Community Outreach Specialist of Energy & Utilities Persona

Role of The Community Outreach Specialist

Job Title(s): Community Outreach Specialist, Community Engagement Coordinator, Public Affairs Specialist
Department: Community Relations
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Community Relations
Responsibilities:

• Developing and implementing community outreach programs to promote energy conservation and utility services.
• Building and maintaining relationships with community organizations, local governments, and stakeholders.
• Organizing events, workshops, and informational sessions to educate the public about energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.
• Collecting and analyzing feedback from the community to inform program improvements and service offerings.
• Collaborating with marketing and communications teams to create outreach materials and campaigns.
  Key Performance Indicators:
• Number of community events organized and attendance rates.
• Community engagement levels and feedback scores.
• Increase in awareness of energy programs and services within the community.
• Partnerships formed with local organizations and stakeholders.
• Effectiveness of outreach campaigns measured through surveys and follow-up assessments.

Additional Persona Notes: Engages with communities to educate them about energy programs and gather feedback. Seeks tools for event management, social media, and survey platforms.

Goals of A Community Outreach Specialist

Primary Goals: – Increase community awareness of energy conservation programs. – Foster relationships with local organizations and stakeholders. – Educate the public on renewable energy initiatives.

Secondary Goals: – Collect community feedback to improve service offerings. – Enhance participation in community energy events and workshops. – Promote energy efficiency and sustainability practices among residents.

Success Metrics: – 25% increase in community participation in energy programs. – 30% increase in awareness of renewable energy options. – 15% increase in feedback collected from community surveys. – 20% growth in partnerships with local organizations. – 50% increase in attendance at community energy events.

Primary Challenges:

• Limited resources for community engagement initiatives.
• Difficulty in effectively communicating complex energy concepts to diverse audiences.
• Resistance from community members regarding new energy programs or changes.

Secondary Challenges:

• Measuring the impact of outreach efforts on community awareness and engagement.
• Coordinating events and activities across multiple stakeholders.
• Keeping up with regulatory changes that affect community programs.

Pain Points:

• Struggling to gain buy-in from community leaders and stakeholders.
• Limited access to data and insights for tailoring outreach strategies.
• Balancing the need for community education with organizational goals and timelines.

Primary Motivations:

• Building strong relationships between the utility company and the community.
• Increasing community awareness and understanding of energy programs and initiatives.
• Promoting sustainable energy practices and environmental stewardship.

Secondary Motivations:

• Enhancing the company’s reputation as a socially responsible organization.
• Fostering community engagement and participation in energy conservation efforts.
• Gathering valuable community feedback to improve services and programs.

Drivers:

• Passion for community service and improving public welfare.
• Desire to educate and empower community members regarding energy efficiency.
• Commitment to transparency and open communication with stakeholders.

Primary Objections:

• Resistance from community members to adopt new energy initiatives.
• Limited funding for outreach programs.
• Concerns about the environmental impact of energy projects.

Secondary Objections:

• Lack of trust in the utility company’s motives and transparency.
• Inadequate information about the benefits of energy efficiency programs.
• Perceived complexity of energy programs deterring participation.

Concerns:

• Ensuring diverse community representation in outreach efforts.
• Effectively communicating technical information to non-experts.
• Maintaining ongoing engagement with the community post-outreach.

Preferred Communication Channels:

• Email for official communications and updates.
• Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) for community engagement and outreach.
• In-person community events and workshops for direct interaction and education.
• Webinars and virtual meetings for broader reach and convenience.
• Newsletters to keep stakeholders informed about programs and initiatives.

Information Sources:

• Industry publications and reports related to energy and utilities.
• Local government resources and community boards.
• Networking events and conferences within the energy sector.
• Online forums and discussion groups focused on community outreach and engagement.
• Surveys and feedback tools to gather community insights and preferences.

Influencers:

• Local government officials and community leaders.
• Environmental NGOs and advocacy groups.
• Industry experts and thought leaders in energy sustainability.
• Community organizers and activists.
• Social media influencers focused on energy conservation and community initiatives.

Key Messages:

• Foster community engagement through energy education and awareness.
• Promote sustainable practices and renewable energy solutions.
• Gather community feedback to improve services and programs.
• Provide resources and support for energy efficiency initiatives.
• Build strong partnerships with local organizations for greater impact.

Tone:

• Approachable and friendly.
• Informative and educational.
• Engaging and enthusiastic.

Style:

• Conversational and relatable.
• Visual and illustrative, using examples and stories.
• Professional yet accessible, avoiding overly technical jargon.

Online Sources:

• Energy.gov
• Utility Dive
• GreenTech Media
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website
• Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)

Offline Sources:

• Community town hall meetings
• Local government reports and publications
• Networking events and conferences
• Workshops and seminars on energy efficiency
• Partnership meetings with local non-profits

Industry Sources:

• American Public Power Association (APPA)
• National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
• International Energy Agency (IEA)
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) programs
• Local utility companies and their outreach programs