Director, Energy Advising / Technical Sales & Outreach

Resource-Innovations; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Three weeks paid vacation annually

Paid holidays

401(k) with employer match

Medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Parental leave

Employee assistance program

Commuter benefits

Additional supplemental offerings

Job summary

Resource Innovations in Chicago seeks a Director of Energy Advising (Technical Sales & Outreach) to lead a team of Energy Advisors and subcontractors, driving energy efficiency program participation across Chicagoland and Northern IL.

The role blends technical energy efficiency expertise with consultative sales leadership, bridging utility, engineering, and program delivery to deliver comprehensive programs and a strong project pipeline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Energy Management, Environmental Science, Business or related field.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic outreach plans to achieve program energy savings goals.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue opportunities with end-use customers across national accounts, agencies, public sector, and large commercial/industrial clients.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospect projects across energy efficiency programs.
• Lead customer engagement throughout the sales lifecycle, from prospecting through implementation.
• Translate customer needs into technically sound and financially compelling solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering and program management to develop cost-effective projects.
• Present technical and business value propositions to decision makers.
• Support measurement, verification, calculations, financial models, and cost-effectiveness analyses during the sales process.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and funding opportunities.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences and client events.
• Build strategic partnerships with technology providers and contractors.
• Mentor Energy Advisors and foster cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Energy efficiency

Sales leadership

Strategic thinking

Client relationship management

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Engineering Management/Environmental Science/Business

Master's degree or MBA preferred

Job description

Resource Innovations is seeking Director of Energy Advising (Technical Sales & Outreach) to join our growing team in Chicago, IL. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Director with a strong background in energy efficiency and sales leadership to join our dynamic team. As a Director of Energy Advising is responsible for a team of Energy Advisors and subcontractors to drive utility energy efficiency portfolio participation across the commercial and industrial sectors across Chicagoland and Northern IL. This leader combines technical expertise in energy efficiency with consultative sales leadership to identify opportunities, develop solutions, and secure program pipeline. The role serves as the bridge between the utility, engineering, and program delivery, ensuring technical solutions are delivered to utility customers to deliver a comprehensive suite of programs. The Director leads technical sales strategy and customer engagement efforts while building trusted relationships with stakeholders.

Resource Innovations (RI) is a women-led energy transformation firm focused on impact. Building on our expertise in energy efficiency, we're constantly expanding our portfolio of clean energy solutions to guide utilities through increasingly complex, connected challenges. Load flexibility. Electrification. Carbon reduction. With every step, we're leading the charge to power change.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Develop and execute strategic outreach plans to achieve program energy savings goals.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue opportunities with end-use customers:
• National accounts
• State and local agencies
• Public sector organizations
• Large commercial and industrial customers
• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospect projects across the portfolio of energy efficiency programs.
• Lead customer engagement throughout the sales lifecycle, from prospecting through implementation.

Technical Solution Development

• Translate customer needs into technically sound and financially compelling solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering and program management teams to develop cost-effective energy efficiency projects.
• Present technical and business value propositions to decision makers.
• Support measurement and verification, engineering calculations, financial models, and cost-effectiveness analyses during the sales process.

Market Leadership

• Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and utility program funding opportunities.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, trade associations, and client events.
• Build strategic partnerships with technology providers, contractors, engineering firms, and trade allies.
• Contribute to long-term growth strategies and market expansion initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Mentor, shadow, and coach Energy Advisors.
• Foster collaboration between energy advising, engineering, and delivery teams.
• Repeatable sales processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Promote a culture of accountability, customer focus, and technical excellence.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Energy Management, Environmental Science, Business, or related field.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in energy efficiency, utility program implementation, engineering consulting, energy services, or technical sales or business development.
• 3+ years leading strategic sales, outreach, or business development efforts.

Technical Knowledge

Strong understanding of:

• Utility energy efficiency programs
• Demand-side management
• Building systems and HVAC technologies
• Industrial energy efficiency
• Electrification technologies
• Energy modeling and engineering analysis
• Regulatory and stakeholder environments
• Cost-effectiveness testing methodologies

Preferred Credentials

• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP)

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Consultative selling
• Influencing and negotiation
• Financial acumen
• Client relationship management
• Cross-functional leadership
• Technical communication
• Team development

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Energy savings
• Pipeline growth
• Customer, account management, and client satisfaction scores
• Cross-functional partnership and internal satisfaction scores
• Team development and retention

About Resource Innovations

Resource Innovations (RI) is a women-led energy transformation firm focused on impact. Building on our expertise in energy efficiency, we’re constantly expanding our portfolio of clean energy solutions to guide utilities through increasingly complex, connected challenges. Load flexibility. Electrification. Carbon reduction. With every step, we’re leading the charge to power change.

Resource Innovations is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Resource Innovations complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company does work.

Compensation & Benefits

Resource Innovations offers competitive salaries based on a candidate's skills, experience and qualifications for the position. The compensation range for the base salary for this position is $140,000-$200,000.In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus. The stated salary represents the expected compensation for this position.Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience, education and location.

At Resource Innovations, we believe supporting our people is essential to delivering impact. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote health, financial security, and work-life balance.

• three weeks of paid vacation annually
• paid holidays
• a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• medical
• dental and vision coverage
• parental leave
• an employee assistance program
• commuter benefits
• additional supplemental offerings

Employment with Resource Innovations is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check and reference check. If applicable to the position, a pre-employment drug screen may also be required.

The above job description and job requirements are not intended to be all inclusive. Resource Innovations retains the right to make changes or adjustments to job descriptions and/or job requirements at any time without notice.