Emerging Technologies & DER Programs Manager

FirstEnergy Corp; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy Corp is seeking a Distribution Program Manager to lead multi-state regulatory compliance and energy infrastructure initiatives. The role oversees strategy, planning, and stakeholder coordination for DER, energy storage, grid modernization, and related programs across FE operating companies, with reporting location preferred at FirstEnergy Headquarters in Akron, OH and on-site requirements.

The ideal candidate has a strong project management foundation, excellent communication skills,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline and minimum 5 years related utility distribution experience are required.
• In lieu of a degree, High School Diploma / GED and minimum 7 years related utility distribution experience are required.
• Related utility distribution experience includes leading utility responses to evolving regulatory, policy, and market requirements, including initiatives involving distributed energy resources (DERs), energy storage, transportation electrification, demand-side management, grid modernization, customer programs, and emerging utility business models.
• 5 years of project management experience or the equivalent is required.
• Strong project management skills with an ability to develop, manage, and control multiple tasks.
• Experience with regulatory environments and/or utility programs preferred.
• Able to evaluate regulatory proposals, policy developments, and industry trends, and identify associated risks, opportunities, and strategic implications.
• Able to manage budgets, schedules, risks, and performance metrics.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Able to work across multiple departments and geographic locations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and general business systems.

Responsibilities

• Leading implementation of FERC Order 2222 compliance activities, coordinating with PJM and Electric Distribution Companies across multiple states.
• Managing DER Interconnections program including comments, RFI responses, and compliance filings for storage/smart inverter integration, Level 3 interconnection screens, and dispute resolution processes.
• Overseeing Energy Storage programs from charter development through project construction management, including RFP activities, vendor onboarding, and regulatory approval processes.
• Directing cross-functional workgroups assignments and consultant engagement as they become available as part of regulatory reporting teams.
• Managing workbook tasks and establish reporting cadences with workgroups.
• Engaging with state regulatory bodies on compliance matters and rate case support.
• Leading internal FE Working Groups and coordinating with Regional and Corporate Management on program priorities.
• Identifying and escalating resource constraints and ownership challenges to management.
• Ensuring timely compliance filings, tracking and report on program status, milestones, and risk indicators.
• Demonstrating a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to travel, including overnight, as required.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Budgeting & scheduling

Regulatory awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline

High School Diploma / GED with 7 years utility distribution experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

FirstEnergy Corp is seeking a Distribution Program Manager to lead multi-state regulatory compliance and energy infrastructure initiatives. The role oversees strategy, planning, and stakeholder coordination for DER, energy storage, grid modernization, and related programs across FE operating companies, with reporting location preferred at FirstEnergy Headquarters in Akron, OH and on-site requirements.

The ideal candidate has a strong project management foundation, excellent communication skills,