Initiative Manager - Lighting

Location

Remote – This role can be performed from anywhere in the United States. However, preference will be given to local Minnesota based candidates.

Join Our Dynamic Team

We are looking for an Initiative Manager to join our growing Market Transformation team. This role will report to the Senior Manager of Market Deployment. The Market Transformation team is responsible for scoping, designing, and implementing a portfolio of emerging technology initiatives, to accelerate the adoption of new energy efficient technologies in Minnesota. As Initiative Manager for commercial lighting you will be responsible for spearheading the initiative strategy for Luminaire-level Lighting Controls (LLLC) with our internal team and external partners and overseeing market deployment to increase technology adoption. The position will be responsible for coordinating the initiative strategy, launching market intervention strategies, utility collaboration, and market actor collaboration.

Who We Are

Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is a clean energy nonprofit with offices in North Loop of Minneapolis and Roseville, MN. We provide practical energy solutions for homes, businesses, and communities to cut energy waste and harmful emissions. We collaborate regularly with field peers and partners, and we employ curious people who enjoy learning and contributing to the Midwest’s quality of life and economy. Recognized as one of Minnesota's top 200 workplaces by the Star Tribune, CEE is known for its open communication, respect for diverse perspectives, and commitment to work-life balance.

What We Offer

• Insurance Coverage Options: To ensure you and your family are well protected, we have got you covered with Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Health Saving Account, and Flexible Spending Accounts. Please see our 2027 Benefit Summary.

• Impact: We want to make the world a better and more energy efficient place. Our work and the decisions we make are rooted in this foundational desire.

• Future Planning: To help you secure your financial future, benefit from our retirement saving program. Reach your goal sooner with our immediate vesting and company contribution.

• Work/Life Balance: We recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and are dedicated to supporting our team members in various aspects of their lives. Our benefits include generous Paid Time Off (PTO), paid parental leave, and salary continuation for major medical events, ensuring that you have the support you need during significant life moments and personal challenges.

• Holidays: Our company provides nine paid holidays each year, offering you ample time to observe important occasions and enjoy personal time.

• Growth: We want everyone to grow and learn within their roles. We offer professional development opportunities and education assistance.
• Championing DEI: Our committed DEI Committee promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment by establishing clear goals and assessing progress throughout the organization.

What You’ll Do

Initiative management

• Maintaining focus on results and impact by ensuring high-quality initiative delivery and goal attainment
• Oversee daily initiative operations including managing the initiative budget, supporting the annual workplan development, assisting with internal tracking and report of LLLC activities
• Work with market research and evaluation team to track and monitor product market share and other market progress indicators
• Collaboratively participate in the development of the program theory of transformation for this technology with internal and external partners
• Assist with market analysis and adapt strategies based on results

Stakeholder engagement and communication

• Lead regular engagement with utility stakeholders to understand perspectives and align activities and outcomes to LLLC technology
• In collaboration with existing internal team, maintain productive working partnerships with lighting control manufacturers’ representatives, distributors and contractors
• Collaborate nationally to understand activities, market trends, best practices and opportunities in other regions
• Understand and communicate the product definition, energy savings potential, and initiative value to key market actors
• Design and deploy additional market intervention strategies to accelerate the adoption of LLLC technology
• Oversee and maintain the development of tools, resources and collateral to increase uptake of LLLC technology
• Oversee the continual growth of educational resources and training curriculum to promote increased installation of LLLC technology.

Staff Management

• Partner with HR to attract and select quality diverse candidates; onboard, train, and build connections with employees.
• Determine and communicate to staff the relevant work priorities and expectations for the role; evaluate and manage performance; determine interventions or corrective actions when needed.
• Lead staff through regular one on ones, performance reviews, tailored development plans, and skill-building. Facilitate regular team meetings and implement feedback loops to boost morale and retention.
• Demonstrate support for equal opportunity in hiring and employment decisions.
• Demonstrate respect for different cultures, values, beliefs, and perspectives. Foster a culture of inclusiveness and incorporate diverse perspectives into decision-making processes.

Other duties as assigned or apparent.

Skills & Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in energy efficiency program management or comparable experience in the commercial lighting industry
• Demonstrated experience with program management, including developing work plans, coordinating/managing the work of others, and responsibility for producing work products
• Experience hiring and managing staff, managing results and facilitating professional development
• Energy efficiency program design and implementation

• Excellent interpersonal skills and thrives at relationship building
• Demonstrated ability to understand and communicate technical subject matter
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, building science or related field required
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties will also be considered.

Compensation

Dependent on qualifications and experience, we expect the pay range upon hire for this position will be $98,000-$105,000.