Program Specialist, Pilots & Emerging Technology

ICF Olson; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Tuition reimbursement

401k matching

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional development resources

Job summary

ICF is seeking a Program Specialist to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of utility pilot programs and emerging technology initiatives. You will coordinate activities across teams, conduct research, and prepare client-ready materials to inform program design and strategy.

The role emphasizes collaboration with clients and partners, data-driven insights, and effective communication in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or substitution with related experience.
• 2+ years in program management or related field.
• Experience supporting utility programs or energy efficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, development, and execution of utility pilot programs.
• Conduct market research, technology assessments, and analyses.
• Coordinate activities among internal teams, clients, and partners.
• Track performance, budgets, schedules, risks, and milestones.
• Prepare client-ready presentations, reports, and dashboards.
• Facilitate meetings and document action items.
• Support regulatory filings and account growth efforts.
• Contribute to proposals and scope development.

Skills

Experience in program management

Stakeholder engagement

Pilot design familiarity

Cross-functional collaboration

Energy technologies knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Public Policy, Energy Management, Communications, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Program Specialist

Location: Remote Ready to make a difference? The Program Specialist, Pilots and Emerging Technology supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative utility pilot programs that advance customer engagement, emerging technologies, beneficial electrification, demand flexibility, and energy efficiency objectives. Working as part of the Utility Pilots & Innovation Incubator team, this role is responsible for coordinating pilot activities, conducting research and analysis, supporting stakeholder engagement, tracking performance metrics, and developing recommendations that inform future program design and business strategy. This position serves as a key contributor to the successful execution of pilot initiatives from concept development through implementation and reporting.

Why you will love working here:

• Quality of life: Flexible workplace arrangements, work-life balance
• Investment of the community: Donation matching, volunteer opportunities
• Investment in you: Tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan And many, many more (Ask your recruiter for more details!)

What you will be doing:

• Support the planning, development, and execution of utility pilot programs and innovation initiatives.
• Conduct market research, technology assessments, and competitive analyses to identify emerging opportunities and industry trends.
• Assist in developing pilot concepts, business cases, implementation plans, and evaluation frameworks.
• Coordinate activities among internal teams, clients, implementation partners, and external stakeholders.
• Track pilot performance, budgets, schedules, risks, and key milestones.
• Analyze program and pilot data to identify insights, opportunities, and recommendations.
• Prepare client-ready presentations, reports, dashboards, and meeting materials.
• Facilitate meetings, document action items, and support project management activities.
• Support regulatory filings, strategic planning efforts, and client requests related to innovation initiatives.
• Contribute to proposal development, scope expansion opportunities, and account growth efforts.

What we need you to have (minimum qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Public Policy, Energy Management, Communications, or a related field (or applicants can substitute one year of related experience for one year of education)
• 2+ years of experience in program management, utility programs, energy efficiency, electrification, innovation, pilots, consulting, or a related field

What we would like you to have:

• Experience supporting utility, energy efficiency, demand response, electrification, or customer program initiatives.
• Familiarity with pilot design, innovation frameworks, or program evaluation approaches.
• Experience facilitating stakeholder discussions and cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of emerging energy technologies, customer programs, and utility industry trends.

The successful candidate will demonstrate curiosity, initiative, strong project coordination skills, and the ability to translate complex information into actionable recommendations. The individual will effectively collaborate across teams, support client objectives, and contribute to the successful delivery and growth of ICF’s pilots & innovation portfolio. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Experience managing multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint. Experience developing presentations, reports, and executive-level communications.

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: $60,940.00 - $103,598.00 N Carolina Remote Office (NC99)

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. For more information, please read ourEEO policy. 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 Policy

Candidate AI Usage Policy At 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. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Learn more at icf.com.

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.