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Program Manager -Solar

Location: Oak Brook, IL (Chicagoland area) — Hybrid

About the Role

Seeking an Program Manager to join our Energy Management team. This role leads the design, implementation, delivery, and continuous improvement Solar programs, with a focus on advancing equitable access to renewable energy for income‑eligible households and communities.

You will oversee day‑to‑day operations, manage client relationships, ensure compliance with state program rules and evolving policy, and guide strategic program planning.

What You’ll Do – Implementation and execution of the Program

· Achieve annual program participation, savings, budget, and equity objectives.

· Achieve client satisfaction score of 9 / 10 or better.

· Achieve program satisfaction score of 8.5 / 10 or better.

· Manage full lifecycle implementation of the program.

· Interpret and operationalize state program rules, incentive structures, and policy changes.

· Build strong relationships with Approved Vendors, CBOs, developers, and market actors.

· Provide training, office hours, technical support, and resource development.

· Manage application review, income‑eligibility processes, budget tracking, and reporting.

· Prepare weekly updates, monthly reports, and quarterly presentations.

· Ensure accuracy of calculations of energy production estimates and incentive eligibility.

· Supervise 2–5 FTEs. Could expand to 10.

· At least bi-weekly 1x1s with staff.

· Complete bi-annual staff reviews.

· Performance manage low performers; recognize high performance

· Direct with Engineering, QA/QC, and Evaluation teams.

· Lead annual planning and budgeting.

What is Required

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public Policy, Sustainability, Business, or related field.

· Experience in solar programs, renewable energy policy, and/or program administration.

· Strong familiarity with solar PV development.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Budget and staff management experience.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

· Ability to interpret and apply policy to operations.

· Strong Team Management competency

· Precise Client Management abilities

What is Preferred

· 5+ years experience with solar programs or utility programs.

· Experience with income‑qualified programs or Diversity-focused initiatives.

· Familiarity with IL solar programs

· Experience with CRM and project tracking platforms.

· Knowledge of solar economics and incentive modeling.

· Local travel up to 10%.