* Apply by November 11. * Stoic Energy seeks a motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and tech savvy Communications Associate primarily to help edit, market, and grow the Energy Capital Podcast and the Texas Energy and Power Newsletter. The person hired for this role will develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and social media strategy that engages target audiences to drive growth. The role involves content creation, basic video and audio editing, social media management, data analysis, and strategy development. The role also includes some administrative responsibilities as described below.
This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about climate and clean energy. The individual hired for this role will have opportunities to learn about a wide variety of policy issues related to the electric grid, renewables, fossil fuels, energy efficiency, reducing emissions, environmental justice, and more. They will also have the opportunity to expand their network while working flexible hours.
The position is for a contractor to work 25 hours per week on average.
Responsibilities:
Communications functions (70%)
Social media strategy: Develop, implement, and manage social media strategies to grow subscribers of and engagement with the Texas Energy and Power Newsletter and Energy Capital Podcast.
Social media management: Create and schedule content for social media (Substack, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, TikTok).
Produce the Energy Capital Podcast: Schedule and research guests, edit episode audio, compile show notes and timestamps, edit transcripts, and provide technical support as needed.
Video editing and publishing: Edit video content from the Energy Capital Podcast and other contexts as needed. Manage the uploading, optimization, and scheduling of video on Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Analytics and reporting: Track, analyze, and report on social media performance and website SEO metrics (e.g., engagement rates, reach, conversions), providing insights and recommendations to optimize strategy.
Provide research support for articles, presentations, and book chapters on climate and clean energy
Create promotional material for events and for the podcast and newsletter, including graphics for announcements, social media posts, etc., using Canva or similar tools.
Prepare presentations for speaking engagements using PowerPoint or a similar tool.
Website creations and maintenance: Create, improve, and maintain associated websites.
Administrative functions (30%)
Manage calendar and scheduling for Doug Lewin
Coordinate travel arrangements for Doug Lewin
Batch and organize tasks using productivity software (e.g. Trello)
Manage incoming communications like email
Maintain, grow, and organize contacts and email lists
Help with other administrative tasks as needed
Preferred Qualifications and Skills:
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Familiarity with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Threads, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok) and management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer).
Experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or similar).
Experience with audio editing tools (e.g., Audacity, Adobe Audition, or similar).
Analytical skills and the ability to interpret data from various sources, such as Google Analytics and social media insights (a plus).
Why Stoic Energy:
Opportunities to build your expertise in the rapidly evolving energy and grid sectors
Opportunities to strengthen and expand your professional network
Flexible working hours and ability to work remotely
Location: Position can be remote but preference for someone in or near Austin, Texas.
Job Type: Associate / Contractor
Compensation: $20-$25 per hour, commensurate with experience.
Please send resumé and cover letter describing your interest in the position to doug@stoicenergyconsulting.com by November 11.
We regularly highlight one of our esteemed Platinum Business Members with an exclusive interview in the TXSES newsletter. This month, TXSES’s Communications Director Tamara Kowalski reached out to Longhorn Solar CEO Louis Petrik, who is also on the TXSES Board of Directors, to learn about the origins of the company, their mission & outlook, and their impact on the solar industry.
Origins and Leadership
Longhorn Services was the largest holiday decoration company in Central Texas in 2009. We had the employees and equipment to work on rooftops, so I decided to enroll in ACC (Austin Community College) for my training and to get my NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification. We then added solar to our service offerings. In 2010, we incorporated and started Longhorn Solar.
Mission and Vision
To see solar on every rooftop, and to be the greatest solar installation company in Texas. We will do this by providing custom high-quality solar & energy storage solutions at competitive prices.
Approach to Projects
We approach each project with a custom approach. Our objective with every project is to over-deliver on service and communication. We start with setting realistic expectations and then try and over-communicate as the project moves through the many phases of approval to install and then installation. Customers always have their Longhorn account managers to communicate with if they have any questions throughout the process.
Career Impact
I started in this industry with an idea to add to my service offerings, but since then I have become an “accidental environmentalist.” I have to embrace being a “tree hugger.” I feel like Longhorn is always trying to learn. Being involved with the many organizations in the industry like TXSES, SEIA, as well as Environment Texas, have really helped our company.
