Project Manager II - Solar Programs Outreach - (Hybrid - Chicago, IL - US)

Energy Solutions•Chicago, IL

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Energy Solutions, we focus on the big impacts and believe that market-based programs can be a powerful force to deliver large-scale energy, carbon, and water-use savings. Since 1995, we’ve harnessed that power to offer proven, performance-based solutions for our utility, government, and institutional customers. Energy Solutions is currently seeking a full-time Project Manager II - Solar Programs Outreach located in Illinois to join our Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Team. In this role you will assist with driving participation in programs that incentivize the adoption of distributed and community solar. You will be responsible for managing outreach for our largest client including budget management, client reporting, implementation oversight, and ensuring delivery to scope, schedule, and outreach targets. Solar energy is critical in driving our nation’s progress toward a decarbonized grid, and this unique market opportunity, paired with Energy Solutions' mission-driven approach, creates a perfect environment for individuals who want to have an active voice in shaping the energy future. The person filling this role will be required to work in a hybrid work environment from our Chicago, IL office and expected to be in the office a minimum of once a week.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree.
A minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in project coordination, project management, consulting, or a related role.
Willingness to conduct frequent (20-30%) business travel locally in IL.
Experience coordinating assigned projects or workstreams from initiation through completion within defined scope, schedule, and budget parameters.
Experience working cross functionally with internal teams, clients, or external partners to gather inputs, track progress, and resolve issues.
Strong professional communication skills, including the ability to interact with clients and internal partners and present project updates clearly and confidently.
Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare project documentation, summaries, and stakeholder-facing materials.
Working familiarity with solar incentive programs or the ability to learn technical concepts quickly.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including planning, task tracking, dependency management, and follow through.
Ability to coordinate and delegate tasks across larger project teams under guidance, ensuring responsibilities and timelines are clearly communicated.
Proficient use of Microsoft Office, Salesforce, SharePoint to develop schedules, trackers, reports, and presentations.
Ability to work independently with moderate supervision, exercising sound judgment to prioritize tasks and manage complex project requirements.
Strong quality control practices, including reviewing deliverables for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with requirements.

Responsibilities

Manages the design, implementation, and ongoing outreach for a highly complex program.
Ensures programs are delivered to scope, schedule, and budget while maintaining quality standards.
Monitors progress from project inception to completion and communicates updates to management and clients.
Escalates program challenges and risks to Senior Project Managers or Directors as appropriate.
Develops and manages program budgets and monitors financial performance.
Tracks spending trends, forecasts budget performance, and mitigates financial risks.
Builds and maintains client relationships to communicate program scope, reach, performance, and impacts.
Presents program results and analysis in a clear and professional manner.
Assigns project work aligned with employee strengths and development goals.
Mentors junior staff and provides guidance and task direction.
Maintains oversight of quality assurance processes across programs and ensures compliance with program guidelines.
Implements process improvements to optimize efficiency, accuracy, and program effectiveness.
Applies knowledge of utilities, energy technologies, and market competitors to support program execution.
Utilizes data analytics and reporting tools to inform program decisions and improve outcomes.