Program Manager - Economic Inclusion

EMERALD CITIES COLLABORATIVE BACKGROUND

The Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) is a national non-profit organization that partners with labor unions, community organizations, social justice advocates, development intermediaries, research and technical assistance providers, and socially responsible businesses dedicated to building high road – sustainable, just and inclusive – regional economies. ECC envisions a future in which American cities are the greenest and most equitable in the world, leading the way to head off global climate change while creating a vital new economic sector with low-income and communities of color as central actors and beneficiaries in this new economy. Visit our website for more information: http://www.emeraldcities.org

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

The Program Manager will lead the development and execution of regional workforce strategy, aimed at expanding the pipeline of trained clean energy workers. This role will oversee the creation of consistent training standards, facilitate collaboration with key stakeholders across multiple states, and ensure that contractors—particularly small and underrepresented businesses—can access high-quality training, technical information, and sales resources. The Program Manager will be responsible for strategic planning, partnership development, program evaluation, and the successful delivery of workforce-related content. This role requires strong program leadership, stakeholder coordination, and a commitment to advancing equity and quality within the clean energy workforce. Bilingual capacity in Spanish or Portuguese is strongly preferred in effort to reach diverse populations through programming initiatives. The position reports directly to the Regional Director but is part of the larger Emerald Cities Northeast program team.

This is a grant-funded position, contingent upon continued funding.

Location: Boston, MA (Telework). Occasional travel may be required (e.g., between offices, client sites, conferences).

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt.

Salary: $75,000 to $90,000.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and implementation of the team’s regional workforce strategy to expand the number of trained and qualified clean energy contractors including heat pump installers across New England.
• Coordinate with training providers, contractors, small businesses, and other key market actors to promote consistent training standards and accessible certification pathways.
• Facilitate the development and dissemination of informational resources and online/in-person training modules.
• Develop technical assistance resources to support contractors in growing sustainable businesses.
• Engage with HVAC contractors and installers to share reliable information on heat pump benefits, high-quality installation practices, and effective customer engagement strategies.
• Track and report progress on training activities, stakeholder engagement, and workforce outcomes to ensure alignment with project goals.
• Organize webinars, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to promote regional coordination and knowledge sharing among workforce partners.
• Support the adoption of technical standards and best practices to ensure quality and consistency in heat pump installations.
• Collaborate with small and mid-sized contractors to identify workforce gaps and help them access training and upskilling opportunities through partner organizations.
• Maintain communication with regional partners, workforce boards, and industry groups to ensure training efforts are responsive to evolving market needs.
• Contribute to the creation of strategic materials, presentations, and outreach content that promote grant-specific workforce development goals.
• Support in general contractor development initiatives and projects, as needed. Participate in regional and national team meetings. Collaborates and shares knowledge with other regions.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, business management, engineering or related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in workforce development, program management, project management, clean energy, or a related area.
• Familiarity with clean energy technologies, particularly heat pumps, HVAC systems, or building electrification and decarbonization is strongly preferred. Some knowledge of residential construction and/or building science is required.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups including contractors, small businesses, training providers, and community-based organizations.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Asana and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack).
• Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in workforce and climate-related programs.

Preferred:

• Minimum 5 years of project management and related experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Portuguese strongly preferred.
• Experience with CRM systems including Salesforce are preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This position primarily involves desk-based work with extensive collaboration and communication responsibilities. Physical requirements include:

• Ability to remain stationary at a workstation for extended periods (typically 6-8 hours per day with regular breaks).
• Occasionally movement of office supplies, equipment, or materials (typically under 15 pounds) across the office for various needs.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates must complete the Indeed application, then send a resume, brief statement or cover letter detailing their interest in the position, interest in climate policy, civic engagement, economic development, clean energy, and/or sustainability work, and any relevant skills or experience to:

northeast@emeraldcities.org.

Subject line should read “Program Manager” – [Your Name].

Emerald Cities Collaborative is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively work to remove barriers to employment and advancement to ensure all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those from communities historically underrepresented in the environmental and energy efficiency sectors, to apply.

Emerald Cities Collaborative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• workforce development, program mgt, clean energy or related : 5 years (Required)
• Project management: 5 years (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish or Portugese (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Boston, MA