Residential Program Manager

Knobelsdorff Enterprises • Rockford, IL

8h • Onsite

About The Position

Evolution Solar is an immersive semi-residential training program developed through a partnership between Knobelsdorff Electric, Inc. and the Evolve Foundation. The program prepares system-impacted and equity-eligible participants for careers in renewable energy through a 10-week, 350-hour training model. Participants live onsite Monday through Thursday and receive wraparound support, life-skills instruction, and hands-on technical training at a 1 MW solar training array in Oglesby, Illinois.

The Residential Program Manager leads day-to-day program execution and coordinates with instructional and facilities teams. The role maintains residential standards and supports a safe, structured, and supportive environment that builds the culture, accountability, and cohesion needed to prepare participants for industrial solar fieldwork. The position is onsite in Oglesby for the duration of each cohort.

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.
• 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 cohort communications.
• 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 improve training content and delivery.
• Maintain continuity across cohorts by carrying forward best practices, program improvements, and participant feedback.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees.
• HSA contributions for medical expenses.
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage.
• 401(k) with competitive company match.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Paid weekly with competitive wages.
• PTO and six paid holidays.
• Education reimbursement.
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed