Visiting Energy Research Program Specialist (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) is currently searching for a Visiting Energy Research Program Specialist to work with EnergySense's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Workforce Program. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois, with potential options for hybrid remote or remote 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; 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
- Perform clean energy and sustainability research, including workforce program best practices, stakeholder engagement approaches to inform program implementation, and modeling alternative scenarios and sustainable solutions.
- Produce research materials including literature reviews, manuscripts, reports, energy program manuals, training guides, and case studies.
- Perform program development to support implementation of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce and contractor development programs.
- Support inter-office communication and coordination via CEJA website content development, periodic updates, and working group participation.F
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acilitate external communication with CEJA stakeholders through DCEO email and other resources.
Outreach and Education
- Promote awareness of EnergySense Resilience Center energy and sustainability programs and best practices through participation in workshops, webinars, professional conferences, and other related events on a regional scale.
- Develop EnergySense Resilience Center's client base through network interactions and direct client contacts.
- Research energy and sustainability practices and literature to produce educational materials.
- Develop and revise outreach and reference materials, including fact sheets, presentations, program manuals, and digital media.
- Develop and present slide decks, training content and educational materials for presentations, workshops, discussion groups, and asynchronous learning platforms for students and professional audiences.
- Participate in workshop planning and implementation.
Operations
- Track and report specific activities towards grants and project plans.
- Follow up with clients to track implementation of sustainability solutions and to provide technical assistance.
- Contribute to quarterly and annual progress reporting.
- Other relevant duties as assigned to further the mission of Energy Sense Resilience Center.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor's degree that includes a background in public administration, public policy, education, business administration, social work, urban planning, communications, management, or other related field.
- 2 years of experience in any of the following areas: educational content development, public sector outreach & engagement, administrative experience within a public or business organization, or design and/or management of a workforce or human services grant program.
- Experience developing and delivering public presentations in a variety of settings.
Preferred:
- Experience working with or administering workforce and/or human service programs.
- Experience developing program policies and procedures related to workforce or human services programs.
- Experience with developing and/or revising grant programs, reviewing funding applications, or providing grantee technical assistance.
- Experience working with underserved and environmental justice communities.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- Excellent analytical skills and communication skills (written and verbal). 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.
- Knowledge and interest within the clean energy industry including an awareness of industry trends and needs for workforce development in Illinois.
- 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 $63,000.00 - 72,000.00. 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: 9000980
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Urbana
LinkedIn Code: #LI-JM1
