Solar Program Manager

The JPI Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The JPI Group seeks a Solar Program Manager to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our Solar program within the Energy Management team in Chicago. The role advances equitable access to renewable energy for income-qualified households and communities.

You will oversee day-to-day operations, manage client relationships, ensure compliance with state program rules, and guide strategic program planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Public Policy, Sustainability, Business, or related field.
• Experience in solar programs, renewable energy policy, or program administration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Budget and staff management experience.
• Ability to interpret and apply policy to operations.
• Precise client management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Solar program.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and client relationships.
• Ensure compliance with state program rules and evolving policy.
• Guide strategic program planning and annual budgeting.
• Provide training, support, and resource development.
• Prepare weekly updates, monthly reports, and quarterly presentations.
• Supervise 5+ FTEs and manage performance.
• Collaborate with Engineering, QA/QC, and Evaluation teams.
• Interpret and operationalize incentives and policy changes.
• Build partnerships with Approved Vendors, CBOs, developers, and market actors.

Skills

Client management

Budget management

Staff management

Program management

Policy interpretation

Stakeholder relationships

Training & coaching

Reporting & analytics

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Public Policy, Sustainability, Business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM platforms

Project tracking tools

Job description

Seeking a Solar Program Manager to join our Energy Management team. This role leads the design, implementation, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Solar program, with a focus on advancing equitable access to renewable energy for income-eligible households and communities.

You will oversee day-to-day operations, manage client relationships, ensure compliance with state program rules and evolving policy, and guide strategic program planning.

What You’ll Do - Implement the Program

• Achieve annual program participation, savings, budget, and equity objectives.
• Achieve client satisfaction score of 9 / 10 or better.
• Achieve program satisfaction score of 8.5 / 10 or better.
• Manage full lifecycle implementation of the program.
• Interpret and operationalize state program rules, incentive structures, and policy changes.
• Build strong relationships with Approved Vendors, CBOs, developers, and market actors.
• Provide training, office hours, technical support, and resource development.
• Manage application review, income-eligibility processes, budget tracking, and reporting.
• Prepare weekly updates, monthly reports, and quarterly presentations.
• Ensure accuracy of calculations of energy production estimates and incentive eligibility.
• Supervise 5+ FTEs. Could expand
• At least bi-weekly 1x1s with staff.
• Performance manage low performers; recognize high performance
• Direct with Engineering, QA/QC, and Evaluation teams.
• Lead annual planning and budgeting.

What is Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Public Policy, Sustainability, Business, or related field.
• Experience in solar programs, renewable energy policy, and/or program administration.
• Strong familiarity with solar PV development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Budget and staff management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to interpret and apply policy to operations.
• Precise Client Management abilities

What is Preferred

• 5+ years experience with solar programs or utility programs.
• Experience with income-qualified programs or Diversity-focused initiatives.
• Familiarity with Illinois Solar for All and Illinois Shines.
• Experience with CRM and project tracking platforms.
• Knowledge of solar economics and incentive modeling.