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About the Center for Sustainable Energy®
Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is an independent, mission-driven nonprofit organization with offices in San Diego. We accelerate the adoption of clean and efficient energy solutions via program administration, technical assistance, policy innovation, and other forms of market facilitation. We are uniquely positioned and engaged with a variety of stakeholders and market actors, including policy-makers, state and federal agencies, regional and local governments, utilities, business and civic leaders, and individuals in both the general market and equity sectors. Our technical areas of focus include distributed energy resources (renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, fuel cells, combined heat and power) and clean transportation.
The Director of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) is responsible for leading the performance, health, and execution of a portfolio of distributed energy programs, ensuring strong financial outcomes, effective delivery, and a high-performing team.
This role goes beyond traditional program oversight and requires ownership of portfolio-level performance, including budgeting, forecasting accuracy, utilization, staffing strategy, and risk management. The Director works through Program Managers and cross-functional partners to ensure programs are not only delivered successfully, but are financially optimized, operationally efficient, and positioned for future growth.
The Director partners closely with the Senior Director and organizational leadership to translate strategy into execution, support business development efforts, and ensure the organization is prepared for evolving program needs and market opportunities.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Portfolio & Financial Management
- Own financial performance across multiple programs, including revenue forecasting, variance management, utilization, and budget adherence
- Lead annual and mid-year budget development and reforecasting, ensuring accuracy and accountability
- Identify financial risks early (e.g., underutilization, overburn, staffing gaps) and implement practical mitigation strategies
- Partner with matrixed teams to improve reporting rigor, visibility, and forecasting discipline
Program Oversight & Delivery
- Provide leadership and direction to Program Managers to ensure consistent, high-quality program execution
- Monitor program performance across schedule, scope, budget, and client expectations
- Step into high-risk, high-visibility, or complex program issues as needed
- Drive standardization of best practices across programs while allowing for program-specific needs
People Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and develop a team of Program Managers and staff across multiple programs
- Support hiring, onboarding, performance management, promotions, and retention strategies
- Make informed decisions regarding team structure, role alignment, and resource allocation
- Build bench strength and cross-training opportunities to increase organizational resilience
- Address engagement, workload balance, and career development in alignment with business needs
Strategic Planning & Business Development Support
- Support the development and execution of the organization’s DER strategy and program portfolio evolution
- Identify risks related to program lifecycle, pipeline gaps, and resource availability
- Partner with Business Development and leadership to shape new opportunities aligned with operational capabilities
- Contribute to diversification of program types, including emerging technologies, pilots, and new market opportunities
Cross-Functional Leadership & Operational Alignment
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment and coordination across programs
- Identify and address operational inefficiencies, redundancies, and gaps in processes
- Promote adoption of tools, systems, and practices that improve visibility, communication, and execution
- Serve as a key connector across teams to reduce silos and improve organizational effectiveness
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with key clients, utilities, and stakeholders
- Represent the organization in meetings, workshops, and industry engagements as needed
- Support resolution of sensitive or high-impact client issues
- Ensure programs are positioned as strategic partnerships, not just transactional engagements
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required
- Strong financial and operational acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and utilization management
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs or portfolios simultaneously
- Proven leadership experience managing managers and cross-functional teams
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Ability to identify risks early and drive practical, actionable solutions
Preferred
- Experience in distributed energy, utilities, or related program environments
- Familiarity with incentive-based programs and public sector or utility clients
- Experience working within or alongside a PMO structure
- PMP certification
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required
- Master’s degree preferred
Experience:
- 10+ years of experience in program, portfolio, or operations management
- 7+ years of experience leading teams, including managing managers
- Experience overseeing financial performance across multiple projects or programs
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment:
- Works in a home (remote) or office environment
Clicking 'apply' will take you to the ADP Job Portal
CSE is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
