The Role:
The Sustainability Institute is currently seeking a Project Intern to join our dynamic and growing team. This position will be a part-time, 16-24 hour per week role and will report to Mitch Houck, Director of Building Performance & Weatherization.
The Weatherization & Critical Home Repair Intern will work directly under the supervision of the Project Coordinator to support the daily operations of the Sustainability Institute’s Weatherization & Critical Home Repair Department. This position provides hands-on experience in customer service, project coordination, scheduling, data management, and program administration while assisting with the delivery of energy efficiency and home repair services to homeowners. The intern will collaborate with homeowners, community partners, and program staff to support service delivery, outreach efforts, and stakeholder engagement across the Sustainability Institute’s service territories.
Core Duties & Responsibilities:
Customer Service & Homeowner Engagement
- Clearly explain program benefits, eligibility requirements, and next steps to applicants and participants.
- Manage homeowner communications through phone and email reminders to minimize no-shows and missed appointments.
- Conduct satisfaction calls and surveys after services and reports are completed; log feedback in Salesforce for continuous improvement.
- Assist with outreach efforts to increase program participation and homeowner engagement throughout the service process.
- Support the distribution of program materials, educational resources, and appointment-related communications.
Project Coordination & Scheduling
- Support managing the complex scheduling of energy audits, test-outs, and quality assurance inspections across all territories.
- Coordinate between homeowners, program auditors, and internal staff to ensure efficient and timely service delivery.
- Proactively follow up with customers and service providers to confirm appointments and address any scheduling conflicts or delays.
- Maintain and update scheduling platforms to track project status and field assignments for Energy Auditors and Performance Contractors.
- Assist the Project Coordinator in monitoring project timelines, milestones, and completion status to support program goals.
- Prepare and maintain project files, meeting notes, and related documentation to support departmental operations.
Data & Documentation Management
- Accurately enter and maintain customer data, project records, and program metrics in Salesforce, Google Drive, and other specialized software systems.
- Ensure all data handling and record-keeping complies with program requirements, grant/funding requirements, and privacy standards.
- Review project documentation for completeness and accuracy prior to project closeout.
- Organize and maintain digital records, photographs, and homeowner files to support program compliance.
- Assist with data collection, reporting, and performance tracking for grant requirements, program evaluations, and internal reporting needs.
- Assist with administrative duties such as document organization, meeting preparation, and procurement support.
- Compile homeowner packets and project files for field staff.
Desired Qualifications & Experience:
- Strong interest in sustainability, energy efficiency, community development, home repair services, or nonprofit program administration, with a willingness to learn about grant-funded programs and program compliance requirements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally and empathetically with homeowners, community partners, and staff.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar.
- Ability to accurately enter, manage, and maintain data across multiple software platforms and databases.
- Experience providing customer service, administrative support, scheduling, or coordinating appointments is preferred.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.
- Comfortable communicating by phone and email with diverse populations.
- Experience with Salesforce, SnuggPro, CompanyCam, or other customer relationship management (CRM) systems is preferred but not required.
- Familiarity with project coordination, data tracking, reporting, or record management is preferred.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive customer information with professionalism and discretion.
Must-Haves:
- Passion for our mission.
- Demonstrated ability to lead by example, including embracing a sustainability-oriented lifestyle.
- Must reside in the Charleston Metropolitan Area.
- Valid driver’s license
- Reliable transportation
- Proven customer service experience.
- Fluency in English is required. Bilingual or multilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish, is highly preferred.
Position Title: Project Intern
Department: Weatherization & Critical Home Repair
Reports To: Director of Building Performance & Weatherization
Duration: 6-month internship (with potential for extension based on program needs and funding availability)
Schedule: 16 to 24 hours per week, in person at headquarters.
Compensation: Paid internship; commensurate with experience and internship program requirements
Location: In-person; The Sustainability Institute, 3973 Rivers Avenue North Charleston, SC.
Other Need-to-Knows:
The Sustainability Institute is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Hiring and promotional decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or marital status. The Sustainability Institute does not tolerate discrimination against anyone protected under federal or state law.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references in a single PDF file to Emily Fender, Project Coordinator: emily@sustainabilityinstitutesc.org
This position is open until filled.
