Lead Program Specialist

ICF • Phoenix, AZ

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Program Specialist is responsible for leading utility-sponsored beneficial electrification and EV programs across residential, public, commercial, and industrial sectors. This position requires strategic oversight of program design and delivery, client engagement, and technical leadership to achieve measurable energy impacts and promote equitable access to clean energy solutions. The role involves managing complex projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and performance metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Energy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Business, Finance or a related discipline (or applicants can substitute one year of related experience for one year of education)
• 8+ years of experience in energy efficiency, clean energy program management, electrification, or consulting for utilities or public agencies and/or related experience
• Strategic program management and leadership across diverse sectors.
• Strong client engagement and stakeholder relationship-building capabilities.
• Expertise in energy efficiency, electrification, and demand-side management principles.
• Proficiency in budget administration, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional teams effectively.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and market trends in clean energy.

Nice To Haves

• People Management experience
• Experience in energy efficiency and electrification program administration and demand-side management initiatives.
• Knowledge of behind-the-meter technologies, building codes, and retrofit practices.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CEM, BPI, LEED-AP, or Six Sigma.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project tracking tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Experience managing program financials including reporting, budgeting and forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison with clients, managing day-to-day operations, outreach activities, and overall program performance.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of electrification programs.
• Administer program budgets, including forecasting, invoicing, and reporting, to maintain alignment with contractual deliverables and KPIs and make necessary adjustments to ensure goals are achieved
• Identify challenges or issues early and develop or obtain solutions, ensuring continual operational improvements and excellence
• Ensure customer and stakeholder escalations are resolved agreeably and quickly to ensure high program satisfaction ratings.
• Direct internal teams and subcontractors to execute strategies across multiple customer segments.
• Develop and sustain relationships with stakeholders such as local governments, contractors, trade allies, and community organizations.
• Coordinate marketing, quality assurance/quality control, recruitment, and training initiatives to drive customer acquisition and program participation.
• Monitor market trends and emerging technologies to guide program enhancements and innovation.
• Manage program launches and transitions, ensuring adherence to standardized processes and best practices.
• Represent programs in client meetings, industry conferences, and community forums.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and leadership to internal staff and external partners.
• Lead and participate in business development and strategic growth activities.

Benefits

• Quality of life: Flexible workplace arrangements, work-life balance
• Investment of the community: Donation matching, volunteer opportunities
• Investment in you: Tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• And many, many more (Ask your recruiter for more details!)

What This Job Offers

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