Clean Energy Engagement Program Manager

Avista Corporation • Spokane, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role supports and leads key aspects of Avista’s Clean Energy Implementation Plan. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator with strong written and verbal skills, a passion for community engagement, and a belief in inclusive and equitable clean energy transitions. The position involves developing and executing public participation strategies, engaging with communities, managing outreach and communications, and supporting initiatives aligned with Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA). It also includes contributing to outreach efforts in other states advancing clean energy goals. The role requires serving as a subject matter expert on community engagement across Avista’s service areas, taking a strategic view to ensure alignment and synergy among internal and external initiatives. A key focus is understanding diverse customer needs and identifying opportunities for collaborative, community-centered solutions. The role also supports outreach efforts in other states where Avista operates, helping to align regional clean energy strategies with community priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Community Development, Strategic Communications, Social Sciences, or related field required
• 3+ years relevant experience (for Program Manager I)
• 5+ years relevant experience (for Program Manager II)
• 7+ years relevant experience (for Program Manager III)
• CAPM or PMP certification preferred
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability
• Demonstrate proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook and MS Project
• Effective and flexible written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to successfully develop and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and influence a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced multi-priority environment
• Ability to use appropriate technology to organize, synthesize, and communicate data
• Strong working knowledge of key operation business processes and core applications preferred (for Program Manager II)
• Ability to interpret and explain complex business processes and concepts (for Program Manager II)
• Excellent planning and organizing skills; ability to anticipate outcomes (for Program Manager II)
• Ability to lead program meetings (for Program Manager II)
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple assignments, prioritize and to manage team and personal dynamics to drive projects forward (for Program Manager II)
• Demonstrated presentation skills and ability to create presentations for delivery to various audiences (for Program Manager II)
• Excellent planning, problem solving and solid relationship building required (for Program Manager III)
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions (for Program Manager III)
• Ability to create new and innovative solutions (for Program Manager III)
• Ability to seek and identify cost reduction and value-enhancement opportunities (for Program Manager III)
• Comprehensive knowledge of budget principles, development, and administration (for Program Manager III)
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

• CAPM or PMP certification

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and implements community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and public participation strategies that support clean energy planning, regulatory compliance, and organizational objectives.
• Develops and maintains relationships with community-based organizations, Tribal entities, advocacy groups, local governments, regulators, and other external stakeholders.
• Facilitates advisory groups, stakeholder forums, and public participation processes to gather input and ensure community perspectives are considered in clean energy planning and implementation.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports on engagement activities and stakeholder feedback, identifying opportunities to improve programs, processes, and stakeholder experience.
• Prepares and delivers presentations, briefings, reports, and other communications for internal and external audiences regarding clean energy initiatives, engagement activities, outcomes, and regulatory commitments.
• Provides consultation and support to internal teams on community engagement practices, stakeholder relationships, and public participation requirements.
• Facilitates productive dialogue among diverse stakeholders and ensures community perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.
• Supports regulatory and legislative compliance by contributing to engagement activities, documentation, regulatory filings, reports, and other required materials.
• Prepares and administers program budgets; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; submits justification for budget items; and monitors and controls expenditures.
• Manages and participates in the preparation, review, and submittal of a variety of compliance-related reports, communications, and data to internal and external stakeholders.
• Shares program and organizational learning with a broad range of audiences.

Benefits

• Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
• Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions
• Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation
• Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
• Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
• Education and development support including tuition assistance
• Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
• Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level