Senior Program Manager - Load Flexibility

Northwest utilities are facing new and evolving demands as they work to keep the region’s electrical grid safe, reliable, and affordable. NEEA’s End‑Use Load Flexibility Portfolio is designed to spark innovation and accelerate Market Transformation toward a more flexible, resilient energy system. In the near term, we’re focused on bringing load‑flexibility‑enabling features to market faster and exploring the opportunities they unlock. This work centers on improving the efficiency, connectivity, and controllability of end‑use devices—while drawing on NEEA’s strong market relationships, product development expertise, research capabilities, and role as a trusted regional convener. The Senior Program Manager will play an important role in driving the growth of this exciting new Portfolio. They will oversee one or more Market Transformation programs, and several smaller projects, focused on load flexibility. They are responsible for planning, resourcing, implementing, and executing these programs and projects to align with organizational strategy. The Senior Program Manager leads cross-functional teams and is accountable for achieving business results. The ideal candidate will be able to successfully translate strategic objectives into value delivery in a newly established portfolio. This position is based in the Portland, OR metro area, with a hybrid work location. We are looking for candidates who can meet the requirement of working at least 2 days per week onsite at NEEA’s office location. Finalists must have eligibility to work in the US as NEEA is not able to provide VISA sponsorship or have remote work outside of the US. Salary range: $110,000 - $120,000, exempt Salary is based on the applicants Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The Typical Day May Include… Serves as champion and spokesperson for NEEA’s cutting-edge Load Flex programs. Leads cross-functional teams to plan and implement programs that transform markets, meet business objectives and are executed effectively. Facilitates a highly collaborative team, modeling effective team behavior and leveraging individuals’ functional excellence, strengths, and capabilities. Identifies, escalates, and resolves issues resulting from development efforts. Drives decisions and action with ambiguous and/or incomplete information; applies best practices in adaptive strategy and change management. Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities to coordinate with extra-regional or national partners to align goals and increase market influence. Measures and reports progress toward clearly defined business objectives, including market progress and cost-effectiveness metrics and goals. Prepares Operations Plans and manages to goals and targets; measures and reports progress and drives corrective actions. Prepares annual budget and updates financial forecast to ensure good stewardship of NEEA resources spent on program activities. Uses market research as well as key learnings from demonstration projects, field studies, market tests, and program evaluations to modify program designs and ensure programs meet stated objectives. Issues RFQs and RFPs and hires and manages function-specific contractors to implement program activities and projects to achieve program objectives. In partnership with Load Flex Principal, leads annual program review to confirm direction for subsequent years and makes modifications to programs as required. Works with Stakeholder Relations and Corporate Communications team members to ensure programs are well coordinated with stakeholder values, strategy, and programs. Assures all program efforts are transparent and clearly communicated to internal and external stakeholders. Reports regularly to utility stakeholders on program progress, risks, and mitigation strategies. Facilitates hand-off of appropriate program components to utility stakeholders and/or the marketplace. Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities over NEEA staff. This position may be responsible for supervising and managing contractors. The incumbent provides leadership, direction and guidance to his or her teams and contractors and provides assistance to management in achieving work group success. Your Experience, Education, and Skills: Experience managing demand response, Time-of-Use or Load Flexibility programs comprised of multiple projects required. A minimum of 5 years of experience managing complex programs in a team environment. Tracking budgets Prioritizing program activities Working in a cross functional environment Adapting to changes and leading through these changes New product development experience is a plus BA/BS Degree with major course work in business, economics or engineering. MBA or related degree is a plus. Strong track record of managing contracts and contractors to achieve project objectives is required. Experience leading remote project teams required. Proven ability to build process and procedures for project/program team, and adjust existing procedures as needed throughout the lifecycle of the initiative. Demonstrated history of driving progress in the face of adversity, ambiguity, and through a complex environment. Experience and knowledge in one or more of NEEA’s strategic product groups (consumer products, water heating, motor driven systems, lighting and controls, HVAC, building envelope and new construction) preferred. An equivalent combination of education, experience and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties will also be considered. Highlights of NEEA’s Benefits: 90% of medical/dental premiums paid by NEEA, including for dependents Employer funded Health Savings Account 136 hours of PTO/year Automatic 6% retirement contribution with an additional 2% matching Flexible work environment, including hybrid work location and 9/80 schedule options Professional development opportunities About NEEA The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is an alliance of more than 140 electric and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency organizations working on behalf of Northwest energy consumers to increase the adoption of energy-efficient products services and practices. Since 1997, the region has achieved more than 959 average megawatts (aMW) of Co-Created electric energy savings – the equivalent of enough energy to power more than 700,000 Northwest homes each year. NEEA welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and fields of expertise, with or without previous experience in the energy industry. Follow this link to our website and learn more about the organization. NEEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer