Program Manager - Planning & Design

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC); Glen Allen (VA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) in Glen Allen, VA, seeks a seasoned Program Manager - Planning and Design to lead energy program design and evaluation for our Member Cooperatives. You’ll develop DER, energy efficiency and demand response initiatives, guide RFPs, data collection, load profiling and budget planning, and build partnerships with community organizations.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years in electric utilities, DER experience, strong Excel analytics, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Seven (7+) years of experience in the electric utility industry.
• Two (2) years of utility DER program experience is preferred.
• Must understand utility energy program analysis and program practices.
• Must have intermediate-level Excel proficiency or similar analytical tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead program design for an energy program portfolio with benefit-cost analysis, forecasting, incentive strategy, and KPIs.
• Provide strategic direction for existing and new energy programs.
• Analyze program performance data to refine future design and support evaluations.
• Stay current with industry trends and innovations in program design and policy.

Skills

Utility energy program analysis

Excel proficiency

Data storytelling

Collaborative communication

Ownership

Operational excellence

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Incorporated in 1948, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) provides reliable, cost-effective, environmentally balanced, wholesale electric services to our 11-member distribution cooperatives in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Our core business is generating, purchasing and delivering electricity to our members. ODEC is a not-for-profit generation and transmission cooperative that operates for the benefit of our members, who are our owners. Our office is located in Glen Allen, Virginia.

Purpose Of Job

The Program Manager (PM) - Planning and Design will work out of ODEC’s Glen Allen, VA office. This position develops energy innovation and Member Service programs for ODEC Member Cooperatives. The program offerings include areas of energy efficiency, demand response, distributed energy resource (DER) initiatives, and other emerging technologies.

You’ll be responsible for designing programs that have efficient utilization of power to ensure cost-effective energy savings for ODEC and its Member Cooperatives. You’ll lead planning and design processes, including RFPs, data/survey collection, and load profiling. You’ll also have the chance to develop relationships with community partners by seeking out and compiling applicable grant applications.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on big thinking, solving hard problems, and using data to drive decisions, and who does all of this through member engagement.

As a member of the Member Service & Strategic Electrification team, you are part of ODEC’s mission to contribute to and deliver a resilient and reliable energy future.

Essential Responsibilities Include

• Lead aspects of program design for an energy program portfolio, including benefit-cost analysis, forecasting, incentive strategy, delivery models, and KPIs aligned to cost effectiveness and Member needs.
• Provide strategic direction for existing and new energy programs.
• Analyze program performance data to refine future design and support evaluation efforts.
• Stay current with industry trends and innovation across program design, technology, implementation strategies, and policy that can add value to Members.
• Lead and execute competitive vendor processes (RFP).
• Select vendor partners aligned with program design needs and negotiate vendor contracts.
• Manage the Load Research program for ODEC and its Members, including managing vendor partners and utilizing results in program planning processes.
• Lead data collection and surveys of Members as it relates to inputs to the program planning process.
• Lead strategic budget development and long-term forecasting for programs.
• Support our non-profit mission by seeking grant funding opportunities that align with program goals and preparing grant documentation.
• Support member-facing communications and online resources.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Member cooperatives as a trusted program partner.
• Plan and coordinate a variety of annual education and training events for Members.
• Support other Member initiatives and contribute to a culture of collaboration, service, and excellence.

Work Experience

• Seven (7+) years of experience in the electric utility industry.
• Two (2) years of utility DER program experience is preferred.

Critical Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Must have an understanding of utility energy program analysis and program practices.
• Must have a minimum of intermediate-level Microsoft Excel proficiency or similar analytical tools.

Preferred Knowledge And Skills

• Data storyteller – ability to process data and develop strategic recommendations.
• Collaborative communication – ability to work collaboratively and productively with all stakeholders and communicate at all levels within an organization.
• Ownership – you take initiative, solve problems, and deliver results.
• Operational excellence – you align stakeholders and execute with precision.
• Excellent presentation, facilitation, and communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Member-first mindset – you listen and understand member needs and guide them towards an impactful and sustainable outcome.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong prioritization and time-management skills.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related discipline; or equivalent professional work experience.

Travel details

Occasional overnight travel required in this position

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Demonstrated effectiveness in verbal and written communication (in-person, phone, video, and digital collaboration platforms.
• Ability to work full days (8 hours) in an office environment, with occasional after‑hours work as needed to support members and departmental needs.

Compensation range: $138,110/yearly to $153,455/yearly

We offer a competitive salary, defined benefit retirement security (pension) plan, medical, dental, vision, 401(k) company match, vacation based on relevant years of experience, generous sick time accrual and holiday pay in addition to many other benefits offerings.