Hub Volunteer Roles

Volunteer your Expertise with the Hub!

Please review below the descriptions and qualifications for two Hub volunteer roles: Energy Benchmarking Expert and Discussion Forum Contributor.

If neither of the roles match your interests, please indicate your interest in the volunteer application form.

Discussion Forum Contributor

Location: Remote (with possible site visits as needed) 

Commitment: Flexible, on-call  

Reports to: Program Manager, Building Energy Resource Hub 


Overview 

The Discussion Forum Contributor plays a vital role in fostering a professional, engaging, and informative online environment on the Building Energy Resource Hub’s discussion platform. You will monitor and moderate forum discussions, respond to inquiries on topics such as building decarbonization, energy efficiency, and sustainable building retrofit practices, and help guide participants to relevant resources available on the Hub website.


Key Responsibilities 


Forum Monitoring & Moderation: 

  • Actively monitor online discussions to ensure adherence to community guidelines and the Illinois Green Alliance Code of Conduct. 
  • Moderate posts to maintain a respectful, inclusive, and professional atmosphere. 

User Engagement & Support: 

  • Respond to technical and general inquiries with accurate, well-researched answers. 
  • Redirect users to appropriate Hub resources or services when necessary. 
  • Identify recurring topics or challenges and flag them for potential development into workshops or written resources. 

Collaboration & Communication: 

  • Work closely with the Hub team to enhance user engagement and improve the online platform’s functionality. 
  • Provide feedback and suggestions based on forum activity to improve the overall user experience. 
  • Participate in required trainings (expected 1 hour onboarding) and stay informed on Hub developments through monthly newsletters, LinkedIn updates, and the Hub website. 

Documentation & Reporting: 

  • Log key interactions, emerging trends, and any issues for review by the Program Manager. 
  • Contribute to periodic reports that evaluate forum engagement and community health. 

Qualifications 


Educational/Professional Background: 

  • Background in sustainability, energy management, or a related field is preferred. 

Experience: 

  • Prior experience in moderating online forums or managing digital communities preferred. 

Skills: 

  • Strong written communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly. 
  • Competency in using online platforms and basic digital tools. 

Personal Attributes: 

  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. 
  • Detail-oriented, proactive, and solution-focused. 

Benefits 

Professional Growth: 

  • Gain hands-on experience in community engagement and online moderation. 
  • Expand your network by connecting with sustainability professionals and stakeholders. 

Impact: 

  • Directly contribute to the mission of reducing building emissions and promoting energy efficiency. 

Recognition: 

  • Receive recognition through internal awards, shout-outs in newsletters, and other volunteer appreciation events. 

Learning Opportunities: 

  • Access to trainings, workshops, and ongoing development resources offered by the Hub. 

Apply Here

Energy Star Benchmarking Expert

Location: Remote (with possible site visits as needed) 

Commitment: Flexible, on-call  

Reports To: Senior Program Manager, Building Energy Resource Hub 


Overview 

We are seeking volunteers to assist building owners and facility managers connected to the Building Energy Resource Hub to set up and utilize the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool. Volunteers will provide initial guidance on data entry, benchmarking, and navigating Portfolio Manager to support building energy management and sustainability goals. 


Key Responsibilities 

  • Guide building owners in setting up ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager accounts. 
  • Assist with data entry for utility bills, property characteristics, and other required information. 
  • Provide step-by-step support to benchmark energy use and understand energy performance scores.
  • Educate users on accessing and interpreting Portfolio Manager reports.
  • Advise on basic improvements to increase energy performance and achieve ENERGY STAR recognition.
  • Document and report on volunteer efforts and building progress.
  • Collaborate with the Building Energy Resource Hub team to develop educational content aligned with program goals.  

Qualifications 


Educational/Professional Background: 

  • Preferred background in sustainability, energy management, building operations, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with energy efficiency principles and industry best practices. 

Experience: 

  • Knowledge of ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for energy tracking and reporting. 
  • Experience in energy management, building operations, sustainability consulting, or facility management is beneficial. 

Skills: 

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly to audiences with varying levels of expertise. 
  • Patience and adaptability in explaining energy concepts to beginners and experienced professionals alike. 
  • Ability to teach and engage diverse stakeholders, including building owners, managers, and sustainability professionals. 
  • Proficiency in using online platforms, digital tools, and energy benchmarking software. 
  • Detail-oriented and analytical, capable of interpreting and explaining energy performance data. 

Personal Attributes: 

  • Commitment to energy efficiency and the promotion of sustainability practices. 
  • Reliable, proactive, and solution-focused, with a strong sense of accountability. 
  • Ability to foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environment for all participants. 

Benefits 


Professional Growth: 

  • Gain hands-on experience in community engagement and online moderation. 
  • Expand your network by connecting with sustainability professionals and stakeholders. 

Impact: 

  • Directly contribute to the mission of reducing building emissions and promoting energy efficiency. 

Recognition: 

  • Receive recognition through internal awards, shout-outs in newsletters, and other volunteer appreciation events. 

Learning Opportunities: 

  • Access to trainings, workshops, and ongoing development resources offered by the Hub. 

Apply Here
Share by: