Outreach Specialist
Franklin Energy, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Position Summary
This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, supporting, implementing, and managing outreach functions and performance for both new program start‑up and legacy programs. It also coordinates with internal and external program stakeholders on processes and procedures to achieve outreach results.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Apply fundamental sales processes, procedures, methods, and techniques.
Understand and implement the sales process, including but not limited to:
Making outbound calls to new and existing customers to meet assigned energy‑saving targets.
Managing field time effectively with customer or Trade Ally visits.
Developing and presenting program presentations to spur project activity.
Responding to customer and Trade Ally inquiries and concerns by phone, electronically or in person to move projects toward completion.
Maximizing all opportunities in the process to close a project.
Recruit, train, educate and cultivate relationships with contractors and customers to encourage effective marketing of programs.
Maintain knowledge of program “Best Practices,” individual program offerings and how they can serve customers, including features, advantages and benefits.
Support outreach work‑plan creation, monitoring and updates.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the program’s strategic outreach direction and production levels to deliver established goals.
Complete “search and discovery” work where the answers are not clear.
Actively cold‑call new potential suppliers/contractors and develop their participation in our programs.
Perform event planning, coordination and presentations of programs.
Research the markets, accumulate data on businesses, and identify the key allies to be targeted on behalf of the programs.
Identify improvement barriers and report information to the Program Manager and Outreach Manager.
Prepare weekly and monthly project‑based activity reports and track progress toward program goals.
Assist in the implementation of specific energy‑efficiency programs in a “flex” capacity, according to defined budgets and energy‑saving targets.
Work effectively with non‑outreach‑oriented team personnel.
Contribute ideas respectfully and understand individual experience and knowledge compared to others.
Show willingness to take direction for other team members.
Demonstrate honesty, keep commitments and act in a professional manner.
Position Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required; a technical school degree with experience in the electric/gas utility field may be considered.
1–2 years of experience in the electric or natural gas utility industry, sales, commercial and industrial lighting, or conservation.
Previous customer service experience required.
Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Results oriented.
Ability to work in a team atmosphere and collaborate on continuous improvement efforts.
Strong customer service and communication skills.
Ability to handle a wide range of work and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
Detail‑oriented, organized, self‑starter, and able to prioritize workload.
Ability to identify and resolve project application issues with customers and trade allies.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Strong data‑entry skills.
Effective verbal and written communication with customers, clients, and employees.
Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Basic mathematical knowledge (fractions, percentages, ratios).
Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Reliable transportation.
Licenses & Certifications
Valid driver’s license.
Travel Requirements
Willingness to travel more than 50%.
Equal Opportunity Employer We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
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Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Apply fundamental sales processes, procedures, methods, and techniques.
Understand and implement the sales process, including but not limited to:
Making outbound calls to new and existing customers to meet assigned energy‑saving targets.
Managing field time effectively with customer or Trade Ally visits.
Developing and presenting program presentations to spur project activity.
Responding to customer and Trade Ally inquiries and concerns by phone, electronically or in person to move projects toward completion.
Maximizing all opportunities in the process to close a project.
Recruit, train, educate and cultivate relationships with contractors and customers to encourage effective marketing of programs.
Maintain knowledge of program “Best Practices,” individual program offerings and how they can serve customers, including features, advantages and benefits.
Support outreach work‑plan creation, monitoring and updates.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the program’s strategic outreach direction and production levels to deliver established goals.
Complete “search and discovery” work where the answers are not clear.
Actively cold‑call new potential suppliers/contractors and develop their participation in our programs.
Perform event planning, coordination and presentations of programs.
Research the markets, accumulate data on businesses, and identify the key allies to be targeted on behalf of the programs.
Identify improvement barriers and report information to the Program Manager and Outreach Manager.
Prepare weekly and monthly project‑based activity reports and track progress toward program goals.
Assist in the implementation of specific energy‑efficiency programs in a “flex” capacity, according to defined budgets and energy‑saving targets.
Work effectively with non‑outreach‑oriented team personnel.
Contribute ideas respectfully and understand individual experience and knowledge compared to others.
Show willingness to take direction for other team members.
Demonstrate honesty, keep commitments and act in a professional manner.
Position Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required; a technical school degree with experience in the electric/gas utility field may be considered.
1–2 years of experience in the electric or natural gas utility industry, sales, commercial and industrial lighting, or conservation.
Previous customer service experience required.
Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Results oriented.
Ability to work in a team atmosphere and collaborate on continuous improvement efforts.
Strong customer service and communication skills.
Ability to handle a wide range of work and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
Detail‑oriented, organized, self‑starter, and able to prioritize workload.
Ability to identify and resolve project application issues with customers and trade allies.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Strong data‑entry skills.
Effective verbal and written communication with customers, clients, and employees.
Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Basic mathematical knowledge (fractions, percentages, ratios).
Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Reliable transportation.
Licenses & Certifications
Valid driver’s license.
Travel Requirements
Willingness to travel more than 50%.
Equal Opportunity Employer We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
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