CPRG Clean Energy Programs Manager

CPRG Clean Energy Programs Manager

Position Information

Working Position Title - CPRG Clean Energy Programs Manager

Classification
- Program Director - CUSTOM CLASSIFICATION

Position Number -

Open Date - 08/26/2026

Close Date - 09/15/2026

Employee Class
- Staff

Full-Time/Part Time
- Full-Time

FTE - 1.00

Position Status
- Regular

FLSA
- Exempt

Job code - 5003

Union Representation
- Non-Union

Unit/Department - P-20 Center

College/Unit - P20 Initiatives Network

Division
- Outreach Engagemt Regl Dev Dv

Location - LH 204

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 byWPL:

• 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
• CEJACapacity 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 Clean Energy Program Manager oversees day-to-day operations of the Clean Building Navigator Grant Program andCEJACapacity Grant Manager. This position ensures timely execution of tasks, coordination across staff and partners, delivery of high-quality outputs, and implementation of both programs. This role translates strategic direction into operational workflows and cross-community coordination. This position reports directly to the Director of Clean Energy Ecosystem Development.

Additionally, this role has five direct reports:
Technical Standards Specialist, Ecosystem & Community Specialist, Statewide Energy Efficiency Navigator, Data Analytics, and Performance Learning Specialist (for tasks related to Clean Energy programs). This position will also oversee the work of a contracted Community Task Force Facilitator.

Who We Are Seeking Beyond experience and education requirements listed below and in alignment with our growing team culture, the Clean Energy Programs Manager 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…