Posting TitleProfessional II/III - Project Coordinator - NREL Solar Program Operation
LocationCO - Golden
Position TypeRegular
Hours Per Week40
Working at NRELFrom day one at NREL, you'll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you'll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL's critical objectives, and
see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don't meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.Job DescriptionThis position is a program management support role providing direct assistance to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)'s Solar Energy Technology Office (SETO) funded efforts at NREL which includes a wide-ranging portfolio of projects. Primary focus is on supporting the NREL Solar program manager in coordinating project documentation across the NREL Solar portfolio including tracking and reporting of information relevant to NREL Solar's performance. The position will directly report to the Solar Laboratory Program Manager, but will be a critical member of the Solar Program Operations Team (SPOT) and will work closely with the NREL Solar leadership team and project leads (also known as Principal Investigators or PIs) for SETO projects.
Professional II:NREL's Solar portfolio spans the entire laboratory work force and requires extensive hands-on and detail-oriented support to ensure the operations of the program are efficient and well-coordinated. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for providing coordination across the SETO PIs and Project Controllers (PCs) to ensure project information is completed accurately and tracked for quality and consistency. The Project Coordinator will also provide support in tracking and monitoring Program competitive opportunities, interests and responses.
In conjunction with the Solar Program Operations Lead, this staff member will work closely with staff across the lab to ensure project and reporting information quality. This role ensures the documentation for effective project management and coordination with DOE are in place between NREL and DOE. This person will work with project controllers (PCs) or equivalent project support staff across the lab to ensure information to PIs is clear and coordinated and ensure project information is timely and accurate. As needed, this position will also work directly with PIs when documentation is in question or inaccurate. This person will flag any issues with scope, schedule, and budget on projects and notify relevant team members, financial analysts and/or program management to address.
This position will be working regularly with the NREL Solar databases and tools including the Active Project Records database, the Competitive Opportunities/Partnerships database, and the Reporting Tool. The position will be responsible for tracking and monitor operational aspects of the NREL Solar portfolio daily in these tools.
This position is responsible for many periodic communications to project teams regarding project funding and status, as well as responding to staff questions on program operational needs such as documentation and reporting. This position is directly involved with staff to review and complete reporting requirements.
This position will provide insights into process improvements to further streamline internal processes around information collection, tracking, and reporting. As the portfolio continues to expand, enhancements such as interactive tools are critical to handle the volume of work. This position will work closely with the Program Operations Lead to develop and maintain the best solutions for handling the work volume.
Professional III:In addition to the duties above,
- Manage and coordinate process of preparing, reviewing and submitting quarterly project reports to SETO.
- Engage with external clients at Department of Energy to address questions and requests
- Develop presentations, formal reports, and other communications to share program progress with internal staff/management and external clients
- Develop/maintain program database functionality, including but not limited to data quality and user experience improvement
- Train staff on Solar Program documentation and requirements
Basic QualificationsRelevant Bachelor's Degree or equivalent relevant education/experience. General knowledge and frequent use of project management techniques, theories and concepts. Substantial knowledge of technical field and standards. Good interpersonal, conflict resolution, teaming and communication skills.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.Additional Required QualificationsProfessional II
- Basic knowledge and experience with project management principles, concepts, practices and standards.
- Proficient use of Microsoft Excel.
- Strong understanding of project management and fiscal management principles.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to streamline and simplify processes and reporting to minimize impact on staff.
- Exhibits initiative, creativity and resourcefulness.
- Strong team player able to work effectively independently and within a team setting.
- Commitment to excellent customer service complemented by exemplary interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
- Supportive attitude towards organizational and programmatic goals.
- Ability to proficiently prioritize conflicting priorities from multiple sources without compromising quality.
Professional III
- In additon to the above....
- Demonstrated experience applying project management and fiscal managmeent principles.
- Demonstrated experience liaising with external partners and clients.
Preferred QualificationsProfessional II: - Demonstrated knowledge of research and development project management practices.
- Experience in development and maintaining shared-resource tools like SharePoint and Microsoft Teams.
- Knowledge of NREL financial planning and tracking tools.
- Experience in use and/or development of Mail Merge software for processing high-volumes of personalized emails.
- Proficient in file sharing and cloud storage software
Professional III:- Experience in developing/maintaining database functionality with knowledge of basic programming and database development.
- FileMaker Pro development
- Experience with Federal clients
- Coordination of teams to complete an effort
- Confidence in facilitating/leading meetings in an equitable and professional manner
Job Application Submission WindowThe anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Professional III / Annual Salary Range: $73,200 - $120,800
Job Profile: Professional II / Annual Salary Range: $63,600 - $104,900
NREL takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Badging RequirementNREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.
Drug Free WorkplaceNREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission GuidelinesPlease note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
EEO PolicyNREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
EEO is the Law |
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination |
Reasonable Accommodations E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.