Director of Solar Outreach and Market Strategy (Remote -Illinois, US)

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 arecritical 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. Effectively worked with and/or managed operational teams, ideally managing implementation or product teams, to provide the necessary outcome to a client. 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). AI Use At Energy Solutions we believe in the importance of authentic interactions and equitable opportunities. We base our candidate selection on one’s own skills, knowledge, and experience. To ensure the integrity and fairness of our interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (including Generative AI) or other means to generate or assist with responses during interviews is strictly prohibited. This practice supports our commitment to create a transparent and equitable space where skills, knowledge and experience can truly shine. Equal Opportunity Employer Energy Solutions is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Energy Solutions conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. Office Locations and a Remote Workforce Energy Solutions operates as a predominantly remote workforce with offices in six different locations. Employees who reside within 40 miles of an office (except New York) will be assigned to that location, though in-office attendance requirements may vary by team. At this time, we are not accepting applications from candidates residing in the following states: Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota. Background Check Information Information will be requested to perform the compulsory background check. A drug screen and authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely are preconditions of employment. Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable Accommodations Energy Solutions is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, and/or completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email [email protected]. Privacy Notice for Job Applicants