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• Liaise with industry associations and economic development agencies to promote available business services and programs.
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• Participate in funder/client meetings to develop program initiatives.
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• Coordinate and perform social media activities and planning for green business work.
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• Develop and disseminate communications related to sustainability in business, including outreach materials and resources.
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• Track and report activities towards grants and project plans.
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• Evaluate overall effectiveness of the program and recommend modifications.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Sustainability, Engineering, or related field.
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• Demonstrated experience in analyzing complex data and providing written and verbal reports or recommendations.
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• Ability to travel in-state for business site visits using reliable transportation.

Nice-to-haves
• Master's degree in Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Sustainability, Engineering, or related field.
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• Three years of professional experience with energy and sustainability analysis in a related field.
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• Project management experience.

Benefits
• Hybrid or remote work options
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• Professional development opportunities
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• Networking with industry associations and stakeholders