Community Energy Program Specialist

Company Description

Skill Demand Energy is a culturally diverse organization focused on expanding access to energy efficiency solutions that reduce household energy burden and strengthen communities. We work at the intersection of technical expertise, public-benefit programs, and community-based delivery—supporting both individuals and organizations in navigating energy incentives, program requirements, and long-term sustainability.

Our work is grounded in partnership, accountability, and continuous improvement. We believe effective energy programs are built through clear expectations, strong relationships, and respect for the lived experiences of the communities we serve. We are a growing, collaborative team that values initiative, adaptability, and thoughtful problem-solving, and we encourage candidates who are motivated by impact and learning to apply.

Skill Demand Energy is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We strive to build a workplace and programs that reflect the communities we serve, center equity in decision-making, and create inclusive systems where all people have access to opportunity, support, and success.

Role Description

Skill Demand Energy is seeking a Community Energy Program Specialist to support and strengthen community-based delivery of Energy Trust of Oregon programs in the Mid-Willamette Valley and surrounding regions.

This role focuses on supporting trusted community organizations that serve income-qualified and priority populations by helping them successfully deliver energy efficiency services, navigate program requirements, and build long-term operational capacity.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge of residential energy efficiency, would preferably hold BPI certification, and has experience working at the intersection of community outreach, program compliance, and technical delivery. This role requires strong relationship skills and the ability to address performance issues directly when expectations are not met.

Key Responsibilities

Community Organization Support & Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned community organizations delivering Energy Trust programs
• Build professional, trust-based relationships grounded in clarity, consistency, and follow-through
• Conduct regular check-ins focused on progress, barriers, and next steps
• Maintain detailed documentation of partner interactions, risks, and support needs

Program Performance & Accountability

• Monitor progress toward agreed-upon milestones and deliverables
• Address missed milestones directly and in a timely manner by:
• Diagnosing root causes
• Clarifying expectations
• Establishing recovery plans with defined timelines
• Identify patterns of disengagement or nonperformance and escalate appropriately
• Support program leadership in assessing when scope adjustments or resource reallocation may be necessary

Technical Guidance & Program Navigation

• Provide technical guidance related to:
• Home energy assessments
• Measure eligibility
• Program documentation and quality requirements
• Translate technical and programmatic requirements into accessible guidance for non-technical partners
• Serve as a technical liaison between community organizations, processing teams, and program administrators
• Support quality assurance readiness and reduce common documentation or compliance errors

Training & Capacity Building

• Lead or support onboarding and refresher trainings for community organizations
• Tailor training approaches based on organizational readiness and experience
• Identify recurring challenges and proactively address them through targeted technical assistance
• Support workforce development and certification pathways when appropriate

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with internal teams, program administrators, and implementation partners to resolve issues and improve delivery
• Advocate for community organizations when barriers are systemic, while clearly naming constraints and requirements
• Contribute to continuous improvement of outreach and support strategies

Required Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in residential energy efficiency, home performance, weatherization, or related fields
• Experience working with community-based organizations, nonprofits, or public-benefit programs
• Strong understanding of:
• Home energy assessments
• Program compliance and documentation
• Equity-centered service delivery models

·       Transportation with valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• BPI Certification (strongly preferred)
• Spanish Fluency strongly preferred, but must have extensive experience working with Spanish speaking communities
• Experience supporting utility or public-benefit energy programs
• Familiarity with Energy Trust of Oregon programs or similar models
• Experience balancing relationship-based work with performance accountability
• Comfort navigating multiple stakeholders and systems

Core Competencies

• Clear, direct, and respectful communication
• Strong technical credibility
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Ability to lead difficult conversations constructively
• Excellent organization and documentation skills
• Cultural humility and community-centered values
• Understanding of non-profit organizational structures,

What This Role Is — and Is Not

This role IS:

• Relationship-based and performance-oriented
• Community-centered and technically rigorous
• Proactive, responsive, and accountable

This role is NOT:

• A passive outreach or tabling role
• A purely administrative position
• Indefinite troubleshooting without progress
• Avoidance of difficult conversations

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Community organizations understand expectations early
• Fewer stalled projects and repeated issues
• Stronger technical confidence among partners
• Earlier identification of capacity challenges
• Clear recommendations when adjustments are needed
• Improved program outcomes and staff sustainability

Why This Role Matters

This position helps ensure that Energy Trust’s community-based delivery efforts:

• Reach priority populations effectively
• Use public and ratepayer funds responsibly
• Support organizations that are ready to deliver impact
• Remain sustainable, credible, and equitable over time