Visiting Senior Energy Program Manager (Hybrid)
Vice Pres Econ Dev and Innov
Sponsorship for Work authorization is not available for this position.
System Office positions, such as this position, are not eligible for the employee referral program.
Posting Category:
The EnergySense Resilience Center (EnergySense) at the University of Illinois System is currently searching for a Visiting Senior Research Program Manager that will advance energy and sustainability research and analyses, represent grant-funded initiatives to external stakeholders and clients, and translate research outcomes into actional best practices for team members and EnergySense clients. This position will work with the Associate Director, as well as Assistant Directors and other program managers. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois, with potential options for hybrid work. EnergySense is sponsored and funded by federal and state agencies including the Illinois State Energy Office at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; the US Environmental Protection Agency; the US Department of Energy; local government agencies; and other funding sources. EnergySense is a center at the University of Illinois System with a mission to empower organizations with practical solutions for climate, energy, and sustainability. EnergySense achieves its mission through a wide range of programs in energy efficiency, renewable energy development, greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable business, and clean energy workforce development.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical and Research
- Lead the implementation and administration of a diverse portfolio of energy, renewable energy, and/or sustainability programs, coordinating closely with EnergySense partners to ensure seamless project delivery, administration, and technical support.
- Serve as PI on University of Illinois Sponsored Research Projects and Programs, leading the project lifecycle.
- Provide mentorship and support to team members as you manage the project through initiation, planning, execution, and reporting.
- Develop project program materials, including development of standard operation plans, program guides, training guides, program manuals, posters, publications, and technical assistance materials.
- Lead agenda development and facilitate online and in-person meetings.
- Evaluate program outcomes and direct improvements to programs or processes.
- Fulfill contractually required reporting requirements.
- Lead proposal writing for sponsored projects including research grants, cooperative agreements, and service agreements.
Outreach
- Develop research partnerships with external entities for proposal development to fund research and program implementation.
- Act as the primary liaison for an EnergySense project sponsor, providing representation at workshops, webinars, and other events to align program goals with stakeholder interests.
- Develop EnergySense's client base through network interactions and direct client contacts by actively promoting the EnergySense mission and encouraging implementation.
- Support the development of outreach materials for presentations, fliers, posters, and digital media.
Operations
- Monitor deliverables including tracking and reporting activities for sponsored research programs.
- Evaluate overall effectiveness of projects under your purview, recommend and lead design and development modification and implement changes.
- Serve as the primary liaison between primary investigators (PIs), executive leadership, external partners, and funding agencies.
- Complete quarterly and annual progress reporting
- Provide support to budget and strategic planning processes
- Mentor junior staff and students.
- Other relevant duties as assigned to further the mission of EnergySense.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, sustainability, natural resources, business administration, or related field.
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Prior experience equivalent to five years of program management, administrative experience in a public or business organization, or in the design and/or management of energy efficiency or sustainability programs.
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Experience developing and delivering public presentations in a variety of settings.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Master's degree in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, sustainability, natural resources, or related field.
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Experience developing program policies and procedures related to energy efficiency or renewable energy and other human services programs.
- Experience with proposal development, grant writing and current funding landscapes.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- Knowledge and interest within the clean energy industry, an awareness of industry trends and policies that support energy efficiency and renewable energy expansion in Illinois.
- Excellent analytical skills, written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to research and analyze information and data to make appropriate conclusions and recommendations
- Excellent organizational skills, such as time management, task prioritization, follow-through, and ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to work in teams and ability to coordinate teams
- Ability to use software such as Microsoft Office Suite and web-based information management tools
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is 7/16/2026. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position.
The budgeted salary range for the position is $75,000.00 - 85,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, please click
APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 6/11/2026. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
System HR Talent contact: Johanna Mayer at [email protected] is available for further information on this specific search.
System Human Resource Services
(217) 333-2600
[email protected]
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 217-333-2600, or by emailing [email protected].
Requisition ID: 9000982
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Urbana
LinkedIn Code: #LI-JM1
