CPRG Statewide Energy Efficiency Navigator

CPRG Statewide Energy Efficiency Navigator

Working Position Title - CPRG Statewide Energy Efficiency Navigator

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview
- The Workforce Policy Lab (WPL) is a statewide and national leader in workforce and economic development research, evaluation, policy, program development and implementation support. WPLis housed within the Center of Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. Our growing team is charged with advancing workforce, economic, and business integration through partnerships with local, state, regional, and national partners, braiding best practices and on-the-ground implementation.

WPLis also a testing ground for new initiatives, driving innovation and the creation of an adaptable, skilled workforce rooted in a thriving economic future.

Key Programs Actively Supported by WPL:

• Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act – Evaluation
• Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program – Development & Evaluation
• Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Workforce & Economic Development Programs – Development, Implementation Support, Evaluation, and Improvement
• Apprenticeship Illinois – Development and Implementation Support
• Clean Building Navigator Program (Climate Pollution Reduction Grant) – Development, Implementation Support, Evaluation
• CEJA Capacity Grant Program – Development, Implementation, Evaluation

Team Culture WPLis intentionally building a team culture grounded in courage, trust, and accountability – drawing inspiration from Brene Brown's Dare to Lead framework, among other leadership best practices. This means creating an environment where people feel safe to speak openly, take smart risks, learn from failure, and show up as their authentic self. This is active work for our team, and we are looking for people who are energized by that journey – those who value honest conversations, are willing to give and receive feedback, and want to help shape the culture where empathy and high standards go hand in hand.

If you're someone who leads with curiosity, lives by a mantra of "everything is figureoutable", leans into discomfort for the sake of growth, and believes strong teams are built through trust and shared ownership, you'll find both challenge and opportunity here.

Hybrid Position – Travel throughout the state is required for this role, with weekly meetings in DeKalb or Chicago. THIS POSITION IS BASED ON A THREE - YEAR GRANT, AND MAY NOT BE EXTENDED AT THE CLOSE OF THE GRANT.

Position Summary
- The Statewide Energy Efficiency Navigator is responsible for supporting equitable access to energy efficiency and clean energy programs across Illinois, particularly in CEJA-designated communities and identified municipal utility and rural co-op communities not served during the initial phase of the Clean Building Navigator (CBN) program. This role maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of available incentives, rebates, and programs, and provides direct navigation support to residents and stakeholders.

The Navigator builds and maintains relationships with community partners—including Community Action Agencies, workforce programs, contractors, and local organizations—to expand program awareness and strengthen local delivery infrastructure. The role also leads outreach, training, and capacity development efforts to support communities in establishing their own navigation services, while collaborating with technical teams to improve and enhance the statewide Navigator portal.

Who We Are Seeking Beyond experience and education requirements listed below and in alignment with our growing team culture, the Statewide Energy Efficiency Navigator will embody most, if not all, of the attributes below:

• Person-Centered – This role requires connecting with homeowners, stakeholders, and partners. The goal is always to connect and respond with an approach that recognizes others as people first, not as a number or role.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – Ready to take immediate action and begin co-creating programs with team leadership, members, and advisors in the successful deployment of two new programs.
• Curious – Willing to say "I don't know," to…