Strategic Energy & Utilities Program Manager

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

James Madison University is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as the Strategic Energy & Utilities Program Manager. This is a senior, results-driven role responsible for leading the University’s energy and utilities strategy. The manager will apply professional judgment to optimize an approximately $28M annual utilities portfolio and deliver provable financial outcomes through utility procurement governance, risk mitigation, forecasting, and performance reporting. Success will be measured by documented, recurring reductions in annual utility spend. The role also involves serving as an institutionally integrated partner with academic programs (including East Campus/CISAT), student employees, and sustainability collaborators to advance University priorities.

Requirements

Must have an advanced engineering degree or training, work experience and credentialing that equates to an advanced degree
Significant professional experience in a technical role identifying and implementing commercial/industrial energy efficiency solutions for existing operations
Significant building engineering experience with a strong focus on energy management, HVAC systems, building lighting technologies, and utilities in a large campus or utility setting
Extensive building automation system optimization experience including the selection, development and management of fault detection and diagnostics systems and platforms
Energy metering program development and management experience
Strong knowledge of boilers and chillers and overall district thermal energy systems and the related equipment operations and energy optimization strategies applicable
Effective at energy accounting, understanding of utility tariffs, and experience with energy procurement and risk mitigation strategies
Strong financial acumen and budget management experience
Working knowledge of the LEED rating system and reporting requirements
Knowledge of applicable building codes and ASHRAE standards
Must be detail-oriented and computer proficient
Strong communication skills with a proven record of providing excellent internal and external customer service
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to be a team player, work with, and positively influence others. Interactions may be individual, in large multi-skilled technical groups, or cross-functional teams with people at all levels of the organization
Highly organized with excellent project management skills as well as technical and administrative problem-solving skills
Valid drivers license

Nice To Haves

Professional designation of Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) and/or LEED AP
Experience leading facilities management operations in a technical, HVAC, energy, and utilities role
Proficient with energy modelling software
Water stewardship program development and management
Demonstrated experience with the development and leadership of environmental sustainability programs and practices
Large energy project and program management experience
Prior responsibilities for multimillion dollar budget development and management

Responsibilities

Leads, governs, and optimizes the University’s utilities portfolio and procurement strategy through independent delegated authority and risk-informed decision-making to deliver documented, recurring cost reductions.
Advises Facilities leadership and other University units by analyzing rate, fuel, and contract options; recommending portfolio actions for the annual utilities portfolio; and prioritizing high-impact initiatives that produce verified, recurring reductions in annual utility spend.
Demonstrates results through documented year-over-year savings captured and verified; performance is expected to include measurable reductions in annual utility spend.
Leads evaluation of energy supply and purchase agreements (including market monitoring and contract structures) and makes recommendations that balance cost, risk, reliability, and institutional priorities.
Develops, leads, and continuously improves an enterprise energy management strategy grounded in advanced analysis, sound professional discretion, and measurable financial outcomes.
Partners with Facilities Operations and the Building Automation System (BAS) team to translate analytics into prioritized decisions, implementation roadmaps, and verified savings.
Leads identification and evaluation of demand-side and supply-side opportunities (including renewable integration and demand response) using non-standardized analysis to inform business cases, prioritization, and implementation planning.
Leverages metering, analytics, and energy management platforms to generate decision-quality insights, validate savings, and support leadership choices on investments, priorities, and operational changes.
Works directly with faculty and students in close academic program alignment to deliver applied energy and sustainability initiatives, develop curriculum-connected experiential learning, and advance the University’s student work priorities.
Builds sustained partnerships with faculty and academic program leaders and engages as a peer/subject-matter expert to identify applied projects that advance operational needs and academic goals.
Supervises, mentors, and develops student employees, interns, and capstone teams in roles aligned with their academic programs; helps design structured experiential learning opportunities tied to real energy management decisions and outcomes.
Provides institutional leadership and subject-matter expertise to integrate energy performance and sustainability outcomes into capital projects, standards, and campus initiatives.
Provides expert guidance on facilities design and construction standards, processes, and project decisions to improve life-cycle energy performance and support institutional priorities.
Works collaboratively with inspection and facilities teams to incorporate energy and performance assessments into building surveys, prioritization, and corrective action planning.
Partners with institutional stakeholders (including the Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World) to advance sustainability goals and integrate energy outcomes into broader University initiatives.