Community Focused Program Leader

Sr. Program Manager – Idaho Solar For All Program

Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is an entrepreneurial nonprofit working on environmental solutions at the intersection of renewable energy and freshwater. Partnerships are key to our success. We build long-term relationships with our education, corporate, utility and philanthropic partners by first understanding their goals and needs and providing solutions that achieve those goals while achieving real, measurable environmental benefits.

About Solar For All (SFA)

Solar for All is an initiative to make solar energy accessible and affordable for low-income and disadvantaged communities. It leverages existing incentives and support platforms, providing financial assistance for solar installations on single-family and multi-family homes, and supporting community solar projects. The program also focuses on workforce development, creating jobs in the renewable energy sector. Its goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance environmental justice, and promote energy equity

Who are we looking for?

The Sr. Program Manager will play a lead role in the statewide rollout of the Idaho Solar For All Program, working closely with the Program Director. This role involves detailed project management, staff and operational oversight, and extensive internal and external collaboration to ensure the program's success. We are actively seeking individuals who are passionate about increasing access to renewable energy across Idaho. The successful candidate will join our Renewables team, leading a diverse stakeholder group’s contributions to the Idaho Solar For All Program, which aims to install solar technology in underserved communities, fostering sustainable energy use and creating job opportunities.

Why Join Us? Our Values Are: 

Partnership: We believe we can accomplish more by bringing people together. 

Adaptability: We evolve, adapt, and apply what we learn to constantly improve our results.

Knowledge: We seek out and value diverse perspectives, embrace new ideas, and pioneer new approaches

Innovation: We recognize the scope and pace of the change we need demands that we innovate. This need for innovation inspires and energizes us. 

Integrity: We are honest with our employees, customers, and our partners.  We promise to always deliver the best possible outcomes for the environment and people we serve.

Primary Duties:

Operational and Program Oversight:

• Lead the formation and functioning of diverse statewide steering committees and associated work groups, incorporating their input into the overall program and project planning.
• Oversee the implementation of program initiatives, developing comprehensive program plans and ensuring that all program activities are executed according to the predefined timeline and quality standards.
• Manage a portfolio of implementation projects developed by contractors or partners across various sites.  Resolve issues promptly in coordination with partners and technical assistance providers.
• Facilitate the development and execution of an inclusive workforce and contractor plan to support project work.
• Support the identification and integration of other financial assistance programs to expand the impact of the program. 
• Evaluate program success metrics and adapt strategies as necessary to enhance the efficacy and reach of the program.

 Team & Committee Management:

• Lead regular steering committee, work group, and team meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and ensure all participants are aligned with the program’s goals. Facilitate healthy conflict resolution within projects and programs.
• Provide coaching to internal and external team members to enhance their skills and knowledge in renewable energy, programmatic requirements, effective collaboration, and project management principles.
• Hire and supervise up to 3 BEF staff within Idaho, including year-round performance management, holding staff accountable and removing roadblocks, and supporting professional development. 
• Collaborate closely with other BEF staff including SFA employees in other states, the SFA Compliance & Finance Manager, and the BEF Finance and Operations team.
• Track and support completion of assigned program activities across all contributors.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovative solutions and proactive problem-solving.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government officials, community leaders, tribal entities, utilities, and key partners to garner support and facilitate program success.
• Organize and participate in community outreach events to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy and encourage their involvement.
• Travel required up to 20% to various locations, primarily to support relationship development, community outreach, and related meetings/working sessions.
• Develop and implement customer acquisition and management processes, aligned with the program target markets and requirements.

Financial and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the program’s budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to achieve program goals without overspending.
• Monitor expenditures and provide financial reports to senior management to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Manage subaward contracts and relationships in support of delivery of services and implementation of projects within the state.  Support contractor adherence to funding agency requirements and all federal, state, and local regulations.

Reporting and Compliance:

• Prepare detailed reports documenting program status, challenges faced, and milestones achieved, and present these reports according to grant reporting requirements and during stakeholder meetings.  
• Ensure all program activities comply with funding agency requirements and all federal, state, and local regulations, maintaining records and documentation for audit purposes.
• Support recruitment of and contracting with suppliers and contractors to secure the best terms and resources for the program while meeting federal procurement requirements.
• Analyze feedback from stakeholders and participants to improve program processes and outcomes,  refining approaches with working groups and making recommendations for best practices of broader program components.
• Manage a comprehensive risk and issue log for all program activities and proactively present these to senior management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degrees favored.
• 6 - 8 years of experience in program management.
• Must be located in Idaho or possess extensive knowledge of the state and a strong local network.
• Proven ability to manage complex programs and lead a team effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of federal grant reporting, solar energy technologies, experience in community engagement, government, or non-profit sectors are highly desirable.

Key Competencies:

• Project and Program Management and Documentation
• Team Leadership and Development
• Financial Acumen
• Effective Communication
• Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation

What’s in it for you: 

• Salary Range: $80,000-$90,000 per year DOE.
• 100% Employer paid Medical, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Life insurance for employees; 75% subsidized for family/dependents.
• Retirement plan with 5% employer matching contribution.
• Generous PTO and Vacation Policy including alternative care and  self-care leave.
• Four Week paid sabbatical after first 6 years, then every 5 years thereafter
• Opportunity to grow through training and development including a generous paid professional development budget. 
• Flexible work schedule.

Location: Hybrid, Remote, Idaho Resident Preferred, Travel Required

Open until filled. BEF will review applications as they are received and will interview qualified candidates as they are identified. Our goal is to have this team member start work on 09/02/24. For consideration, apply on https://beforg.bamboohr.com/careers or the company website at http://www.b-e-f.org/careers. 

Bonneville Environmental Foundation is an EEO employer