Director, Commercial Energy

ICF Olson; Virginia Beach (VA); Hybrid; USD 144,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking a Director, Commercial Energy to lead strategic growth through expansion of utility-sponsored energy efficiency, electrification, and DSM programs, primarily in Virginia. The role drives new business opportunities, oversees a team of program managers, and delivers measurable impact across residential, commercial, and public sectors.

The position requires strong stakeholder engagement with utilities, regulators, and partners, guiding program design and execution while ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Energy Resources, Engineering, Policy, Business, or a related field
• Master’s degree in a related field (preferred)

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.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Client relationship development

Team leadership and mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory/compliance understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Power BI

MS Office Suite

Job description

Title, Location

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

Pay Range

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: $144,381.00 - $245,448.00 Virginia Remote Office (VA99)

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.

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.

Candidate AI Usage PolicyAt 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 [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

About ICF

ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.