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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 Senior Program Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for the end-to-end ownership, performance, and evolution of equity-focused, statewide solar incentive programs.
This individual serves as the primary program lead, accountable not only for day-to-day operations, but also for financial performance, stakeholder alignment, and program outcomes. The role requires balancing execution with strategic thinking, ensuring programs are delivered effectively while continuously improving processes, adapting to policy changes, and maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners, and internal teams.
The Senior Program Manager operates in a complex environment and must be able to navigate ambiguity, make informed decisions with incomplete information, and proactively identify and mitigate risks to ensure the program meets performance requirements, maintains strong consumer protection and delivers equitable outcomes at scale.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Administration and Continuous Improvement
- Serve as the primary point program lead and point of contact, accountable for successful delivery across all budget categories.
- Oversee daily program operations, including application processing, contractor management, reporting, and customer support.
- Oversee daily program operations while ensuring consistency, efficiency, and scalability.
- Ensure efficient application processing workflows, minimizing bottlenecks and continuously improving user experience.
- Monitor program pipeline metrics and ensure timely project progression.
- Lead development and implementation of process improvements and program updates, including new policy, funding changes, and design modifications.
- Track evolving legislation and ensure ongoing program alignment.
- Develop and refine program strategies, key performance indicators (KPIs), and performance targets.
- Supervise and mentor Operations Manager(s).
- Ensure adherence to CSE’s PMO requirements and best practices.
Financial and Budget Management
- Manage program budgets, funding allocations and forecasting.
- Track expenditures and ensure alignment with program budgets and sub-program allocations.
- Oversee REC incentive structures and the financial performance of program budgets.
- Coordinate invoicing and financial reporting to client.
- Track and update annual internal administrative budgets and ensure employee utilization meets CSE expectations and program needs.
Cross Functional Coordination
- Lead coordination across internal teams to ensure aligned execution:
- IT
- Platform development
- Marketing and outreach
- Legal and compliance
- Policy and regulatory
- Manage subcontractors and partners, ensuring accountability, performance, and contract compliance.
- Review and update contracts/sub-contracts and execute amendments and extensions, as needed.
- Review and approve subcontractor invoices and monthly labor and ODC reports.
- Coordinate with the platform development team to support system enhancements and automation and address issues with the application portal.
Stakeholder and Client Management
- Act as a primary point of contact for the client, prioritizing transparency, responsiveness and trust.
- Lead stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure program accessibility and effectiveness, especially in low-income and environmental justice communities.
- Build relationships and engage regularly with external program stakeholders, including:
- Contractors
- Community-Based Organizations
- Utilities
- Regulators and policymakers
- Support outreach strategies to expand participation in underserved regions.
- Coordinate with partners to connect eligible participants to the program.
- Support implementation of equity and workforce development initiatives.
- Step into high-sensitivity or high-visibility situations and drive resolution.
Consumer Protection and Compliance Oversight
- Ensure strict adherence to consumer protection requirements, including no upfront costs to participants, guaranteed participant savings and transparent disclosures and contract terms.
- Oversee compliance tracking and resolution including compliance and enforcement actions, quality assurance, and inspection processes.
- Partner with legal and compliance teams to proactively address regulatory changes and program risks.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required
- 7+ years of experience in clean energy program administration.
- Strong program ownership mindset with demonstrated ability to drive outcomes, not just manage tasks.
- Experience operating in complex, regulated, or ambiguous environments
- Experience overseeing financial performance and leading teams.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously.
- Strong judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Preferred
- Experience with Salesforce or similar program administration platforms.
- PMP Certification or equivalent preferred
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment:
- Works in an office environment
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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.
