Solar Programs Associate - Strategy and Outreach (Hybrid - Chicago, IL)

Interested in joining a growing company where you will work with talented colleagues, enhance a supportive and energetic culture, and be part of the climate solution? At Energy Solutions, we focus on the big impacts. And we believe that market-based programs can be a powerful force to deliver large-scale energy, carbon, and water-use savings. Since 1995, we’ve harnessed that power to offer proven, performance-based solutions for our utility, government, and institutional customers.

Energy Solutions is looking for a Solar Programs Associate to execute and own a defined segment of program operations within the Energy Solutions program portfolio. This role supports day-to-day workflow performance for assigned programs, including rebate processing and incentive claims, ensuring timely processing and issue resolution, data integrity, and compliance with program rules and internal controls.

The Solar Programs Associate operates under the general supervision of a Project Manager and is responsible for completing tasks accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with established standard operations procedures (SOPs) and quality standards. Drawing on working knowledge of program operations, the Associate organizes and prioritizes work, troubleshoots routine issues within defined guidelines, and provides guidance on procedural questions while escalating more complex issues appropriately.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage application queues and shared inboxes to ensure claims and participant inquiries are addressed in accordance with documented SOPs

• Review, validate, and process applications and claims in accordance with program rules, eligibility criteria, and SOPs

• Escalate non-routine issues, complaints, or exceptions to the Project Manager as appropriate

• Maintain accurate records and documentation, in alignment with program guidelines and compliance requirements, in program systems, databases, or CRMs

• Support outreach activities including event preparation, presentation preparation, occasional event attendance and outreach inquiries

• Respond to participant, customer, contractor, and trade ally emails, phone calls, and inquiries regarding application status, program guidelines, or other questions, professionally and promptly

• Apply and communicate program rules, procedures, and eligibility requirements using established guidance to support submission quality and reduce rework

• Support working relationships with distributors, contractors, and other stakeholders through phone, or virtual interactions

• Resolve routine issues within established guidelines and escalate complex participant or technical questions when needed. Apply program guidelines and SOPs to resolve disputes or address non‑compliance

• Document investigations and outcomes, including drafting responses or correspondence based on template responses, provided in program Service Level Agreement(s) (SLAs), as needed

• Compile, validate, and organize program data for internal review and client reporting. Proofread deliverables and correct basic errors before they go out.

• Review work for accuracy and completeness before submission and flag issues to the Project Manager

• Review program information and gather references to support process improvements

• Execute data validation and quality assurance activities for assigned workflows using defined checklists and processes

• Track and report discrepancies to support consistency and reduce rework

• Identify and suggest improvements to program procedures and operational workflows to enhance efficiency

• Apply and update established processes and documentation to support accuracy and consistency

• Maintain detailed documentation to support audits, reporting, and program transparency

• Support scheduling, resource coordination, and administrative project activities as needed

• Follow established program controls to support compliance, fraud prevention, and risk management

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in project management or related field required or High School degree plus 2 years’ experience

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to answer stakeholder and program participant inquiries received over email or calls concisely, courteously, and professionally

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to identify issues and escalate when needed

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple tasks and deadlines and respond to internal communication from peers and managers promptly

The salary range for this role is $60,000 to $70,000, with a target compensation of $60,000 to $66,500 based on experience and qualifications.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a generous retirement package. Energy Solutions provides an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, other pre-tax contribution plans and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

AI Use

At Energy Solutions we believe in the importance of authentic interactions and equitable opportunities. We base our candidate selection on one’s own skills, knowledge, and experience. To ensure the integrity and fairness of our interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (including Generative AI) or other means to generate or assist with responses during interviews is strictly prohibited. This practice supports our commitment to create a transparent and equitable space where skills, knowledge and experience can truly shine.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Energy Solutions is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Energy Solutions conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Office Locations and a Remote Workforce

Energy Solutions operates as a predominantly remote workforce with offices in six different locations. Employees who reside within 40 miles of an office (except New York) will be assigned to that location, though in-office attendance requirements may vary by team. At this time, we are not accepting applications from candidates residing in the following states: Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

Background Check Information

Information will be requested to perform the compulsory background check. A drug screen and authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely are preconditions of employment. Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer.

Reasonable Accommodations

Energy Solutions is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, and/or completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email accommodation@energy-solution.com.

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