Solar Programs, Trade Ally Manager II

Energy Solutions, a company focused on delivering large-scale energy, carbon, and water-use savings through market-based programs since 1995, is seeking a Full-time Solar Programs, Trade Ally Manager II located in Illinois to join their Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Team.

In this role, you will play a pivotal role in advancing distributed and community solar programs by building strong partnerships with solar developers, contractors, Equity Eligible Contractors (EECs), Small and Emerging Businesses (SEBs), and other industry stakeholders. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to program participants, guiding them through onboarding, application processes, and program requirements while driving engagement and participation. Your responsibilities will include removing barriers for EECs and SEBs during their participation in Illinois solar incentive programs.

If you enjoy connecting people to opportunities, analyzing data to improve outcomes, and working at the intersection of clean energy, community impact, and program strategy, this is your chance to make a difference while helping shape the future of solar in Illinois.

This position is a remote opportunity, but applicants must reside in the Chicago, Illinois region or be willing to relocate.

Daily Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support the successful delivery of solar incentive programs and outreach initiatives.
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with solar developers and contractors, including EECs, SEBs, and other market participants.
• Support contractors and market partners by providing guidance on program requirements, participation processes, and available resources.
• Facilitate application processing, trade ally onboarding, training, and engagement activities for trade allies and program participants.
• Recommend approval of EEC applications following program review and vetting procedures and communicate recommendations to client stakeholders.
• Research, analyze, and report market information to support program planning, outreach strategies, and client objectives.
• Collect, maintain, and manage participant, contractor, program, and market data to support program operations and reporting activities.
• Coordinate project timelines, deliverables, communications, and stakeholder engagement efforts to support successful outcomes.
• Track program progress and participation targets and communicate updates to management and clients.
• Analyze program, participation, market, and contractor data to identify trends, opportunities, risks, and areas for improvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience OR a High School diploma/GED with 7 years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in trade ally management, stakeholder engagement, account management, program operations, project coordination, business analysis, energy programs, or a related field.
• Experience working directly with contractors, vendors, clients, trade allies, market partners, or program participants.
• Experience collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to support business or program objectives.
• Experience gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to support decision-making and operational improvements.
• Experience in the energy industry, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, distributed energy resources, utility programs, solar programs, or related fields.
• Experience coordinating outreach initiatives, training activities, events, or engagement programs.
• Ability to work independently with moderate supervision while managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Proficiency using Salesforce, CRM systems, reporting tools, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with contractors, clients, market participants, and internal stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating projects, managing deliverables, and supporting program implementation activities.
• Knowledge of program compliance, quality assurance, and reporting practices.
• Willingness to conduct 10-20% local business travel in Illinois, including occasional overnight travel.