Key Accomplishments
I think the biggest accomplishment is just being able to navigate the solar coaster. This industry has gone through so many transformations and has had so many challenges that many companies have not been able to survive. At 15 years old, we are one of the oldest Texas-based solar companies. It is estimated that over 50% of the current solar systems are orphaned systems because the original company went out of business.
Industry Surprises and Dynamics
You have to learn quickly and get as much training as possible. Also, be a good company. We have so many companies coming to Texas that are not doing a good job of setting the right expectations for the customer. We need more good companies that do not misrepresent what solar will accomplish. There are so many houses in Texas that we do not need to beat each other up to compete.
Facing Challenges
Hiring. For the longest time it was almost impossible to find good quality people. There was such a shortage that many of the people looking for jobs were requesting crazy high salaries.
Community Outreach and Contributions
I am just trying to give back to the industry by participating on the board of TXSES.
Future Outlook
We will be continuing to expand outside of the Central Texas market. The solar industry is still contracting in Texas so this will make our expansion plans even more challenging.
Final Thoughts
I would just like to say it again. This industry in Texas has a black eye due to all of the companies in the past who have misrepresented solar in the sales process. Be honest with your customers. Do the job that you say that you are going to do with no surprises. If we can all do this then the market will grow again and there will be more business that any company can handle. Good luck and “May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor.”
Interested in becoming a TXSES Platinum Business Member? Contact Patrice “Pete” Parsons at pparsons@txses.org for details about membership perks, requirements, and how your company can become involved in TXSES’s vibrant community. Whether you’re seeking exclusive benefits or opportunities for collaboration, he can guide you through the process and address any inquiries you may have.
This is a summary of publicly available resources as compiled by Solvari Solar. Property owners should refer to the resources linked in this document for the status of any incentives mentioned. This summary does not represent tax or financial guidance in any form. Talk to your certified licensed financial experts for more details on how to leverage these programs to improve your finances.
Should you install a solar hot water or heat pump hot water system for your home? This article from Energy Matters Australia takes a look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide.
Solar hot water systems have been around for almost as long as solar PV systems have been gracing our rooftops. Heat pump hot water systems are a relatively newer technology. With both hot water systems being eligible for federal incentives, and fantastic ways to lower electricity bills and home emissions, which is the better choice? Let’s look at the two different technologies and find out which one you should choose for your home.
The 28th Annual Solar Car Challenge was held July 14–17, 2024, at the Texas Motor Speedway, in Ft. Worth, TX.
TXSES was excited to participate in the 2024 Solar Car Challenge on Monday, July 15th, when we were honored with a “TXSES Day at the Race.” Executive Director Patrice “Pete” Parsons welcomed the crowd and waved the start flag to begin the day’s races. Afterwards, she shared, “These students are demonstrating the possibilities for future solar vehicles, while having fun and creating these amazing automobiles from scratch. It’s very inspirational.”
The Solar Car Challenge is the top project-based STEM Initiative helping motivate students in science, engineering, and alternative energy. High school students learn how to plan, design, engineer, build, race, and evaluate roadworthy solar cars. The mission: building the young engineers and innovators of the Future.
The Solar Car Challenge is the top project-based STEM Initiative helping motivate students in science, engineering, and alternative energy. High school students learn how to plan, design, engineer, build, race, and evaluate roadworthy solar cars. The mission: building the young engineers and innovators of the Future.
This year’s Solar Challenge was the largest event to date, with 29 nine teams from 13 states qualifying and getting the opportunity to drive their solar cars at the world-famous Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Founder and Event Coordinator Dr. Lehman Marks explained, “The historic 2024 Solar Car Challenge saw 560 students and teachers race roadworthy Solar Cars at the Texas Motor Speedway. The innovative students showcased their hard work, and worked together so that all qualifying teams could be a success.”
High School teams began preparation for this year-long project during education workshops scheduled in September 2023. Additional workshops, on-site visits, mentor opportunities, and summer camps help propel the projects to success.
This year’s event was hosted by Oncor and Lockheed Martin.
