Solar Programs Associate - Strategy and Outreach (Hybrid - Chicago, IL)

Energy Solutions - USA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Solutions - USA is seeking a Solar Programs Associate to manage program operations and ensure compliance with established rules. You'll handle applications, support outreach activities, and respond to participant inquiries in a timely manner.

This role requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience plus strong communication and organizational skills. The position offers a salary range of $60,000 to $70,000, targeting compensation based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or High School degree with 2 years’ experience.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder and participant inquiries.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage application queues and shared inboxes for claims.
• Review and process applications and claims.
• Support outreach activities and respond to inquiries professionally.
• Document investigations and outcomes for audits.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Organizational skills

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in project management or related field

Job description

Energy Solutions is looking for a Solar Programs Associate to execute and own a defined segment of program operations within the Energy Solutions program portfolio. This role supports day‑to‑day workflow performance for assigned programs, including rebate processing and incentive claims, ensuring timely processing and issue resolution, data integrity, and compliance with program rules and internal controls.

The Solar Programs Associate operates under the general supervision of a Project Manager and is responsible for completing tasks accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with established standard operations procedures (SOPs) and quality standards. Drawing on working knowledge of program operations, the Associate organizes and prioritizes work, troubleshoots routine issues within defined guidelines, and provides guidance on procedural questions while escalating more complex issues appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Manage application queues and shared inboxes to ensure claims and participant inquiries are addressed in accordance with documented SOPs.
• Review, validate, and process applications and claims in accordance with program rules, eligibility criteria, and SOPs.
• Escalate non‑routine issues, complaints, or exceptions to the Project Manager as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation, in alignment with program guidelines and compliance requirements, in program systems, databases, or CRMs.
• Support outreach activities including event preparation, presentation preparation, occasional event attendance and outreach inquiries.
• Respond to participant, customer, contractor, and trade ally emails, phone calls, and inquiries regarding application status, program guidelines, or other questions, professionally and promptly.
• Apply and communicate program rules, procedures, and eligibility requirements using established guidance to support submission quality and reduce rework.
• Support working relationships with distributors, contractors, and other stakeholders through phone or virtual interactions.
• Resolve routine issues within established guidelines and escalated complex participant or technical questions when needed. Apply program guidelines and SOPs to resolve disputes or address non-compliance.
• Document investigations and outcomes, including drafting responses or correspondence based on template responses, provided in program Service Level Agreement(s) (SLAs), as needed.
• Compile, validate, and organize program data for internal review and client reporting. Proofread deliverables and correct basic errors before they go out.
• Review work for accuracy and completeness before submission and flag issues to the Project Manager.
• Review program information and gather references to support process improvements.
• Execute data validation and quality assurance activities for assigned workflows using defined checklists and processes.
• Track and report discrepancies to support consistency and reduce rework.
• Identify and suggest improvements to program procedures and operational workflows to enhance efficiency.
• Apply and update established processes and documentation to support accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain detailed documentation to support audits, reporting, and program transparency.
• Support scheduling, resource coordination, and administrative project activities as needed.
• Follow established program controls to support compliance, fraud prevention, and risk management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in project management or related field required, or High School degree plus 2 years’ experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to answer stakeholder and program participant inquiries received over email or calls concisely, courteously, and professionally.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to identify issues and elevate when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple tasks and deadlines and respond to internal communication from peers and managers promptly.

The salary range for this role is $60,000 to $70,000, with a target compensation of $60,000 to $66,500 based on experience and qualifications.