Director of Solar Outreach and Market Strategy

Interested in joining a growing company where you will work with talented colleagues, enhance a supportive and energetic culture, and be part of the climate solution? At Energy Solutions, we focus on the big impacts. And we believe that market-based programs can be a powerful force to deliver large-scale energy, carbon, and water-use savings. Since 1995, we’ve harnessed that power to offer proven, performance-based solutions for our utility, government, and institutional customers.

Energy Solutions is seeking a Director of Solar Outreach and Market Strategy in our Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) department. As a member of the DERs leadership team, you will collaborate on the growth and management of an Illinois program to incentivize the adoption of solar . Solar, storage, and demand response technologies are critical in driving our nation’s progress toward a decarbonized grid, and you will play a material role in helping our team make this future a reality. This unique market opportunity, paired with Energy Solutions' mission-driven approach, creates a perfect environment for individuals who want to have an active voice in shaping the energy future.

We prefer candidates located in Chicago, but we also welcome U.S.-based remote candidates who can commit to traveling to Chicago at least once per quarter.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Program Oversight & Delivery

• Oversee successful delivery of a large solar program market outreach team to achieve goals, execute deliverables on time and budget, and deliver high client satisfaction.
• Develop strong cross-department coordination with our information systems team to develop, maintain, and enhance the custom software used to implement our programs.
• Monitor program performance metrics , budgets, and timelines; identify and address risks or bottlenecks proactively.
• Stay current on energy codes, incentive programs, and emerging technologies to inform strategic decisions.
• Review and approve client deliverables, proposals, and reports to ensure compliance and high standards.
• Demonstrate understanding and capabilities of project and program management to be successful in the role.

Team & Performance Management

• Lead a team. Determine and formulate policies and strategies to manage and motivate internal staff and subcontractors.
• Supervise and support a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
• Manage workload distribution, including recruiting, staffing, and assigning work across the team.
• Conduct performance management and supervision of department staff.
• Facilitate internal communications, team meetings, and cross-functional coordination to drive operational excellence.
• Maintain regular communication with department staff and management to direct priorities.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain and develop client and partner relationships, ensuring continued service excellence, and demonstrating exceptional client management skills.
• Engage with clients, partners, and stakeholders to ensure satisfaction, resolve issues, and strengthen relationships.
• Facilitate collaboration across internal and external teams to achieve shared goals effectively.

Leadership & Strategic Management

• Demonstrate leadership and management qualities essential for success in the role.
• Maintain deep awareness of industry trends, policy developments, and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate closely with the department leadership to align departmental goals with organizational strategy and growth targets.
• Promote a culture of innovation, inclusion, excellence, and continuous improvement across all program areas.
• Lead and support change management efforts by guiding teams through transitions, aligning stakeholders, and fostering adaptability to evolving priorities and program goals.

Business Development

• Support development of proposals and business development efforts.
• Follow through on proposals for new and current projects and programs.
• Support business development by identifying new opportunities and contributing to proposal strategy.
• Collaborate with department and company leaders to execute a strategic growth plan for Energy Solutions’ DERs products.
• Represent Energy Solutions as a visible thought leader through client engagement, industry conferences, and participation in key industry boards and forums.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, energy, policy, engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with program implementation and growth, ideally in demand response and/or storage program administration.
• A minimum of 12 years of work experience including at least 5 years of supervision and leadership of multigenerational teams .
• Familiarity with the North American solar market, ideally in energy and utility business and market with a focus on Illinois and/or income-qualified offerings.
• Familiarity working with software development and bridging that gap between client needs and software costs and timelines.
• Demonstrated outstanding problem-solving, quantitative, and analytical skills.
• Ability to solve complex problems, provide solutions, and balance competing priorities.
• Experience leading contract negotiations and renewals with clients.
• Strong client management and project management skills.
• Proven track record of successful supervision or organizational leadership experience.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, cost management, and maximizing profitability.
• Demonstrated ability to provide thought leadership to achieve energy and climate goals.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, collegial, and collaborative, but fast-paced and dynamic environment at a growing company.
• Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage time and organize competing priorities.
• Quarterly travel to Chicago required ; additional travel as needed.

The salary range for this role is $145,000 - $180,000 with a target compensation of $145,000 - $171,000 based on experience and qualifications. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a generous retirement package. Energy Solutions provides an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, other pre-tax contribution plans, and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).