Solar Programs, Trade Ally Manager II (Remote - Chicago, IL - US)

Interested in joining a growing company where you will work with talented colleagues, enhance a supportive and energetic culture, and be part of the climate solution? At Energy Solutions, we focus on the big impacts. And we believe that market-based programs can be a powerful force to deliver large-scale energy, carbon, and water-use savings. Since 1995, we’ve harnessed that power to offer proven, performance-based solutions for our utility, government, and institutional customers.

Energy Solutions is currently seeking a full-time Solar Programs, Trade Ally Manager II located in Illinois to join our Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Team. In this role, you'll play a key 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. You'll help remove barriers for EEC's and SEB's 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 willing to relocate.

Daily responsibilities include but are not limited to

• 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 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 business travel locally 10-20% in Illinois, including occasional overnight travel.

The salary range for this role is $79,000–$92,000/annually with a target compensation of $79,000 - $87,400/annually based on experience and qualifications.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a generous retirement package. Energy Solutions provides an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, other pre-tax contribution plans and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

AI Use

At Energy Solutions we believe in the importance of authentic interactions and equitable opportunities. We base our candidate selection on one’s own skills, knowledge, and experience. To ensure the integrity and fairness of our interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (including Generative AI) or other means to generate or assist with responses during interviews is strictly prohibited. This practice supports our commitment to create a transparent and equitable space where skills, knowledge and experience can truly shine.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Energy Solutions is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Energy Solutions conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Office Locations and a Remote Workforce

Energy Solutions operates as a predominantly remote workforce with offices in   six different locations . Employees who reside within 40 miles of an office (except New York) will be assigned to that location, though in-office attendance requirements may vary by team. At this time, we are not accepting applications from candidates residing in the following states: Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

Background Check Information

Information will be requested to perform the compulsory background check. A drug screen and authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely are preconditions of employment. Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer.

Reasonable Accommodations

Energy Solutions is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, and/or completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email [link for members] .

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