Residential Program Manager

Knobelsdorff Enterprises•Peoria, IL

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Program Manager leads day-to-day operations of Evolution Solar’s semi-residential training program during each cohort. The role coordinates with instructional, facilities, and operational teams; maintains residential standards; and helps foster the culture, accountability, and cohesion needed to prepare participants for industrial solar fieldwork. The manager helps ensure participants have a safe, structured, and supportive environment through consistent oversight, community-building, and effective program coordination. This position is onsite at the Oglesby location for the duration of each cohort. Evolution Solar is a 10-week, 350-hour training program created by Knobelsdorff Electric, Inc. and the Evolve Foundation. Participants live onsite Monday through Thursday and receive wraparound support services, life-skills instruction, and hands-on technical training on a 1 MW solar training array at Knobelsdorff Electric in Oglesby, Illinois.

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.
Strong 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, maintaining 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 positive cohort culture focused on teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and career readiness.
Serve as a primary resource and mentor for participants through 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.
Maintain continuity across cohorts by carrying forward best practices, program improvements, and participant feedback.