Program Manager, Renewable Energy

The mission of the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumer energy costs by advancing clean energy, energy efficiency, and zero emission vehicles to benefit all Coloradans.

We do this by developing and implementing highly impactful policies and programs, establishing Colorado as a leading state for climate action. The Colorado Energy Office is a great place to work, with collaborative and talented employees who are passionate about our mission and a flexible hybrid (work from home/work from office) atmosphere. Employees report high satisfaction with their work, their colleagues and manager, and CEO leadership. Join us!

This position is an opportunity to advance decarbonization projects in the state of Colorado and support renewable energy efforts to meet the state’s science-based, GHG reduction targets of 26% by 2025, 50% by 2030, 65% by 2035, 75% by 2040, 90% by 2045, and 100% by 2050 from 2005 levels that were part of House Bill 19-1261 Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution and Senate Bill 23-016 Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measures. 

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. 

Description of Job

The Program Manager, Renewable Energy role leads efforts supporting the solar energy sector and support other renewable energy strategies for the Strategic Initiatives and Finance (SIFI) division including the implementation of initiatives stemming from state legislation and federal funding opportunities, including:

• Streamlined Solar Permitting & Inspection Grants (SolarAPP)
• Agrivoltaic Grants for Agriculture Producers
• SolSmart representative in coordination with CEO’s Local Government unit
• Development of Colorado Solar Guidebook & Resource Hub
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Solar For All (low income solar) program
• Other renewable energy advanced research & initiatives

In developing these programs, the Program Manager will work closely with CEO’s building decarbonization, weatherization and local government teams to further the adoption of solar and other renewable energy technologies throughout Colorado. The position will require engagement with industry leaders; coordination with local and federal programs; partnerships with community organizations focused on solar and renewable energy. 

Candidates for this position should demonstrate the ability to perform under a high degree of autonomy, think creatively and thoughtfully about new program development, and manage multiple program components from initial design through full implementation and reporting.

CEO is committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. 

New Initiatives Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Undertake all necessary activities to help develop and implement programs including the local government Automated Solar Permitting Grant Program (SolarAPP) and will also serve as the state representative for the SolSmart Program for the State of Colorado in pursuit of its goal towards 100% renewable energy by 2040.
• Develop processes and engagement strategies for key stakeholders including local governments, tribes, community leaders, and nonprofits that ensure equity-centered programming that increases access to renewable energy and state energy programs. Also responsible for increasing the benefits of energy savings to disproportionately-impacted communities, or other equity considerations.
• Conduct research, stakeholder engagement, and regular program evaluation to ensure programs remain responsive to evolving market dynamics, adjust programs if necessary to meet community needs and deliver equitable benefits.
• Manage and track overall program budget, oversee applicant awards, review and approve deliverables and invoices,and monitor contractor performance as needed.
• Lead annual reporting requirements to the Senate and House committees.
• Serve as SIFI’s main point of contact for all solar energy efforts and initiatives. 

Other  Responsibilities:

• General Program Management including oversight of all activities related to program deliverables.
• Work in partnership with the CEO local government team on outreach strategies, communications and targeted support.
• Work with electric utilities to implement and grow renewable energy programs to support customer adoption of new technologies.
• Track state and federal funding opportunities that support renewable energy efforts and identify strategic partnerships to amplify CEO’s impact. 

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

• Minimum of three years of professional experience in project or program development and management.
• Minimum of two years experience working with solar projects and/or renewable energy programs, preferably in multiple jurisdictions.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability, engineering, public affairs, or related disciplines preferred, but not required.  
• Demonstrates a high level of initiative as well as the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Strong time management and organization skills.
• Strong written, oral, and presentation communication skills.
• Dedication to providing quality customer service.

Desired Experience:

• Working knowledge of renewable energy and emerging market technologies, with the ability to communicate and translate technical information to a variety of stakeholders and clients, including facilities, financial and sustainability staff, building occupants, and executive leadership.
• Experience working with local governments and utilities.
• Knowledge of governmental grant program implementation processes and federal reporting requirements.
• Experience developing  program/project  scopes of work and identifying tasks to achieve goals and objectives.
• Knowledge about  the electric utility industry and the development of renewable energy facilities is preferred. 

Supplemental Information

To Apply:

A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application for consideration. Your cover letter and resume must provide sufficient detail about your background and experience to allow the screening panel to properly assess your experience in the required elements, including your experience and achievements.  

The State of Colorado/Office of the Governor offers a generous benefits package including: 

• Medical, dental and vision plan coverage - including extensive prescription drug coverage (many preventive medications covered at no cost)*
• Health Savings Account (with state contribution) when electing HDHP medical coverage*
• Wellness programs - participation can reduce employee premiums*
• Short-term and optional long-term disability coverage*
• Life and Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance*
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) job protection and State of Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)
• 12 Paid Holidays Annually and Accrued Annual and Sick Leave
• Retirement benefits** - including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans - https://www.copera.org/
• Hybrid work arrangements
• Variety of discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Discount Program
• Training and professional development opportunities, including reduced college tuition through CSU Global (contact CSU Global for latest offerings).
• Access to the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP): offers confidential mental health counseling, professional coaching, employee mediation, 24/7 crisis support
• Free RTD EcoPass to all eligible State Employees
• Credit Union of Colorado Membership Eligibility

*To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit the state’s benefits portal: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.

**For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), see COPERA for details: https://www.copera.org/member-contribution-rates

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. 

ADAAA Accommodations

The Office of the Governor is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.  If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Staffing Coordinator (the Director of Human Resources) at gov_hr@state.co.us.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.

Effective September 20, 2021, employees will be required to attest to and verify whether or not they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Employees who have not been fully vaccinated may be required to submit to serial testing in the future. Upon hire, new employees will have thirty (30) business days to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination. Vaccinated employees must provide proof of vaccination. Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorado’s Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

Note: Employees who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged (and may be required) to test before and/or wear a mask while spending time in person at the Energy Office.