The Michigan Suburbs Alliance is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented individual to serve as a Regional Energy Intern. This individual should possess a strong desire to learn about local governments’ use of energy efficiency strategies and alternative energy, as well as an eagerness to offer thoughtful suggestions and critical analysis. The Regional Energy Intern works directly with the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office Program Coordinator, and also city staff in either the Cities of Ferndale or Lincoln Park. This internship is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in developing a better understanding of green energy and its role in municipal government.

The successful candidate is well-organized, proactive and committed to regional issues. She or he should be able to balance organizational responsibilities with independent project management. Anticipated assignments include written and verbal communications with program partners; research of energy efficiency and renewable energy tools; exploration of program funding opportunities; and cataloging and monitoring municipal energy use.


Qualifications
• At least one year of post-secondary education
• Ability to balance multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Positive attitude
• Independence tempered by the ability to follow direction and abide by a work plan
• Ability to interact professionally with staff and associates
• Strong organizational skills evidencing attention to detail
• An excellent sense of humor (or at least the potential for one to develop)


Benefits to the Student
• Practical, real-world experience that will help you to transition into a successful career in either the public or private sector
• Opportunities to network with a wide variety of stakeholders in the region
• Learn about the role that energy plays in strengthening regionalism and local governments
• Learn to create and implement solutions to key energy challenges
• Fun and flexible work environment!


Hours
Hours will be flexible and determined based on the student’s schedule and availability. The position demands a minimum of 16 hours per week, some of which may be completed off-site.


Timeline
Positions are filled on a rolling basis. Orientation will take place in September 2008.


Organizational Background
The Michigan Suburbs Alliance, a nonprofit registered in the State of Michigan, was established by a group of mayors and city managers from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties. These leaders gathered in April 2002 and agreed to explore how they could work together to educate themselves and the public about the root causes of problems facing older, established suburbs. In June 2002, representatives from fourteen metro Detroit suburban cities unanimously agreed to form the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, which has since grown to encompass thirty-two member cities with over 1,000,000 residents.

In recent years, rising energy costs have strained already tight municipal budgets. By pooling resources at a regional scale, local governments can pursue efficiency improvements and renewable energy initiatives cooperatively, sharing both the costs and the benefits. To achieve this vision, the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, WARM Training Center, Michigan Municipal League and Southeast Michigan Council of Governments established an energy coalition, comprising communities and partners and supported by full-time staff and a team of expert consultants. This coalition provides trainings, one-on-one technical assistance, aggregated purchasing of green products and a forum for information sharing and mentoring among municipalities. With each municipality that joins our coalition, we benchmark its energy use, monitor energy trends and report on the impact of efficiency programs. Through the State of Michigan’s Department of Labor & Economic Growth, the coalition audits municipal buildings and produces technical analyses that recommend affordable reforms. For those reforms that seem unaffordable, we are working with policymakers to develop financial tools and models that allow struggling cities to fund projects that take advantage of new technologies.

Government action will be even more effective when, with proper publicity, it inspires additional action by citizens and corporations. That is why the coalition is partnering with local media outlets to elevate, celebrate and leverage municipal successes. Perhaps most importantly, though, in-person monthly coalition meetings facilitate the cooperative relationship building that fosters an understanding of our shared regional destiny and ensures that the region remains on the cutting edge, working toward common goals. Having achieved these goals, southeast Michigan will then be able to more effectively market itself as a great place for families, young people, tourists and businesses.


Mission
The Michigan Suburbs Alliance unites and strengthens metropolitan Detroit’s mature suburbs by elevating regional cooperation, reforming public policies and innovating redevelopment strategies.


Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
The Michigan Suburbs Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization is committed to maintaining a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. We recruit, hire, train and promote individuals in all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, sex, physical or mental disability, being a disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other eligible veteran. At the Suburbs Alliance, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.

Email resume, cover letter and writing sample to Brittany Galisdorfer at Brittany@SuburbsAlliance.org. All applicants must submit a writing sample, approximately one page, double spaced. Writing samples can include class papers, articles, short stories, etc.