Associate Manager, Program Operations

ICF • Kansas City, MO

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Associate Manager, Program Operations is a leadership role within ICF’s Energy Efficiency Division, responsible for managing program operations across Missouri and Kansas for the multiple utility portfolios. This position works with a cross-functional team, including program management, outreach, technical, and marketing personnel, and plays a central role in project delivery, strategy development, and market expansion. They will oversee a team of direct reports (primarily Operation Specialists) and work closely with regional leadership to ensure consistent, high-quality client delivery. This role supports the development of a holistic strategy across multiple portfolios, optimizes staffing based on workload fluctuations, and establishes best practices for core programmatic functions such as performance tracking, project reviews, and client deliverables. They will work with the regional operations manager, client portfolio leads, residential and commercial Program Managers, and the broader regional team to develop and deliver a holistic strategy and consistent client delivery. The role will also coordinate across multiple large portfolios, leverage regional staff based on fluctuating workloads, and develop best practices for programmatic functions such as project reviews, performance tracking, client deliverables, and project startup activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or applicants can substitute one year of related experience for one year of education)
• 3+ years experience supporting or managing utility energy efficiency or demand‑side management programs and/or related experience

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the utility market (specifically energy efficiency, demand response, and distributed energy resource programs and markets)
• Certifications related to operational excellence (PMP, Six Sigma, etc.) and/or industry specific certificates (LEED, BPI, RESNET, etc.)
• Project management experience
• Experience with Power BI (or similar data visualization tool)

Responsibilities

• Direct the quality and performance of the team responsible for timely and accurate project reviews.
• Coordination of regular program-level deliverables (weekly reports, forecasting, etc.), working with project managers to add qualitative information and portfolio lead for final quality review.
• Compile/verify forecasts reports.
• Track contractual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and coordinate with portfolio manager on any necessary corrective action plans.
• Support internal and external team meetings by prepping and pulling quantitative data, coordinating with project managers on qualitative inputs, coordinating with portfolio lead on agenda, hosting meeting, and documenting action items.
• Coordination with rebate processing team to ensure all incentives are processed.
• Ensure timely customer and subcontractor payments.
• Generate accurate and polished deliverables for all regulatory filings, reports, and presentations.
• Coordinate with portfolio manager for final inputs and approvals.
• Maintain and update shared files, resources and program documents to ensure all program staff has access to latest versions of materials.
• Coordinate with program managers to develop and maintain portfolio-level performance forecasts and trend analysis.
• Maintain business workflow documents and keep process guides updated.
• Draft/compile program awards for clients.
• Coordinate with marketing to oversee accurate program promotions and information.
• Manage operations for the implementation of the Missouri portfolio(s).
• Ensure that the programs are performing as expected and explain forecasted variances.
• Collaborate with program managers to ensure all activities related to quality program delivery are executed.
• Present performance metrics to internal and external stakeholders.
• Review and approve large projects in a timely manner and with high attention to detail.
• IT/reporting coordination, assisting with JIRA ticketing when necessary.
• Field requests from subcontractors.
• Assist with monthly data verification.
• Coordinate regularly with internal team members (such as engineers and energy analysts) to ensure standard operating procedures are followed.
• Conduct final desk reviews/approvals of projects over a certain incentive threshold.
• Manage bandwidth of team and adjust staffing strategies as needed.

Benefits

• Flexible workplace arrangements
• Work-life balance
• Employee wellbeing programs
• Donation matching
• Volunteer opportunities
• Education Reimbursement
• Retirement Planning
• 401k matching
• Mentorship Programs
• Free access to professional development resources such LinkedIn Learning
• Benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees