Lead Program Manager
Job Summary:
The Lead Program Manager provides strategic leadership and advanced program management expertise across complex clean energy programs or market segments. This role acts as the strategy lead for assigned areas of work, translating portfolio-level goals into actionable program strategies and tactics, optimizing performance and operations, and aligning cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution.
Lead Program Managers bring deep subject matter expertise and serve as peer leaders within the department. They manage large budgets, guide multiple initiatives simultaneously, and play a critical role in shaping how programs are planned, delivered, and continuously improved.
Location:
This is a hybrid position, and the ideal candidate will be located in Vermont.
Essential Functions:
We are committed to building a work community that is inclusive and welcoming to all individuals. We value a culture that includes a variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and thoughts. Climate change impacts all of us; however, we are impacted differently based on our identities and experiences. We all deserve a place at the table to make decisions about our collective future – we hope you’ll consider joining us as we work towards our vision for a healthy planet, thriving people, and energy justice. Candidates across all markers of identity (age, race, gender, ability, veteran status, communication style, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply. Any emails from VEIC team members will originate from a @veic.org email address. If you encounter anything that raises suspicions during your interactions, we encourage you to exercise caution and suspend or discontinue communications.
At VEIC, we are committed to pay transparency. Based on market data, pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and location. Please discuss your intended work location with the recruiter for more information. The total compensation package for this position also includes a full range of medical benefits, 403(b) eligibility with match, Combined Time Off (CTO), Care and Concern leave, Parental leave, wellbeing benefit, a community service day, and eight paid holidays that are effective as of your first day of employment.
The Lead Program Manager provides strategic leadership and advanced program management expertise across complex clean energy programs or market segments. This role acts as the strategy lead for assigned areas of work, translating portfolio-level goals into actionable program strategies and tactics, optimizing performance and operations, and aligning cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution.
Lead Program Managers bring deep subject matter expertise and serve as peer leaders within the department. They manage large budgets, guide multiple initiatives simultaneously, and play a critical role in shaping how programs are planned, delivered, and continuously improved.
Location:
This is a hybrid position, and the ideal candidate will be located in Vermont.
Essential Functions:
- Strategic Program Leadership
- Serve as strategy lead for one or more programs or market segments, translating portfolio-level goals into clear, actionable strategies and aligned tactics.
- Anticipate market trends, regulatory shifts, and emerging customer needs to guide strategic adjustments proactively.
- Design and implement processes for coordinated execution across multiple initiatives or delivery teams.
- Lead annual program planning and forecasting activities in alignment with organizational and contractual objectives.
- Program Performance and Budget Management
- Manage high-value budgets with significant performance accountability, ensuring efficient and strategic use of funds to drive outcomes.
- Apply expert-level project and program management skills to drive coordinated execution across teams and tools.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and budget data to assess program health, intervene early to address risks, and continuously improve outcomes.
- Develop and refine program-specific procedures, metrics, and dashboards to optimize results and support compliance.
- Cross-Functional Influence and Collaboration
- Lead complex, cross-functional efforts that involve engineering, marketing, customer support, regulatory, and data analytics teams.
- Represent program strategies and performance in high-visibility internal and external meetings, including regulatory discussions, funder check-ins, and stakeholder sessions.
- Facilitate cross-program collaboration and information sharing to enhance consistency, innovation, and efficiency.
- Customer and Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide strategic insight and coordination for key stakeholder interactions, including with trade allies, utility partners, and key market actors.
- Translate customer and partner feedback into meaningful program improvements and new opportunities.
- Collaborate with Account Management and other customer-facing teams to align program strategies with market engagement efforts.
- Team Collaboration and Thought Leadership
- Serve as a peer leader and thought partner to other Program Managers across the department.
- Mentor others through knowledge sharing, coaching, and support with complex challenges or program design.
- Model strategic thinking, operational excellence, and inclusive leadership.
- Compliance, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Ensure program strategies and operations meet regulatory, contractual, and policy requirements.
- Lead or co-lead evaluation planning and execution for assigned programs or market segments, integrating insights into future strategy.
- Lead development of content for internal and external reports, including funder updates, strategy memos, and program impact summaries.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Strong personal commitment to the mission, vision, goals, and values of VEIC.
- Minimum of eight years professional experience in clean energy program management, Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated success in developing and leading program strategies with measurable performance and budget accountability.
- Mastery of project and program management practices, with the ability to guide complex initiatives across teams and timelines.
- Strong strategic thinking and systems-level problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional collaboration and communication skills with internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Experience coaching peers or junior staff and contributing to organizational learning.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfort using digital tools, dashboards, and reporting systems.
- 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)
- Regular use of computer, keyboard, mouse, and telephone/headset requiring fine motor skills and repetitive hand/wrist movements
- Visual acuity to view digital screens, documents, and presentations for prolonged periods
- Verbal communication abilities are sufficient for clear articulation during in-person and virtual meetings, presentations, and discussions
- Auditory capabilities to participate effectively in conversations, conference calls, and virtual collaboration sessions
- Cognitive focus for simultaneous management of multiple communication streams, projects, and stakeholder relationships
- Occasional movement between meeting spaces, collaboration areas, and individual workstations
- Minimal lifting requirements (typically under 15 pounds) for office supplies, equipment, or materials
- VEIC provides ergonomic assessments and appropriate accommodation to support team members in this collaborative environment, if needed. Our commitment to wellness includes encouraging regular movement breaks and supporting flexible work arrangements that promote sustainable productivity aligned with our core values.
- No Travel Required
- This position does not require regular travel. Occasional in-person attendance at company events or meetings (typically 0–2 times per year) may be encouraged, but participation is often optional or available virtually
We are committed to building a work community that is inclusive and welcoming to all individuals. We value a culture that includes a variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and thoughts. Climate change impacts all of us; however, we are impacted differently based on our identities and experiences. We all deserve a place at the table to make decisions about our collective future – we hope you’ll consider joining us as we work towards our vision for a healthy planet, thriving people, and energy justice. Candidates across all markers of identity (age, race, gender, ability, veteran status, communication style, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply. Any emails from VEIC team members will originate from a @veic.org email address. If you encounter anything that raises suspicions during your interactions, we encourage you to exercise caution and suspend or discontinue communications.
At VEIC, we are committed to pay transparency. Based on market data, pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and location. Please discuss your intended work location with the recruiter for more information. The total compensation package for this position also includes a full range of medical benefits, 403(b) eligibility with match, Combined Time Off (CTO), Care and Concern leave, Parental leave, wellbeing benefit, a community service day, and eight paid holidays that are effective as of your first day of employment.