Program Director

Company: 

MassCEC

Location: 

Boston, MA

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year, dependent on experience and education

Benefits: 457b plan and matching, medical coverage and 100% deductible coverage through HRA, dental coverage, vision coverage, life insurance, paid time off, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, monthly remote work stipend, simplified employee pension plan, and more.

Schedule: Monday to Friday 9-5pm; occasionally work on off hours if required

Work Location: Hybrid; Home and Boston Office

 

Job Overview:

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) seeks an experienced, motivated, visionary leader with a strong technical background in the electric distribution system, and familiarity with utility regulatory and business models and clean energy generation to lead the Net Zero Grid division as Program Director.  This role will oversee MassCEC’s Net Zero Grid strategy and programmatic activities, including research, demonstration projects, and stakeholder engagement to support the development of a reliable, resilient electric grid necessary to enable economy-wide electrification and substantial increases in deployment of utility scale and distributed energy resources critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals.

This position will lead a growing team and inherit a substantial body of existing programmatic work while developing and overseeing new Net Zero Grid initiatives often in close collaboration with other division leaders in the Offshore Wind, Buildings, and Clean Transportation groups, recognizing the foundational role that a smart, reliable, resilient grid must play in the Commonwealth’s clean energy future.  The Net Zero Grid team also coordinates closely with the Technology Development, Investments and Workforce Development teams, and as needed, will interface with the CEO, COS, GC and other senior team members on Net Zero Grid issues.

The Program Director’s job responsibilities include a range of activities including refining, expanding and articulating the Net Zero Grid division’s strategy, research, and program objectives to MassCEC’s board of directors and senior leadership, supporting development of new programs, collaborating closely with electric utilities, leading outreach to industry stakeholders and the public, participating in review of program applications, overseeing contracting processes, and managing staff in a high performing results-driven organization.

The successful candidate will have experience setting ambitious goals and achieving success while demonstrating a pragmatic, collaborative and collegial work and management style. A key consideration is a candidate’s ability to identify synergies and collaborative opportunities across MassCEC divisions and with industry, academic and government partners. This position reports to the Chief Program Officer.

 

Job Duties:

The successful Program Director provides programmatic strategic direction and insight, effectively manages staff, and collaborates with other senior leaders.  Specific duties include:

  • Develop and implement MassCEC’s Net Zero Grid research and programmatic agenda, in collaboration with the Chief Program Officer and in line with MassCEC’s strategic goals and the Commonwealth’s climate objectives;
  • Participate in the development of Net Zero Grid programs, including stakeholder engagement, market research, solicitation drafting and review;
  • Oversee development and ensure maintenance of program performance metrics;
  • Foster strong relationships with industry partners, including utilities, Net Zero Grid technology innovators, national labs, industry groups, utility regulators, and research institutions;
  • Oversee, manage, and mentor the work of the Net Zero Grid team members, actively participating in their professional development;
  • Build the program teams’ abilities to serve as resources within MassCEC for information on industry needs, market trends and local, regional, national and international policy developments;
  • Support the Net Zero Grid program team, as necessary, including stakeholder engagement, program material development and review;
  • Coordinate with MassCEC’s communication and marketing team to provide and update Net Zero Grid program information for external stakeholders

 

Position Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, environment studies, engineering, architecture, economics, or other relevant field;
Advanced degree in business, engineering, public policy, law, economics, or similar field is preferred.

Experience

  • 5+ years of experience in program management and administration.
  • Experience with project or program management, particularly around effective team communication, prioritization, and management.
  • 5+ years of experience using the Microsoft Suite in a work setting.
  • Experience in the public sector, renewable energy industry or grant administration a plus.
  • Experience managing a team is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Experience with utility commission regulatory process (preferably in Massachusetts or a peer New England jurisdiction but not required)
  • Understanding of utility regulatory framework and utility business model
  • Familiarity with electric distribution system and major categories of grid modernization technologies (e.g., distribution management systems, DER management systems)
  • Familiarity with project development considerations (siting, permitting, financial model) of renewable generators and energy storage facilities;
  • Familiarity with clean energy technologies, and a demonstrated aptitude to understand complex and new products, systems, innovations and business concepts as well as market opportunities and challenges;
  • Ability to identify market needs, gaps and barriers and deploy programs or services to successfully and quantifiably meet the market-oriented goals;
  • Keen understanding of prioritization and an ability to work on multiple projects under tight deadlines effectively;
  • Demonstrated ability to get up-to-speed quickly and work independently;
  • Excellent problem-resolution skills, and demonstrated ability to make informed decisions;
  • Team-first attitude and the capacity to be flexible in a dynamic work environment;
  • Demonstrated ability to work with internal and external stakeholders, and cultivate and maintain strategic relationships;
  • Ability to read and absorb complex contracts, policies, rules, etc. and extract the information needed to ensure compliance with each;
  • Demonstrated ability to obtain and review complex information and clearly articulate conclusions and associated recommendations;
  • Analytical mindset with rigorous attention to detail;
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including a track record of delivering high-quality public presentations to professional audiences and public stakeholder groups;
  • Strong leadership skills, including experience managing and mentoring a team; and
  • Familiarity with some or all of the following technologies: district geothermal, hydrogen generation and use, or long-duration storage;
  • Background in energy resilience preferred.

About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts.

MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.

MassCEC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone is welcomed, supported, respected, and valued. We are committed to incorporating principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice in all aspects of our work in order to promote the equitable distribution of the health and economic benefits of clean energy and support a diverse and inclusive clean energy industry. MassCEC strives to lead and innovate in equitable clean energy and climate solutions.

 

To apply           

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter through our Online Career Center. Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives are encouraged to apply.