Program Manager, Energy Use Studies - Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

About NEEA 

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is an alliance of more than 140 electric and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency organizations working on behalf of Northwest energy consumers to increase the adoption of energy-efficient products services and practices. Since 1997, the region has achieved the equivalent to enough energy to power more than 700,000 Northwest homes each year.  

The alliance is powered by harnessing the energy, brainpower, and innovative thinking of motivated professionals like you. NEEA places a high value on diversity, and welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, identities and fields of expertise, with or without previous experience in the energy industry. Are you talented, committed, and motivated? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to apply to help us create a vibrant future for all Northwest communities. 

Follow this link to our website and learn more about the organization. 

This position is based in the Portland, OR metro area, with a hybrid work location. We are looking for candidates who can meet the requirement of working at least 2 days per week onsite at NEEA’s office location.  Finalists must have eligibility to work in the US as NEEA is not able to provide VISA sponsorship or have remote work outside of the US. 

Position Summary 

The Program Manager leads one or more large-scale building and energy use research studies designed to support diverse analytical needs that include: NEEA’s market transformation efforts, regional resource planning, energy efficiency measure development, electric and natural gas utility integrated resource plans (IRPs), electric and natural gas utility conservation potential assessments (CPAs), and other stakeholder objectives.  

The Program Manager is responsible for planning, resourcing, and executing all aspects of the studies, including identifying study objectives, developing sample design priorities, ensuring robust recruitment and data collection strategies, managing the development of survey instrument(s), and developing final data and reporting deliverables. The Program Manager leads workgroups composed of funders and internal and external stakeholders who provide expertise and priorities for all aspects of the studies. 

The Program Manager will share our deep commitment to diversity and inclusion and advancing practices, strategies and policies that achieve equitable outcomes for all. 

Salary range: $85,000 - $95,000, exempt 

• Salary is based on the applicants Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 

The Typical Day May Include… 

• Lead stakeholder workgroup(s) that meet monthly to scope, design, and implement large research studies with a diverse set of priorities and end users.  
• Facilitates communication within NEEA staff and among workgroup member organizations to ensure project interdependencies are closely coordinated and that individual study schedules combine to support study milestones and objectives. Identifies, escalates, and resolves issues proactively.  
• Works closely with the Stakeholder Relations and Corporate Communications team members to ensure studies are well coordinated with stakeholders.  
• Establishes mutually beneficial relationships with utility and regional stakeholders and leverages the knowledge and expertise of others.  
• Reports regularly to study stakeholders on study progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.  
• Serves as champion and spokesperson for assigned studies. 
• Solicits input from workgroup members, teammates, and NEEA staff on key aspects of study design that includes analytical needs and objectives, sample frame selection, content and design of survey instrument (s), billing data collection, and recruiting approaches and priorities.  
• Works with NEEA teammates to determine feasible study sample sizes based on available budget.  
• Measures and reports progress toward clearly defined and articulated study objectives, including recruiting and on-site data collection objectives.  
• Prepares an annual Budget and Operations Plan and manages to goals and targets; updates financial forecast monthly for adaptations in study plans and variations in study scope; reports progress and drives corrective actions to meet study objectives and timeline; ensures good stewardship of NEEA resources spent on study activities.  
• Issues request for proposals (RFP)s and hires and manages contractors to implement study activities to achieve study objectives.  
• Participates in the development and execution of communications plans to share study findings with key audiences, either through presentations, papers, or assistance in using the data. 

What Are You Good At? 

A top Program Manager, Energy Use Studies exemplifies leadership in coordinating diverse workgroups, ensuring seamless communication and project alignment between NEEA and external partners. This individual excels in fostering relationships with key regional stakeholders, contributing to the strategic design of comprehensive research studies. They are proactive in reporting study advancements and skilled at managing resources to meet the objectives and timelines of the studies, demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence and stakeholder engagement. 

Your Experience, Education, and Skills: 

• A minimum of 3 years of experience managing large research and data collection studies in a team environment.  
• BA/BS Degree with major course work in research and survey design, data analytics, statistics, program management, business administration, public administration, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).  
• Experience managing large data collection projects or programs.  
• Experience managing contracts and contractors to achieve study objectives required.  
• Experience managing remote project teams required.  
• Experience in leading and facilitating stakeholder groups.  
• Experience in working on cross-functional teams.  
• Experience and knowledge in one or more key aspects of energy use studies preferred. These may include sample design, recruiting, survey instrument design, commercial or residential building science and engineering, familiarity with electric and natural gas utilities, and data analysis in R or Python.  
• Proven success as an experienced leader of one or more of the following functions: Data Analytics, Research Design, Statistics, Program Management. 
• High competence in preparing, analyzing and managing budgets and tracking and reporting results.  
• Experience designing workflows and establishing consistent processes and procedures. 
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties will also be considered. 

Highlights of NEEA’s Benefits: 

• 90% of medical/dental premiums paid by NEEA, including for dependents 
• Employer funded Health Savings Account 
• 136 hours of PTO/year 
• Automatic 6% retirement contribution with an additional 2% matching 
• Flexible work environment, including hybrid work location and 9/80 schedule options 
• Professional development opportunities 

NEEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer