IPA Program Associate I

The Illinois Power Agency (Agency) is seeking a Program Associate I. The Program Associate I positions is an entry-level position that will directly support the Illinois Shines program (statutorily known as the Adjustable Block Program) and is positioned under the direction of the Illinois Shines Program Manager. The Program Associate I will aid in the development and implementation of the Program, which includes providing incentives for distributed generation and community solar projects. Prospective applicants should review the Illinois Shines Program website for more information, found at: https://illinoisshines.com/   

The Illinois Power Agency is an independent State Agency created in 2007 to develop annual electricity procurement plans and renewable resources procurement plans and to conduct procurement events to ensure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service for the default supply customers of Illinois electric utilities. The Agency also conducts procurements and administers programs that promote the development of renewable energy resources in accordance with the State Renewable Portfolio Standard. For more information about the Agency, please refer to: https://ipa.illinois.gov/  

All applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications defined below for the Program Associate I to be considered for this position.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Tracking projects related to the Agency’s Illinois Shines program 

Reviewing updates to Program requirements, including reviewing and reporting on Program compliance by Program participants 

Supporting the implementation of program processes, which may include topics such as Program participant application reviews, project submission reviews, marketing and communications management, customer and developer outreach, and issue resolution 

Completing administrative Program activities, such as project submission reviews, appeals, data requests, extensions, and standardized updates; this may also include supporting ongoing reporting and standardized communications.  

Interfacing with the Illinois Shines third‐party Program Administrator to support ongoing project activities, which may include process documentation, review of forms and reports, review of communications, and research into issue background and resolution 

Supporting the tracking and reporting on Program metrics and key performance indicators 

Attending regular meetings with the third‐party Program Administrator and reporting back to team/managing work from these meetings 

Translating or reviewing translation of Program materials (if bi-lingual) 

Supporting stakeholder outreach and collaboration activities to support Program goals and initiatives (conferences, presentations, webinars, etc.)  

Supporting other Program‐related tasks on an ad hoc basis 

Minimum Qualifications:  

Bachelor’s degree.  

0-2 years of applicable work experience 

The ability to maintain strong attention to detail across multiple, ongoing projects 

Proficient writing and editing skills 

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including experience using Excel for data aggregation and analysis 

A track record of meeting deadlines and successfully closing out tasks 

The ability to work with a collaborative and agile team, taking on new assignments as needed 

Desired Qualifications: 

Degree in public policy, political science, environmental studies, environmental engineering, energy engineering, project management, or a related field (interest or coursework in renewable energy, or environmental policy). 

Job experience and/or coursework in energy, sustainability, engineering, political science, with a focus on renewable energy or solar specifically 

Experience working in the public sector 

Direct experience supporting customer programs, including development and/or implementation of such programs; experience with distributed energy resources (DERs) or distributed generation resource programs; supporting operations and/or logistics including contractor/vendor management, stakeholder communications, formal KPI management and reporting, and customer management. 

Customer/client service experience 

Fluency in Spanish to assist with the translation or translation review of Program materials  

The Program Associate I is prohibited from: (i) owning, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the voting capital stock of an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (ii) being in any chain of successive ownership of 5% or more of the voting capital stock of any electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (iii) receiving any form of compensation, fee, payment, or other consideration from an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier, including legal fees, consulting fees, bonuses, or other sums. These limitations do not apply to any compensation received pursuant to a defined benefit plan or other form of deferred compensation, provided that the individual has otherwise severed all ties to the utility, power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier.  

This is a merit compensation position.  Position Salary Range: $65,000 – 73,500. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is a hybrid position and is inclusive of periodic in-office work as defined by the Agency.  

To apply, please submit a cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, a resume, and three professional references along with your online application.  

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/51713/ 

Applications without a cover letter describing the applicant’s relevant experience and why the applicant would be a strong candidate for this position will not be reviewed for consideration.