Director, Programs and Partnerships
Why you want to work here...
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.
Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.
Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.
Based in Denver, Colorado GRID has 8 regional offices and affiliates serving all of California, Mid-Atlantic/Washington D.C. region, and Tribal Lands within the U.S. Additionally, GRID has international operations in Nicaragua, Mexico, and Nepal. GRID has a dedicated staff of 500 and growing!
What it's like at GRID…
At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.
GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications.
The Opportunity...
Manages and executes on programs including single family solar outreach and workforce development, to start with and other programs that may be developed or assigned. Ensures that implementation and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with specified objectives. Manages the budgets, audits and compliance. Plans and develops methods and procedures for implementing programs, directs and coordinates program activities, and supervises personnel responsible for specific functions or phases of programs.
Manages and enhances relationships with CBO partners. Supports the development and execution of a business strategy through identification of partners, new business and implementation services, marketing and visibility. Develops relationships with strategic clients; and liaises with partners to solve issues, communicate needs, and create synergy. Initiates discussions with potential partners; negotiates and secures partnership agreements; and designs the deliverables and process. Directs, grows, and retains partnership companies through strong relationship-building and ongoing client engagement strategies.
Strategic Leadership:
- Lead the vision and execution of GRID Alternatives' programs and partnerships portfolio, applying the Project Management Professional (PMP®) body of knowledge to optimize effectiveness and efficiency.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to set strategic program, partnership, and funding priorities that align with organizational goals and values, while ensuring their execution aligns with funding mandates.
- Identify opportunities for program and partnership improvement and implement changes to enhance overall performance.
- Identify and implement opportunities for program braiding, stacking, and co-leveraging to maximize benefits including equitable access, energy burden relief and savings, job training and workforce development opportunities, wealth-building opportunities for mission-aligned contractors, resilience, and more.
Portfolio Oversight and Resource Management:
- Manage and mentor program managers, providing guidance and support throughout the program lifecycle, from initiation to closure, supporting manager discretion and autonomy to the extent appropriate and serving as a point-of-escalation for PMs.
- Ability to provide, accept, and receive others’ feedback across departments, roles, and levels of responsibility
- Develop and implement standardized program management processes and procedures, ensuring consistency and excellence across all programs.
- Foster a collaborative environment, facilitating communication and knowledge sharing between program managers and departments.
- Oversee rollup of program budgets into GRID’s organizational budget, support accurate forecasting, and broadly track budget-to-actuals with PMs to ensure appropriate spend-down.
- Oversee staff matrixing process and implementation, supporting the flexible deployment of staff resources across programs by job function and capacity.
- Resource PMs to effectively monitor program budgets, expenditures, and resource allocation, ensuring efficient utilization of resources, including budget co-leveraging where appropriate, and adherence to financial guidelines.
- Oversee the creation of a repository of resources relevant for lifecycle program management, including but not limited to SOPs, templates, example program plans and common work products, and other resources.
- Responsible for grant management administration and compliance.
Staff Development and Accountability:
- Hire, onboard, support, manage, develop, and lead a diverse staff of top-quality individuals , ensuring they have the needed information, tools, and resources to do their jobs well.
- Coach and develop program managers' skills, competencies, as well as personal and professional goals to promote continuous learning and growth.
- Implement performance management systems and evaluate program manager effectiveness against established goals.
- Foster a culture of accountability, ensuring program managers deliver on their commitments and meet program objectives.
Cross-Departmental Coordination:
- Partner with other departments (e.g., Construction, Development, Policy, and Operations) to ensure seamless program execution and achieve cross-functional alignment.
- Manage interdependencies between programs and departments, resolving conflicts and fostering collaborative problem-solving.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community -based partners, internal and external stakeholders, cultivating a network of support for program and partner success.
It would be great if you also had...
- Proven track record as a successful program director, program manager, or project manager
- Experience managing teams through long, complex program implementations
- Knowledge of current program management methods and best practices
- Experience managing staff and budgets
- Excellent data analysis and reporting skills
- Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills
- Experience with industry-standard project management software and tools
- Flexible and willing to embrace change, go the extra mile, and bring ideas and energy to a rapidly growing organization
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills (ability to represent GRID Alternatives with partner organizations, speak to large groups, educate potential clients about our services, etc.)
- Experience working with/in diverse communities and a strong desire to deepen these relationships/partnerships
- Ability to lead, follow, and work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
- Commitment to advancing Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) internally and at the systems level, in alignment with organizational goals and values
- Experience doing environment, racial, or social equity/justice work preferred
Where you will sit and the places you may go…
This position may rarely require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as company-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required.
GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record.
Let's Talk Money!
This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary pay commensurate with experience within the pay band ($85.000-100k annually), plus the benefits below.
How we take care of you...
Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance
Ready to Apply?
Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted. Please do not call and/or email requesting an update.
Thank you for your interest in GRID Alternatives!