Residential Program Manager

Knobelsdorff Enterprises•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Evolution Solar is an immersive semi-residential training program created through a partnership between Knobelsdorff Electric, Inc. and the Evolve Foundation. It prepares system-impacted and equity-eligible participants for careers in renewable energy through hands-on technical training, life-skills instruction, and wraparound support. The 10-week, 350-hour program has participants live onsite Monday through Thursday and train on a 1 MW solar training array at Knobelsdorff Electric, Inc. in Oglesby, Illinois. The Residential Program Manager leads day-to-day program execution and residential operations during training cohorts. The role coordinates with instructional, facilities, and operational teams; maintains residential standards and a safe, structured, supportive environment; and builds the accountability and cohesion needed to prepare participants for industrial solar fieldwork. The position is onsite in Oglesby for the duration of each cohort and is central to participant success and ongoing program improvement.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in residential program management, workforce development, social services, education, correctional reentry, or a related field.
Ability to build rapport and maintain professional boundaries with adult learners from diverse backgrounds.
Experience managing residential or group-living environments, such as campus housing, Job Corps, workforce camps, or transitional housing.
Exceptional communication, de-escalation, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to maintain structure, accountability, and safety while fostering an encouraging environment.
Comfort working in a setting that includes physical labor training and industrial construction culture.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with system-impacted or equity-eligible populations.

Responsibilities

Manage daily residential operations during training cohorts, ensuring a safe, clean, respectful, and well-functioning environment.
Oversee participant orientation, check-in, schedules, house rules, residential expectations, and housing-related records.
Coordinate facility maintenance, safety checks, and residential needs with appropriate support teams.
Build a cohort culture focused on teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and career readiness.
Serve as a primary resource and mentor for participants, providing one-on-one coaching, conflict resolution, behavior redirection, and non-clinical support.
Partner with Evolve Foundation staff to integrate life skills, financial coaching, barrier-removal resources, and alumni support into the participant experience.
Coordinate with instructors and operational teams on technical training, scheduling, attendance, transportation, logistics, and communication throughout each cohort.
Support and enforce safety protocols, residential policies, behavioral expectations, and incident reporting requirements.
Partner with trainers and subject matter experts to evaluate curriculum, capture lessons learned, and continuously improve training content and delivery.
Serve as the central point of continuity across cohorts, carrying forward best practices, program improvements, and participant feedback.