Administrative Associate, Industrial Innovation & Carbon Management

A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) is accelerating the transition to net-zero carbon emissions for the benefit of people, the economy, and the environment. Increased demand for GPI’s unique blend of energy expertise and consensus-derived solutions has driven organizational and programmatic growth. With headquarters in Minnesota, GPI’s operations are national in scope while retaining a core competency in the Midcontinent region. GPI is powered by more than 70 professionals and is supported by some of the nation’s most respected philanthropies.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Industrial Innovation & Carbon Management (IICM) program is dedicated to fostering the deployment of solutions at scale to manage carbon emissions from energy, industry, and manufacturing, while protecting and creating high-wage, family-sustaining jobs and providing economic and environmental benefits to affected communities. Through our staffing and coordination of projects from the community level to the federal level, GPI’s IICM program is playing a transformative role in building broad industry, labor, NGO, and community engagement and support for policies and project deployment necessary to put our nation on a path to net-zero emissions and to achieve midcentury climate goals. The IICM team is a fast-paced collaborative team with an entrepreneurial spirit that encourages and appreciates equal contribution from members at all levels of the team.

THIS POSITION: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE, INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION & CARBON MANAGEMENT

The Administrative Associate provides essential support to the Industrial Innovation & Carbon Management (IICM) program by managing communications, logistical, and administrative tasks across multiple projects. This role includes preparing newsletters, organizing meeting materials, tracking event registrations, and maintaining budget records. It also provides direct administrative support to the Vice President of the IICM program and assists senior staff with programmatic initiatives. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate across teams effectively.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

Prior administrative experience of two years or more. Experience using Mailchimp, Outlook, Excel, and other Microsoft Office programs is preferred.
High attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
Excellent time and deadline management, project management, and team relationship skills.
Demonstrated willingness and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with very diverse individuals and institutions, including those with different backgrounds and political perspectives, with which you may personally disagree.
Problem-solving skills: ability to identify solutions to challenges that arise.
Commitment to the mission and goals of the Great Plains Institute and its Carbon Management Program.
Knowledge of, or prior experience with, climate, energy and /or environmental issues a plus.

Ideal start date: May 2026

Compensation: Salary range: $51K-$59K, commensurate with experience. Benefits made available include a health plan, 401(k) retirement plan, LTD, STD, life, vision, dental, FSA/HSA, paid time off, professional development allowance, and a communication stipend.

Tagged as: Renewable Energy/Sustainability