Clean Energy Engagement Program Manager

Avista; Spokane (WA); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

401(k) with match

Incentive programs

Paid time off

Life and disability insurance

Wellness resources

Tuition assistance

Community giving programs

Job summary

Avista in Spokane, WA is seeking a Clean Energy Engagement Program Manager to lead public participation and community outreach for the utility's energy transition efforts.

You will develop strategies, engage with tribal and local partners, prepare communications, and support regulatory filings while aligning diverse initiatives with Washington's CETA and broader regional goals. Hybrid work with headquarters in Spokane.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Community Development, Strategic Communications, Social Sciences, or related field required
• 3+ years relevant experience
• CAPM or PMP certification preferred
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability
• Demonstrate proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook and MS Project
• Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to successfully develop and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and influence a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced multi-priority environment
• Ability to use appropriate technology to organize, synthesize, and communicate data

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and implements community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and public participation strategies that support clean energy planning, regulatory compliance, and organizational objectives.
• Develops and maintains relationships with community-based organizations, Tribal entities, advocacy groups, local governments, regulators, and other external stakeholders.
• Facilitates advisory groups, stakeholder forums, and public participation processes to gather input and ensure community perspectives are considered in clean energy planning and implementation.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports on engagement activities and stakeholder feedback, identifying opportunities to improve programs, processes, and stakeholder experience.
• Prepares and delivers presentations, briefings, reports, and other communications for internal and external audiences regarding clean energy initiatives, engagement activities, outcomes, and regulatory commitments.
• Provides consultation and support to internal teams on community engagement practices, stakeholder relationships, and public participation requirements.
• Facilitates productive dialogue among diverse stakeholders and ensures community perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.
• Supports regulatory and legislative compliance by contributing to engagement activities, documentation, regulatory filings, reports, and other required materials.
• Prepares and administers program budgets; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; submits justification for budget items; and monitors and controls expenditures.
• Manages and participates in the preparation, review, and submittal of a variety of compliance-related reports, communications, and data to internal and external stakeholders. Shares program and organizational learning with a broad range of audiences

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

MS Office

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Community Development, Strategic Communications, Social Sciences, or related field

CAPM or PMP certification preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Outlook

MS Project

Job description

Job Description Are you an effective communicator with strong written and verbal skills and a passion for community engagement? If you're a collaborative individual who thrives in working with diverse internal and external stakeholders—and you believe the transition to clean energy should be inclusive and equitable—then this role could be a great fit for you.Closes: September 7, 2026Job Description Are you an effective communicator with strong written and verbal skills and a passion for community engagement? If you're a collaborative individual who thrives in working with diverse internal and external stakeholders—and you believe the transition to clean energy should be inclusive and equitable—then this role could be a great fit for you. As a Clean Energy Engagement Program Manager, you’ll support and lead key aspects of Avista’s Clean Energy Implementation Plan. Core responsibilities include developing and executing public participation strategies, engaging with communities, managing outreach and communications, and supporting initiatives aligned with Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA). You’ll also contribute to outreach efforts in other states advancing clean energy goals outside of CETA. You’ll serve as a subject matter expert on community engagement across Avista’s service areas, taking a strategic view to ensure alignment and synergy among internal and external initiatives. A key focus will be understanding the diverse needs of our customers and identifying opportunities for collaborative, community-centered solutions. You’ll also support outreach efforts in other states where Avista operates, helping to align regional clean energy strategies with community priorities.Responsibilities

• Coordinates and implements community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and public participation strategies that support clean energy planning, regulatory compliance, and organizational objectives.
• Develops and maintains relationships with community-based organizations, Tribal entities, advocacy groups, local governments, regulators, and other external stakeholders.
• Facilitates advisory groups, stakeholder forums, and public participation processes to gather input and ensure community perspectives are considered in clean energy planning and implementation.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports on engagement activities and stakeholder feedback, identifying opportunities to improve programs, processes, and stakeholder experience.
• Prepares and delivers presentations, briefings, reports, and other communications for internal and external audiences regarding clean energy initiatives, engagement activities, outcomes, and regulatory commitments.
• Provides consultation and support to internal teams on community engagement practices, stakeholder relationships, and public participation requirements.
• Facilitates productive dialogue among diverse stakeholders and ensures community perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.
• Supports regulatory and legislative compliance by contributing to engagement activities, documentation, regulatory filings, reports, and other required materials.
• Prepares and administers program budgets; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; submits justification for budget items; and monitors and controls expenditures.
• Manages and participates in the preparation, review, and submittal of a variety of compliance-related reports, communications, and data to internal and external stakeholders. Shares program and organizational learning with a broad range of audiences

Requirements Program Manager I:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Community Development, Strategic Communications, Social Sciences, or related field required
• 3+ years relevant experience
• CAPM or PMP certification preferred
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability
• Demonstrate proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook and MS Project
• Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to successfully develop and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and influence a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced multi-priority environment
• Ability to use appropriate technology to organize, synthesize, and communicate data

Hiring Range: $77,595 to $100,486Program Manager II Includes The Requirements For I Plus

• 5+ years relevant experience
• Ability to successfully develop and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and influence a variety of stakeholders
• Strong working knowledge of key operation business processes and core applications preferred
• Ability to interpret and explain complex business processes and concepts
• Excellent planning and organizing skills; ability to anticipate outcomes
• Ability to lead program meetings
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple assignments, prioritize and to manage team and personal dynamics to drive projects forward
• Demonstrated presentation skills and ability to create presentations for delivery to various audiences

Hiring Range: $88,336 to $114,838Program Manager III includes the requirements for I and II plus:

• 7+ years relevant experience
• Excellent planning, problem solving and solid relationship building required
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions
• Ability to create new and innovative solutions
• Ability to seek and identify cost reduction and value-enhancement opportunities
• Comprehensive knowledge of budget principles, development, and administration

Hiring Range: $100,378 to $131,496Other Combinations Of Education And Experience May Be Considered.Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Headquarters in Spokane Washington at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager.Total Rewards At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.
We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

• Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
• Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions
• Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation
• Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
• Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
• Education and development support including tuition assistance
• Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
• Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/. We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce. In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $77,595 to $162,614. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to [e-mail]-employment Screening Requirements Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at [e-mail] if you would like assistance.