Program Manager

Program Manager

Illinois

Evergreen Posting: Walker-Miller Energy Services is experiencing tremendous growth, and we're always looking to connect with exceptional talent for future opportunities. If you're a Program Manager professional, we'd love to hear from you! Please submit your application, and a member of our Talent Acquisition team will reach out when a role becomes available that aligns with your experience.

Company Overview: Walker-Miller Energy Services is a 26-year-old Detroit-based, core-values driven company committed to changing lives through energy efficiency. We create and manage customized energy waste reduction programs that help electric and gas utilities meet mandated energy savings goals.

Our experience driven philosophy of clean energy as economic development helps families and businesses save energy and save money. Through innovative, inclusive initiatives, we help build communities by creating local jobs, producing equitable energy savings for all rate payers, and spurring the growth of diverse local businesses.

Our operating philosophy is reflected in our core values. We refer to them as BEHIVE.

B - Boldly Go

E – Embrace Equity

H - Humble Confidence

I - Inclusive Stewardship

V - Value Reputation

E - Extraordinary Experience

Position Summary: The energy efficiency Program Manager works directly with clients to ensure deliverables fall within the applicable scope and budget. This requires extensive data analytics and ongoing communication with key stakeholders regarding program performance. The Program Manager will be responsible for development and delivery of potential levers and reporting, along with oversight of field operations to ensure the program meets all goals. This position accomplishes this through a respectful, constructive, and energetic style, that exhibits our core values.

Essential Responsibilities: This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Lead, embrace and operate within our core values.
• Assist in the development of a QA/QC plan to ensure accurate program results and good evaluation results.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Function well with a diverse group of communities, clients, and team members.
• Work under frequent time pressures.
• Use good judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Escalate all issues and troubleshoot as needed.

Leadership & Program Management:

• Manage direct reports and oversee program staff where applicable. This includes interviewing, planning, assigning, completing performance evaluations, coaching, mentoring and directing work.
• Complete and manage quarterly program performance evaluations with staff and client.
• Provide daily leadership to program staff including managing program promotions, communication, marketing requests, and assisting team to creatively meet the program's goals.
• Lead and develop team members based on core values-driven culture that encourages top performance with compassion.
• Develop and implement a plan to attract new customers/energy efficiency service providers to meet program objectives.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the program's strategic direction regarding energy efficiency and the business activities of its customers.
• Develop and oversee the processing of program paperwork through designated tracking systems.
• Coordinate with program evaluators to understand evaluation plans and communicate program procedures to staff.
• Be a member of several working groups that will coordinate the program with other organizations working in the program.
• Manage and report KPIs as required to the client, partner, or our company's management by the requested due date.
• Incorporate "best practice" methods of energy efficiency program implementation.
• Provide a professional appearance appropriate to represent both Walker-Miller and the client.
• Lead and attend relevant presentations promoting energy efficiency programs.
• Practice effective project management skills in leading the program.
• Manage the utility relationship and serve as an advocate for the client.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly invoices and activity reports as required to the client, partner, or Walker-Miller management.

Program Recruitment & Engagement:

• Work directly with the client to supervise, develop, and implement marketing and communications plans to educate customers about energy efficiency and drive participation in energy efficiency programs.
• Lead and attend relevant presentations promoting energy efficiency programs.
• Oversee participant onboarding, setting clear expectations and goals for program engagement and success.
• Act as a mentor and advocate for participants, fostering their professional growth and ensuring a supportive program environment.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Build partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and industry leaders to support participant recruitment, training, and placement.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Operations and HR, to align program objectives with organizational goals.
• Represent Walker-Miller Energy Services at industry events and workforce development forums.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay informed on industry developments, workforce trends, and best practices in workforce development.
• Incorporate participant and stakeholder feedback to enhance program delivery and outcomes.
• Develop strategies to expand the program's reach and impact in alignment with organizational objectives.
• Provide administrative services plan to develop client reporting processes.
• Ensure continuous improvement of operations year after year.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Manages projects of varying complexity. Develops and implements project plans. Monitors and controls project progress. Coordinates with stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Management: Builds relationships with stakeholders and clients and consults with them regularly to gather feedback and ensure alignment with goals.
• Communication: Communicates information accurately and concisely to target audiences, adapting style and content as needed.
• Data Analysis: Uses data to inform project improvements and decision-making.
• Program Development: Develops comprehensive program and training materials independently. Delivers and evaluates programs for effectiveness and makes recommendations for improvement. Manages program logistics, engagement, and analysis. Collaborate with program stakeholders to implement program improvements.
• Technology Skills: Effectively utilizes a range of technology tools and software to produce desired outputs.
• Collaboration: Works effectively in cross-functional teams. Works collaboratively in times of difficulty, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Build and nurture a community of in various forms (team members, entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, customers, and business leaders) who can support each other.
• Leadership: Leads and manages a small team successfully. Communicates effectively and builds strong relationships with team members. Handles employee relations issues independently and confidently. Contributes meaningfully to team development and performance initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven leadership abilities in a rapidly changing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Community Relations, Marketing, Business Management, other related fields, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of Program Management or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of direct or indirect leadership required.
• Proficiency in financial and project management.
• Experience in community development, grassroots organizing, workforce development, public sector project management.
• Sales, marketing or business development background.
• Proven leadership in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented and able to prioritize workload and delegate appropriate work assignments to staff.
• Must be flexible to handle a wide variety of tasks and complete work in a timely fashion in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong data entry skills in entering information in tracking systems/databases.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with customers, clients and employees.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and solve practical problems.
• Knowledge of mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages and ratios.
• Reliable transportation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree, preferred.
• CEM Certification, preferred but not required.
• PMP Certification, preferred but not required.
• Experience working in the Energy Efficiency industry is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with Monday.com or similar project management software.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid driver's license.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 50% locally.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: