Program Manager

Job Details: Job Location: Chicago IL - Chicago, IL, Salary Range: $76000.00 - $95000.00Salary, You can make a difference for climate and equity

Slipstream is a national, mission-driven organization that accelerates climate solutions for everyone. We partner with utilities, governments, philanthropies, and communities to discover, test, and scale innovative solutions that save energy, reduce carbon emissions, and advance equity. We collaborate with communities of color, rural communities, and Tribal Nations to address historic inequities in the health and economic benefits of clean energy. We're optimistic, inclusive, and ambitious about our impact.

We are seeking a Program Manager to lead and evolve energy efficiency programs that deliver measurable results for clients while advancing clean energy solutions. This role is ideal for an experienced program leader who excels at managing complex initiatives, building strong client relationships, and driving continuous improvement in a dynamic market environment.

Our ideal candidate has experience managing large-scale commercial and industrial (C&I) energy efficiency and new construction programs for utility clients. They bring strong technical expertise, proven program leadership skills, and a passion for delivering impactful energy-saving solutions.

Location: Our preferred candidate will live in Chicago, IL or the surrounding area.

What You'll Do

Program Leadership and Strategy

Lead the implementation and ongoing management of high-value energy efficiency programs.
Develop annual program plans, budgets, goals, operational metrics, and market strategies.
Evaluate program performance and recommend improvements to increase effectiveness, customer participation, and energy savings.
Manage the evolution of program offerings to ensure cost-effective delivery and achievement of client objectives.
Implement innovative service delivery models that respond to changing market conditions and client needs.

Client and Stakeholder Management

Serve as a trusted partner to utility clients and key stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, trade allies, vendors, contractors, and industry partners.
Collaborate across internal teams to ensure coordinated program delivery and achievement of performance goals.
Represent Slipstream at industry conferences, stakeholder meetings, and collaborative initiatives as appropriate.

Technical Program Management

Review and evaluate projects and incentive applications.
Quantify anticipated energy savings and assess project eligibility using technical analysis and industry best practices.
Collaborate with customers, trade allies, engineering resources, and project teams to gather required project information.
Investigate emerging technologies and incorporate viable solutions into program offerings.
Support quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure accurate analysis and high-quality program delivery.

Continuous Improvement and Business Development

Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.
Assist with responses to RFPs for new and existing clients.
Contribute to long-term program planning, evaluation, and market strategy development.
Provide training and technical guidance to program participants and stakeholders as needed.

Qualifications: What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
3 to 5 years of relevant experience in energy efficiency program management, project management, program budgeting, or related fields.
Experience managing multiple projects and priorities while consistently meeting deadlines.
Strong project management, leadership, and organizational skills.
Experience with budget and contract management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and client communications.
Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and make sound decisions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and program management systems such as Salesforce, energyOrbit, or similar platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading large-scale C&I energy efficiency programs and/or new construction initiatives. 
Technical knowledge of commercial building systems, energy-efficient technologies, high-performance building design, and applicable energy codes and standards.
Experience managing multiple program delivery pathways, trade ally networks, engineering resources, budgets, and performance metrics.
Demonstrated success in client management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership.
Proven ability to successfully deliver program objectives in a dynamic and evolving market environment.
Experience working with utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs and incentive offerings.

Physical Requirements

Primarily a sedentary role, with tasks typically performed while sitting or occasionally standing.
Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment.
Tasks demand visual focus for reading and working on screens.
This position frequently communicates via phone and video conferencing, with in-person interactions as applicable.

Work Environment

Mostly remote position with the ability to work from home or another suitable location with reliable internet access. If in-office, expect a moderate noise level.
Flexible schedules, meetings generally occurring 9–4 in Central Time zone.
Requires a quiet and professional workspace for virtual meetings and collaboration.
Travel required: 10%

Why Slipstream

At Slipstream, you'll join a collaborative team dedicated to accelerating climate solutions and creating a more equitable clean energy future. You'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful work, influence program strategy, and help clients and communities achieve measurable energy and environmental outcomes.

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Compensation & Benefits

Our total rewards package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellbeing resources; a 401(k) plan with a 4% safe harbor contribution; generous paid time off; and professional development opportunities. This exempt individual contributor position offers a salary range of $76,000-95,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Slipstream is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We center community in everything we do and strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission.  We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status or characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.

Slipstream will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on Slipstream, or if it would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be mitigated. Questions or accommodation requests should be directed to Human Resources.

Please note that Slipstream will only contact candidates via the Paycom portal. We will never ask a candidate for payment of any kind as part of the hiring or onboarding process or send payment to any candidate prior to completing the hiring and onboarding process.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.

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