Director, Commercial Energy

ICF; Columbia (MD); Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking a Director, Commercial Energy to lead strategic growth in Virginia and adjacent markets. The role oversees a portfolio of energy efficiency, electrification, and DSM programs across residential, commercial, and public sectors, guiding a team of program managers and engineers to deliver measurable impact.

The ideal candidate has a track record in business development, client engagement, and navigating regulatory requirements, with substantial travel across the DC/MD/VA region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Energy Resources, Engineering, Policy, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in energy efficiency, electrification, or DSM programs.
• 6+ years of experience managing cross-functional teams, client portfolios, and teams of program/project managers.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed.
• Must be willing to travel up to 25% locally across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.

Responsibilities

• Develop new program partnerships in Virginia by leveraging relationships with utilities and other energy efficiency partners.
• Identify strategic collaborations with local industry partners to bring new program concepts to market.
• Lead cross-functional teams of program managers, engineers, outreach, marketing, and IT professionals to deliver high-impact, customer-centric energy programs.
• Oversee program design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Manage portfolio-level financials, forecasts, KPIs, and reporting; ensure timely billing, data quality, and regulatory deliverables.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with utility clients, regulators, and community stakeholders to align program strategies with customer and policy goals.
• Guide inclusive, collaborative teams and support staff development through mentorship, performance management, and strategic direction.
• Drive innovation by identifying emerging technologies, market trends, and new program opportunities.
• Represent the organization in regulatory proceedings, stakeholder working groups, and industry conferences.
• Lead or support business development efforts including proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
• Drive client growth strategy and direct capture efforts to ensure success in portfolio recompetes.
• Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across all program areas.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Regulatory compliance

Client relationships

Team leadership

Energy program design

Business development

Contract negotiation

Data analysis

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Policy/Business

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Office Suite

Power BI

Job description

Title

Director, Commercial Energy

Location

Reston, VA; Columbia, MD; Hybrid

Overview

The Director, Commercial Energy is responsible for driving strategic leadership and business growth through the expansion of utility-sponsored energy efficiency, electrification, and demand-side management (DSM) programs. This role develops new program opportunities and oversees a dynamic suite of residential, commercial, and public sector initiatives, primarily in Virginia, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks, client expectations, and organizational performance goals. The ideal candidate demonstrates a proven ability to develop new business relationships as well as cultivate new opportunities with existing partners, lead cross-functional teams, manage a team of program managers, scale program impact, and deliver measurable results that support equitable clean energy transitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new program partnerships in Virginia by leveraging relationships with utilities and other energy efficiency partners.
• Identify strategic collaborations with local industry partners to bring new program concepts to market.
• Lead cross-functional teams of program managers, engineers, outreach, marketing, and IT professionals to deliver high-impact, customer-centric energy programs.
• Oversee program design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Manage portfolio-level financials, forecasts, KPIs, and reporting; ensure timely billing, data quality, and regulatory deliverables.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with utility clients, regulators, and community stakeholders to align program strategies with customer and policy goals.
• Guide inclusive, collaborative teams and support staff development through mentorship, performance management, and strategic direction.
• Drive innovation by identifying emerging technologies, market trends, and new program opportunities.
• Represent the organization in regulatory proceedings, stakeholder working groups, and industry conferences.
• Lead or support business development efforts including proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
• Drive client growth strategy and direct capture efforts to ensure success in portfolio recompetes.
• Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across all program areas.

Skills

• Strategic leadership and portfolio oversight, including financial management and regulatory compliance
• Deep understanding of energy efficiency, electrification, and DSM program frameworks
• Client relationship development and stakeholder engagement
• Team building, mentorship, and performance management
• Energy efficiency program innovation and market trend analysis
• Business development and contract negotiation
• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities with a willingness to adapt to changing client goals and regulatory requirements
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
• Ability to travel and represent the organization externally

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Energy Resources, Engineering, Policy, Business, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in energy efficiency, electrification, or DSM programs
• 6+ years of experience managing cross-functional teams, client portfolios, and teams of program/project managers
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed
• Must be willing to travel up to 25% locally across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Familiarity with residential and commercial electric and gas energy efficiency measures, load management, and distributed energy resources
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CEM, or LEED AP
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
• Demonstrated success in business development, client engagement, and contract administration

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 ourEEO 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 [e-mail] 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 aboutworkplacediscriminationrights 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 [e-mail]. 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.

$144,381.00 - $245,448.00

Virginia Remote Office (VA99)