Partnership Manager, Utilities

The Partnership Manager, Utilities is responsible for building and strengthening Slipstream’s strategic relationships with electric and gas utilities, energy offices, and related energy‑sector partners. This role identifies opportunities to expand Slipstream’s impact, supports the development of new utility program concepts, contributes to proposal development, and collaborates across internal teams to design innovative decarbonization, energy efficiency, and research initiatives.

The Manager serves as a relationship-builder and trusted advisor to utility partners, ensuring Slipstream maintains visibility, responsiveness, and strategic value within the utility market. This position plays a key role in growing Slipstream’s utility portfolio and advancing utility‑focused solutions aligned with our mission to accelerate climate solutions for all.

Slipstream is a nonprofit organization with staff working together to accelerate climate solutions for everyone. The organization is headquartered in Madison, WI with an office in Chicago, IL and staff working remotely in 22 states. The Partnership Manager for Utilities works collaboratively with teams across Slipstream, including Utility Program Administration, Research & Innovation, Workforce Development, Financing, Policy, Proposals, and Partnership Development.

By working closely with these teams, the Partnership Manager, Utilities ensures that Slipstream’s utility relationships are strong, informed, and aligned with organizational capabilities. The role helps translate technical expertise into compelling program concepts, identifies opportunities for new utility initiatives, and stewards partnerships that support Slipstream’s mission to accelerate climate solutions.

• Own and grow a portfolio of utility and energy‑sector partnerships; build new relationships and deepen existing ones
• Identify opportunities for new or expanded utility programs, pilots, and services.
• Serve as a primary point of contact to utility partners, ensuring a high‑quality partner experience.
• Attend utility conferences, regulatory forums, and industry events to represent Slipstream and maintain market visibility.
• Support internal leadership with strategic partner engagement planning.

• Lead or support internal ideation sessions to identify innovative solutions that meet utility partner needs.
• Translate partner priorities, regulatory requirements, and market trends into actionable project or program concepts.
• Support development of scopes, budgets, and project plans for proposed utility initiatives.
• Assist in development of new service offerings, including emerging technology pilots and decarbonization programs.

• Support proposal development and RFP responses for utility‑funded programs and research.
• Collaborate with utility program implementation, research and innovation, and policy teams to ensure high‑quality proposals aligned with Slipstream’s strategy.
• Contribute to data gathering, partner insights, and narrative development for winning proposals.
• Track partner pipeline, activities, and outcomes; share insights internally to guide strategy.

• Partner with research and innovation, utility program implementation, and policy teams to ensure cohesive delivery of utility‑focused work.
• Assist project managers in aligning project deliverables with utility partner expectations.
• Provide internal staff with insights into utility market trends, partner feedback, and regulatory landscapes.

• Monitor changes in the utility sector, including regulatory developments, funding opportunities, and technology trends.
• Present program results, market insights, or research findings at regional or national events.
• Maintain strong visibility in the utility ecosystem on behalf of Slipstream.

• Actively participate in internal work groups.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in utility partnerships, energy‑sector project management, program…