Senior Manager, ILSFA (Contract Management)

The Illinois Solar for All Program (ILSFA), directed by the Illinois Power Agency and administered by Elevate, aims to deliver the benefits of solar and the clean energy economy to low-income and environmental justice communities across Illinois. The Senior Manager, ILSFA (Contract Management) works closely with ILSFA Associate Director in the administration of program functions, supporting the management of solar project data, and communication with the Illinois Power Agency, Electric Utilities and the Illinois Adjustable Block Program Administrator. This role coordinates across internal and external functional teams and stakeholders, requiring expert communication, technical expertise, people management skills, and the ability to manage multiple, diverse tasks across a complex matrixed organization. This position requires technical knowledge, familiarity with energy legislation, including interpretation and compliance as it pertains to Renewable Energy Contracts; excellent skills for managing time and priorities, attention to detail, complex data analysis, and excellent communications skills.

The Senior Manager, ILSFA (Contract Management) reports to Elevate’s Associate Director, ILSFA. The Senior Manager, ILSFA leads and manages the overall technical project management function of the ILSFA program, overseeing diverse team of technical project analysts. The position also develops and implements long-term strategic plans for technical project management, aligning with program objectives, industry trends, and emerging technologies. This position is located in Chicago, IL and is currently remote.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a highly technical expert in the implementation of the ILSFA program, leading and coordinating internal and external functional teams to facilitate program delivery with a particular focus on complex data analysis, visualizations, and communication of insights to diverse stakeholders at different levels.
• In collaboration with ILSFA leadership, manage and provide technical guidance to a diverse and complex team, ensuring world-class program delivery and exceeding expectations.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, mentoring, and performance management to direct reports, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Lead the development and management of ongoing program reporting, including quarterly and annual program reports, Annual Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Delivery reports, program manuals, and other documentation, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and effective communication to stakeholders.
• Develops and implements long-term strategic plans for technical project management, aligning with program goals and industry trends.
• Leads and manages a team of technical project analysts, empowering them to lead complex projects and initiatives.
• Establishes and enforces high standards for project management practices, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance.
• Champions continuous improvement and innovation within the technical project management function.
• Identifies and cultivates talent within the team, developing future leaders and subject matter experts.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with senior leadership and external partners, influencing strategic decisions and resource allocation.
• Represents the program's technical project management expertise at industry conferences and events.
• Accountable for adherence to policies, program processes, protocols, and standard operating procedures, ensuring processes and program requirements are effectively implemented and communicated for workgroup.
• Independently apply knowledge and ensures compliance with quality program.
• Establish related processes and promotes a culture that is conducive to quality.
• Support continuous improvement and change management efforts.
• Develop and monitor program schedules, budgets and the achievement of program milestones and deliverables across the functional teams.
• Comply with Elevate’s project management protocols and requirements.
• Find opportunities to gain and maintain expertise in energy and renewables policy and procurement.
• Attend and participates in staff inter-departmental teams and staff meetings and assists in other departmental and/or organizational activities as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a technical field, such as in engineering, renewable energy, sustainability, finance and economics, required
• At least ten (10+) years of successful U.S. energy industry experience in any of the following areas or in other similar and applicable areas: Energy and Renewables Policy, Renewable Energy Credits, Energy Management / Trading, Engineering, Accounting or Finance, strongly preferred
• Proven experience leading and managing diverse and complex teams in a fast-paced environment
• Expertise in data analysis, visualization, and communication, with the ability to translate complex technical information into actionable insights for stakeholders at all levels
• Expert project management skills, PMP certification highly desired
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• A demonstrated attention to detail and analytical skill sets
• Exceptional organizational and coordination skills
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Visio, etc.) and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, Tableau)
• Experience with Salesforce preferred
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively within a complex matrix organization
• Ability to independently leverage critical thinking skills to address project challenges
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines with high degree of accuracy
• Willingness to be a flexible team player adapting to priorities as needed

Organization Description

We design and implement programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need them most.

At Elevate, the greatest asset of our organization is the kind of people we attract. Elevate employees co-create our energetic and collaborative environment, where constant learning and service to others take priority. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of innovation and we seek dynamic, hardworking team members who are inspired to work with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Every day we make a difference by placing our team, clients, and community partners first. From our mission to our focus on staff wellbeing and career development opportunities, there’s no better place to grow your career than Elevate.

Compensation

The total compensation for this position includes health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.), defined contribution benefit (401k with contribution), professional development, generous paid time off policies, and a flexible schedule. This is an exempt people manager position with a salary range of $90,000 – $100,000, based on experience.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Elevate is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

ADA Accommodation

Elevate will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace, and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation, or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to Elevate. Contact the People Team with any questions or requests for accommodations.