Solar For All (SFA) Program Director

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

IPC is seeking an experienced Program Director for our Solar for All (SFA) Initiative. This person will be a key figure for advancing our mission of strengthening solar energy access for disadvantaged communities. This crucial role involves leading the Initiative’s strategic direction and overseeing the execution of community solar projects specifically designed to deliver renewable energy solutions to low-income and disadvantaged (LIDAC) communities. As IPC’s SFA Program Manager, you will play a vital role in developing and leading a team to execute an estimated $250M program over an initial 5-year period across multiple geographies nationally and as part of a 9-member coalition of best-in-class partner organizations. Your responsibilities will include fostering collaborations with coalition partners, developing new partnerships with community-based organizations, overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive technical assistance program carried out in part by coalition partners, boosting the number of operational community solar projects serving LIDAC communities, representing IPC and the SFA program in public-facing forums, reporting on SFA funding activities, and managing annual budgets.

Integral to this role is the ability to synergize with internal cross-functional teams to propel IPC’s vision and meet our ambitious objectives. Reporting directly to the Chief Investment Officer, your advocacy for local businesses and communities, comprehension of the nonprofit sector, and commitment to affordable clean energy for LIDAC communities will be instrumental. We are looking for someone with a profound commitment to fostering substantial programs and partnerships rooted in communities.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

Strategic Planning and Implementation:

• Develop a strong understanding of IPC’s various business operations involved in SFA program execution.
• Develop technical assistance and capital deployment program strategy and budgets and oversee execution to achieve program targets.
• Oversee and collaborate closely with all coalition partner organizations and their affiliated organizations, contractors, etc. to implement program activities.
• Recruit, oversee, and align staff, consultants, and program partners for effective collaboration and implementation while managing and empowering a dedicated team through training and support.
• Create frameworks for replicable community solar project models that address common project obstacles.
• Integrate SFA incentives strategically within program delivery and oversee programmatic solutions.
• Develop strategies to secure additional program resources for long-term sustainability.

Financial Stewardship, Operational Integrity, Compliance, Impact, and Reporting:

• Oversee budgeting and resource allocation, upholding strict adherence to financial regulations and maintaining operational excellence to ensure program initiatives are sustainable and aligned with fiscal policies.
• Manage SFA award program impact reporting, metrics monitoring, and materials preparation.
• Maintain accurate records, dashboards of partner performance, and program compliance.
• Maintain detailed databases for program tracking, ensuring integrity and results tracking.
• Manage award records, deliverables, and invoices to support contract monitoring.
• Conduct sub-award risk assessments and work to ensure appropriate sub-recipient monitoring.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive reporting processes and dashboards across all program partners to ensure federal compliance.
• Partner with the Compliance Manager to develop and maintain systems expertise, specifically the implementation of grants management software.

Program Oversight, Strategic Planning, Community Partnership and Engagement:

• Foster active collaboration with community-based stakeholders, ensuring our projects are community-driven and supported.
• Lead engagement initiatives to deeply understand and meet community energy needs.
• Devise comprehensive strategies to advance access to solar energy in LIDAC communities and oversee implementation from conception to execution.

Leadership:

• Act as liaison to funding agencies and coalition partners throughout the grant award and address all requests such as re-budgeting, change of scope, just-in-time documents, and funder inquiries.
• Promote a collaborative culture within the SFA program team through training and guidance.
• Address potential issues promptly in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Partner with the Compliance Manager to provide guidance to the SFA team and coalition partners on compliance and best practices for efficient operations.
• Collaborate closely with transactions, underwriting, and servicing teams for effective deployment of IPC’s SFA financing program.
• Assess team output, promoting a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Partner with the People & Culture team to recruit, develop, and retain the team while identifying training needs and providing the necessary education to ensure team members have up-to-date knowledge of program requirements within the SFA Award Program.

Other Duties as Assigned: Other assigned duties may include, but are not limited to, engaging in other business and partnerships as directed by your supervisor.

JEDI-B Commitment: This role requires a commitment to always leading and adhering to IPC’s core values by consistently fostering justice, equity, diversity inclusion, and belonging (“JEDI-B”) both internally and externally. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate an ongoing willingness to learn about the environmental and economic impacts of our work.

Travel: Up to 20% travel required.

Conditions: This role requires a dedicated workspace with a desk and chair and a reliable broadband connection of at least 20MB download speed and 8MP upload speed. The workspace should be quiet and free of distractions. Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 75% of the time and travel as needed.

Above all, the ideal candidate will be eager to lead and develop a team in a mission-driven organization, applying their clean energy experience and playing a key role in a growing, mission-oriented organization. We embrace an “all hands” approach, and successful candidates will be enthusiastic contributors. This position reports directly to the Chief Investment Officer and will have a high level of visibility throughout the organization.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, environmental science, engineering, sustainable technology, or a related field, with a preference for a Master’s degree. They should have at least 7-10 years of progressive experience in program or project management, at least 3 years leading a team, and demonstrate a strong commitment to IPC’s mission and JEDI-B initiatives.

Skills:

IPC seeks candidates who reflect both mission alignment and professional proficiency in the following areas:

• Business Operations & Environmental Sustainability: Knowledge of business operations and commitment to environmental sustainability aligned with IPC’s activities.
• Grant Management: Experience managing grants (especially federal or state), including reporting, coordinating meetings, budget adjustments, and compliance. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities, demonstrating resilience, versatility, and constructive collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Independent Initiative & Strong Work Ethic: Strong drive and project management skills, capable of working independently with accountability and dedication to high-quality work.
• Inclusive Leadership & Team Development: Commitment to a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture with at least 3 years of experience in team leadership, community partnerships, or direct supervision.
• Oversight, Contract Development & Reporting: Ability to oversee multiple projects, develop and manage contracts, and report efficiently.
• Solar Technologies Knowledge: Understanding of solar technologies, with experience in grant management and reporting being beneficial.
• Strategic Market Direction: Ability to define strategic market directions and translate them into program goals, actions, and performance metrics.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency in tools for financial analysis, reporting, and data management, including Salesforce, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.Above all, an ideal candidate will be eager to learn and grow in a collaborative fast-paced team environment.Above all, an ideal candidate will be eager to learn and grow in a collaborative fast-paced team environment.

Benefits

• IPC offers competitive compensation packages based on experience and expertise. Benefits include comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, and an Employee Assistance Program. We provide up to a 6% match on 401K contributions, extensive paid time off including 15 holidays and Summer Fridays, and support professional growth through career advancement opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, and Student Loan Repayment Options.
• Location flexibility: This role is intended to be a remote role and may require the candidate to travel to our Hartford, CT office or other assigned locations/events as needed. This role requires the employee to currently reside in one of the following specified states and agree to work within Eastern or Central time hours. By accepting this employment opportunity, candidates commit to residing and working from one of the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, & WV. This requirement is a non-negotiable condition of employment.

EEO

IPC is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are strongly committed to fostering a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive work environment.

IPC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and corresponding state or local law. If you need an ADA accommodation in the application process, please email us to request accommodations at [email protected] with “Compliance Manager” Application” in the subject line.