Director, Energy Efficiency - Midwest

Energy Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Health benefits

Retirement package

Job summary

Energy Solutions seeks a Director of Energy Efficiency – Midwest to set strategic direction and lead the delivery, performance, and growth of multi-program energy efficiency initiatives across the Midwest. You will oversee a portfolio with significant annual revenue and shape opportunities for expansion, ensuring client retention and scalable, high‑performing programs.

The role requires strong leadership of a regional team, deep energy efficiency expertise, and the ability to align enterprise

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive professional experience with 5+ years of people leadership.
• 5+ years leading energy efficiency program implementation and growth.
• Experience managing multi‑generational teams and complex programs.
• Experience in client contract negotiations and performance discussions.
• Strong analytical, financial, and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of multiple large-scale energy efficiency programs across the Midwest, meeting performance goals and budgets.
• Collaborate with Information Systems to develop and maintain software supporting program delivery.
• Monitor program performance, manage revenues, budgets, and timelines; mitigate risks.
• Apply industry expertise to guide regional and enterprise decisions on energy efficiency programs.
• Lead and develop a regional team of project managers and professionals (P1–M4).
• Develop and retain talent, support succession planning, and balance team growth.
• Plan workforce, recruitment, and workload distribution for growth needs.
• Nurture executive and client relationships for long-term partnerships.
• Deliver results meeting energy-savings targets and KPIs; align with clients and regulators.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Program management

Client relationship management

Budgeting

Team development

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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.

The Director of Energy Efficiency – Midwest sets strategic direction and holds accountability for the delivery, performance, and growth of large-scale energy efficiency programs across the Midwest region. This role oversees a multiprogram portfolio spanning six or more active programs with annual revenue exceeding $7M, while also shaping and advancing new business opportunities that expand Energy Solutions' energy efficiency footprint. Success is defined by strong client retention, healthy and scalable teams, compliant and high performing programs, and sustained growth within the Midwest region.

We prefer candidates located in the Midwest to West area of the country.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee and govern the delivery of multiple large-scale energy efficiency programs, ensuring achievement of performance goals, contractual deliverables, timelines, and budgets
• Direct cross department collaboration—including with Information Systems—to guide the development, enhancement, and maintenance of custom software supporting program delivery
• Actively manage program performance by monitoring and driving key metrics—including revenue—while controlling budgets and timelines; anticipate, assess, and mitigate delivery, compliance, and operational risks to ensure successful execution.
• Apply deep industry expertise -, in energy efficiency programs, and emerging technologies and strong program management to inform regional and enterprise level decisions
• Lead and govern a regional organization of project managers and senior professionals (P1–M4), establishing clear expectations for performance, collaboration, and accountability
• Develop, coach, and retain talent, supporting growth and succession planning, team health, and long-term scalability
• Direct workforce planning, including recruiting, staffing, and workload distribution aligned to program and growth needs
• Develop and sustain program level and executive level client relationships, ensuring service excellence, trust, and long-term partnerships
• Deliver results that meet or exceed established energy‑savings targets, program milestones, and KPIs.
• Influence and align clients, regulators, subcontractors, and partners with differing perspectives and priorities
• Represent Energy Solutions as a senior regional leader in key client interactions and forums
• Model executive leadership behaviors aligned with Energy Solutions' values and strategic goals
• Partner with senior and executive leadership to align regional priorities with enterprise strategy and growth targets
• Define, adapt, and evolve regional approaches to energy efficiency program delivery in response to changing markets, policies, and client needs
• Champion innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement, fostering adaptability and resilience across teams
• Oversee comprehensive risk mitigation, rigorous QA/QC practices, and ongoing process improvements to strengthen operational performance and ensure flawless program execution
• Lead and sponsor change management efforts, guiding teams through ambiguity, transitions, and evolving program models
• Drive follow-through on awarded work to ensure successful launch and delivery
• Identify and cultivate new opportunities and relationships aligned with Energy Solutions' energy efficiency and climate goals
• Serve as a visible thought leader, representing Energy Solutions through industry conferences, boards, and strategic forums

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Energy, Public Policy, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Twelve or more years of progressive professional experience, including at least five years of people leadership, managing and developing multi‑generational teams
• Minimum of five years' experience leading or overseeing energy efficiency program implementation and growth, preferably within utility‑funded or regulated environments
• Demonstrated experience managing complex operational teams, ideally overseeing program delivery, implementation, or product‑oriented teams in service of client outcomes
• Proven experience leading client contract negotiations, renewals, and performance discussions, including accountability for delivery, financial outcomes, and risk mitigation
• Strong ability to translate client needs into operational execution, including bridging gaps between program requirements, technology systems, and delivery costs, timelines, and constraints
• Demonstrated excellence in complex problem‑solving, quantitative analysis, and data‑driven decision‑making
• Ability to balance competing priorities, manage ambiguity, and provide clear direction in fast‑moving and evolving environments
• Proven track record of successful organizational leadership, including motivating teams, driving accountability, and managing performance at scale
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost management, margin awareness, and maximizing program profitability
• Demonstrated ability to provide thought leadership in advancing energy efficiency, climate, and sustainability goals
• Exceptional client management, stakeholder engagement, and project leadership skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a collaborative, fast‑paced, and growth‑oriented organization
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including executive‑level communications
• High level of attention to detail, organization, and time management across a large and varied portfolio

The salary range for this role is $145,000 to $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 [e-mail].

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