Program Manager

Program Manager – Business

Duration: 24-month contract

Location: Portland, OR (hybrid)

Pay Range: $35.11– $38.34 per hour

The Non-Residential Program Manager oversees assigned programs within the business demand response (DR) segment, including Commercial Smart Thermostat and Multi-family Water Heater programs. The role manages program implementation strategy, vendor performance, program operations, and ongoing evaluation to ensure successful delivery of flexible load solutions. Responsibilities include developing innovative and cost-effective strategies, managing program life cycles, supporting policy and regulatory processes, maintaining market expertise, and collaborating cross-functionally across departments.

Position Responsibilities

Serve as an expert in the target market and analyze the energy industry landscape to position programs effectively, maintain market knowledge, and develop market-driven solutions for business customers.

Lead projects and workstreams to develop innovative, creative, and cost-effective strategies that support program success and align program vision with corporate priorities and industry trends.

Act as a recognized authority for the small and medium business customer segment by championing program features and benefits and determining the most effective application of resources.

Develop and implement strategies for complex customer and vendor agreements.

Track program performance, analyze program effectiveness, and identify and evaluate enhancements or extensions using data-driven insights.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including enhancements to customer experience, tariff updates, and grid performance.

Manage the full life cycle of assigned programs across growth, maturity, and decline/discontinuation stages.

Oversee development and implementation of program enhancements while expanding customer participation.

Lead collaboration with internal stakeholder departments to execute strategies, plan promotions, and support required reporting for regulatory, fiduciary, and grid resource planning.

Establish shared goals and performance metrics with operational and outreach partners.

Lead design and implementation of customer service processes to ensure high-quality customer experiences and drive market adoption.

Implement changes to program and service design to improve satisfaction and support participant recruitment, including providing training and managing the participant pipeline.

Provide direct support for customers experiencing issues with programs or related tools when needed.

Support development of policies, practices, and procedures for customer programs and services.

Contribute to regulatory processes and stakeholder engagement for new initiatives, programs, and services, ensuring program compliance and alignment with regulatory requirements.

Represent the organization on committees and maintain relationships with industry and trade organizations to stay informed about market opportunities.

Oversee vendor performance to ensure alignment with scope, schedule, and budget expectations.

Position Requirements

College degree or 8+ years of experience working with demand response.

Ideally 5–7 years of experience in demand response, energy efficiency, distributed energy resources, or program/project management.

Experience working inside a utility or alongside a utility as a program implementor.

Demand response program operations experience.

Analytical skills with the ability to interpret and work with program data, systems, and tracking tools.

Program and project management skills with strong communication abilities.

Experience coordinating program operations, including enrollment, enablement tracking, and vendor management.

Ability to learn complex systems and data flows, including DERMS, CIS/AMI data, and program tracking systems.

Ability to balance strategic work with day-to-day operational tasks and ad-hoc issues, especially during DR season.

Ability to work hybrid with three onsite days weekly (T–Th).

CAPM certification preferred.

Familiarity with smart thermostat or water-heater-based programs.

Familiarity with DERMS platforms and the Pacific Northwest energy landscape.

Must-Have:

Demand response programs operations experience

Analytical and data skills

Program/project management and communication skills

Nice-to-Have:

Experience with smart thermostat or water heater device-based programs

Familiarity with DERMS platforms

Knowledge of the Pacific Northwest energy landscape