Clean Energy Finance Program Manager – Public Service Coordinator II

Governor’s Energy Office

2 year Limited Period position

Opening Date: September 13, 2024

Closing Date: October 4, 2024

Job Class Code: CU32
Grade: 32
Salary: $77,896.00 – $110,073.60
Position Number: 095101176

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Clean Energy Finance Program Manager serves as a key staff person in the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) and is responsible for the management and coordination of Solar for All and advising the office regarding initiatives associated with Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds and related federal funds. The GEO is the state of Maines designated energy office and primary advisor to the Governor on energy issues. The GEO, on behalf of the State of Maine, has been selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a five-year, $62 million competitive award through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Solar for All program. The GEOs Solar for All program activities reflect a comprehensive suite of programs designed to equitably accelerate the deployment of solar and energy storage to benefit Maines most vulnerable households, delivering energy savings, a cleaner environment, and high-quality jobs. In addition, the GEO plays a key role in advancing policy leadership and coordination among entities deploying Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund awards.

Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is designed to achieve the following program objectives: (1) reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants; (2) deliver the benefits of greenhouse gas- and air pollution-reducing projects to American communities, particularly low-income and disadvantaged communities; and (3) mobilize financing and private capital to stimulate additional deployment of greenhouse gas and air pollution reducing projects.

The Clean Energy Finance Program Manager provides strategic direction and overall program management of the GEOs responsibilities under the Solar for All award, with a focus on cost-effective deployment of solar and energy storage to benefit low-income and disadvantaged households. At the same time, the Clean Energy Finance Program Manager will develop partnerships and foster collaboration among public and private sector partners to develop and deliver innovative, impactful financing and related programs to maximize the opportunity and impact of clean energy deployment for Maine people. This position will play an important role to facilitate the GEOs renewable energy efforts through thoughtful engagement, data-driven analysis, partnerships with priority communities, and working with stakeholders.

The Clean Energy Finance Program Manager will coordinate closely with GEO senior leadership and partners within and external to state government.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Managing the development and delivery of the Solar for All program, in close coordination with other GEO staff.
• Developing and executing strategic initiatives to coordinate and accelerate clean energy deployment through innovative methods including financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and enhanced coordination among existing initiatives.
• Developing and administering sub-awards to eligible entities under the Solar for All program in alignment with the program objectives.
• Managing stakeholder engagement related to Solar for All program activities.
• Ensuring all funding activities are consistent with State and Federal requirements, including conditions of award established by EPA.
• Facilitating engagement with outside experts, other jurisdictions, and best practices to design and implement Solar for All program activities
• Other related research, policy development, and technical activities pertaining to equitable deployment of solar and energy storage, as directed.

CANDIDATES MUST HAVE:

• Strong knowledge and expertise in finance, with a preference for direct experience in clean energy finance. Experience with funding programs, program deployment, and/or project finance are preferred.
• Experience managing complex programs or initiatives with multiple stakeholders. Public sector administrative experience is desirable but not required.
• Strong track record of project management experience with a track record of developing and launching new products, services, or programs.
• Knowledge of energy programs and policies, with specific knowledge of Maine programs and policies preferred.
• Excellent analytical and research skills.
• Demonstrated skills managing teams in a dynamic, results-oriented environment.
• Experience preparing research, analysis, and other data in reports or studies for public consumption.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement. Experience with meaningful engagement with underrepresented or socially vulnerable communities is preferred.
• Strong communications and writing skills, ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a member of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Proficiency in Microsoft products Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

JOB TASKS:

• Manage the development and execution of the Solar for All-funded program activities.
• Manage the development and execution of strategic initiatives related to delivery of clean energy finance.
• Manage the deployment of Solar for All-funded technical assistance, including workforce development and project siting and permitting program activities.
• Establish and oversee applicable funding tracking, reporting, and monitoring requirements for Solar for All and any other relevant funding sources.
• Provide support on a variety of topics that come before the GEO.
• Support and represent the offices engagements with a variety of entities and forums such as the Maine Public Utilities Commission, and the federal government.
• Engage directly with stakeholders to inform and advance GEO activities and priorities.
• Produce written public content around these topics as necessary.
• Monitor and track policy development and project deployment across New England and other markets to inform the states policy.
• Lead and support efforts around special projects and energy policy studies that seek to meet legislative requirements or priorities of the GEO.
• Support various federal funding opportunities that help meet the states energy goals.

MINUMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in economics, business or a related field and at least five (5) years of directly related training, education and/or professional level experience in which may include experience in clean energy finance, energy/economic development policy and program development, and analysis and implementation. Related professional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto”Dirigo” or “I lead”as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce’s health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 – $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan The State contributes the equivalent of 18.09% of the employee’s pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

There’s a job and then there’s purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If youre looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, wed love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If youre currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.