Lead Program Specialist, Public Sector

Business Title: Lead Program Specialist, Public Sector Energy Efficiency
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Ready to make a difference?
The Lead Program Specialist is responsible for leading utility-sponsored energy efficiency, electrification, and demand-side management programs across the public sector. This position requires strategic oversight of program design and delivery, client engagement, and technical leadership to achieve measurable energy savings and promote equitable access to clean energy solutions. The role involves managing complex projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and performance metrics.


Why you will love working here:

• Quality of life: Flexible workplace arrangements, work-life balance, employee wellbeing programs
• Investment in the community: Donation matching, volunteer opportunities
• Investment in you: Education Reimbursement, Retirement Planning, 401k matching, Mentorship Programs, Free access to professional development resources such LinkedIn Learning
• Any many, many more *Ask your recruiter for more details!

What you will be doing:

• Act as a liaison with clients, managing day-to-day operations, outreach activities, and overall program performance.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of energy efficiency and demand-side management programs.
• Administer program budgets, including forecasting, invoicing, and reporting, to maintain alignment with contractual deliverables and KPIs and make necessary adjustments to ensure goals are achieved
• Identify challenges or issues early and develop or obtain solutions, ensuring continual operational improvements and excellence
• Ensure customer and stakeholder escalations are resolved agreeably and quickly to ensure high program satisfaction ratings.
• Direct internal teams and subcontractors to execute strategies across multiple customer segments.
• Develop and sustain relationships with stakeholders such as local governments, contractors, trade allies, and community organizations.
• Coordinate marketing, quality assurance/quality control, recruitment, and training initiatives to drive customer acquisition and program participation.
• Monitor market trends and emerging technologies to guide program enhancements and innovation.
• Manage program launches and transitions, ensuring adherence to standardized processes and best practices.
• Represent programs in client meetings, industry conferences, and community forums.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and leadership to internal staff and external partners.
• Lead and participate in business development and strategic growth activities
• Travel Requirements: Will be required to attend in person client meetings at least 1 time a month in Southern California.

Professional skills you will use:

• Strategic program management and leadership across diverse sectors.
• Strong client engagement and stakeholder relationship-building capabilities.
• Expertise in energy efficiency, electrification, and demand-side management principles.
• Proficiency in budget administration, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional teams effectively.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and market trends in clean energy.

What we need you to have (minimum qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree; preferably in Energy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Business or a related discipline (or applicants can substitute one year of related experience for one year of education)
• 8+ years of experience in energy efficiency, clean energy program management, consulting for utilities or public agencies and/or related experience

What we would like you to have (preferred qualifications):

• Experience in energy efficiency program administration and demand-side management initiatives.
• Knowledge of behind-the-meter technologies, building codes, and retrofit practices.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CEM, BPI, LEED-AP, or Six Sigma.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project tracking tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.

Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email View email address on click.appcast.io and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.


Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.


Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.


However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at View email address on click.appcast.io. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.


The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$108,006.00 - $183,610.00

California Remote Office (CA99)