The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Science, Technology and Policy Program is designed to provide opportunities for postgraduates and faculty to participate in programs, projects, and activities at the Department. Fellows will receive hands-on experience that provides an understanding of the mission, operations, and culture of the DOE. As a result, fellows will gain deep insight into the federal government's role in the creation and implementation of energy technology policies; apply their scientific, policy, and technical knowledge to the development of solutions to issues of importance to the DOE and continue their education and involvement in areas that support the DOE mission either in a technical or policy-related role.
About the Schools and Nonprofits Team
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) recognizes the central role that schools and nonprofits play in the lives ofAmericans, as well as their potential significance in the nation’s clean energy transition. The 100,000 public K-12 schools across the United States contain classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, playgrounds, and gyms where 50 million students learn, eat, build friendships, and exercise. As the second largest sector of public infrastructure spending in the U.S., public K-12 schools are also a center of our communities, serving as voting and polling locations, emergency shelters, and community gathering places. The significant under-investment in energy improvements at American schools, however, results in unnecessarily high utility costs and contributes to unhealthy and uncomfortable environments for students, teachers, and staff.There are also approximately 1.5 million 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the United States, operating more than half a million facilities. Most nonprofits are in commercial spaces where efficiency improvements can reduce energy use by up to 30%.Since energy costs are the second-largest operational expense for most schools and nonprofits, improving energy efficiency can significantly bolster their finances and expand their impact while putting America on a path to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.The more schools and nonprofits can save on operational costs, the more they can direct funds to mission-critical, community-focused work, and the bigger impact they can have.
The Schools and Nonprofits (SNP) Team, within DOE’s State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) pillar, provides grants and technical assistance to public schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and their stakeholders to make energy improvements that create healthier, more efficient environments. The SNP Team is seeking an ORISE Fellow to join their best-in-class team and play a role in marketing and communication efforts neededto deploy $550million to these new sectors, emphasizing, and translating need and impact, and expanding program missions.
What Will I be Doing?
With guidance from a mentor, you will be a part of an interdisciplinary team where activities may include:
- Conducting research into the school and non-profit markets.
- Participating in the development and direction ofstrategic communications.
- Coordinating with SCEP communications staff to efficiently and effectively promote schools and nonprofits program activities.
- Participating in support of public relations activities, including media relations, stakeholder engagement, etc.
- Participating inthe creation of training programs and associated materials.
- Learning to createcontent for storytelling efforts to translate building impact to community impact.
- Participating in website updates and content creation.
- Participating in support ofevent coordination for program announcements including media pitching, press relations, and interview coordination.
- Providingsupport with outreach to local governments.
You will develop expertise in existing, current tools and resources developed to support school efficiency and health, and environmental learning; and effectively communicate the benefits of these tools and resources to encourage their use. Youwill deepen yourunderstanding of how to craft communications for both internal and external audiences.
Duration
Fellowships are initially for one year in length and may be renewed yearly up to an additional four years. Extensionsare determined by SCEP based on the project needs, availability of funds and fellow interest and availability.
Participant Benefits
Selected candidates will receive a stipend. Amounts are determined by DOE officials, based on the candidate’s academic and professional background, starting at approximately:
• Undergraduate degree:$58,800
• Master’s degree: $71,500
• PhD: $94,100
Fellows are eligible for health insurance benefits. Relocation expenses, not to exceed $5,000, incurred in relocating from the participant's current address to the appointment location (if more than 50 miles from the address shown on the application), may be reimbursed. Participants will also receive a travel allowance of $10,000 per appointment year to cover travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities. Plus, a commuting allowance may be available as well.
About The Office of State and Community Energy Programs
The Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) works with state and local organizations to significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, catalyze local economic development and create jobs, reduce energy costs, and avoid pollution through place-based strategies involving a wide range of government, community, business, and other stakeholders. In total, SCEP manages programs totaling $16 billion, including foundational programs like the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program, and newly formed programs such as the Local Government Energy Program and Energy Futures Grants.
Nature of Appointment
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.
