Community Energy Program Specialist

Company DescriptionSkill 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 DescriptionSkill 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 ResponsibilitiesCommunity Organization Support & Relationship ManagementServe as a primary point of contact for assigned community organizations delivering Energy Trust programsBuild professional, trust-based relationships grounded in clarity, consistency, and follow-throughConduct regular check-ins focused on progress, barriers, and next stepsMaintain detailed documentation of partner interactions, risks, and support needsProgram Performance & AccountabilityMonitor progress toward agreed-upon milestones and deliverablesAddress missed milestones directly and in a timely manner by:Diagnosing root causesClarifying expectationsEstablishing recovery plans with defined timelinesIdentify patterns of disengagement or nonperformance and escalate appropriatelySupport program leadership in assessing when scope adjustments or resource reallocation may be necessaryTechnical Guidance & Program NavigationProvide technical guidance related to:Home energy assessmentsMeasure eligibilityProgram documentation and quality requirementsTranslate technical and programmatic requirements into accessible guidance for non-technical partnersServe as a technical liaison between community organizations, processing teams, and program administratorsSupport quality assurance readiness and reduce common documentation or compliance errorsTraining & Capacity BuildingLead or support onboarding and refresher trainings for community organizationsTailor training approaches based on organizational readiness and experienceIdentify recurring challenges and proactively address them through targeted technical assistanceSupport workforce development and certification pathways when appropriateCross-Functional CoordinationCollaborate with internal teams, program administrators, and implementation partners to resolve issues and improve deliveryAdvocate for community organizations when barriers are systemic, while clearly naming constraints and requirementsContribute to continuous improvement of outreach and support strategiesRequired Qualifications5+ years of experience in residential energy efficiency, home performance, weatherization, or related fieldsExperience working with community-based organizations, nonprofits, or public-benefit programsStrong understanding of:Home energy assessmentsProgram compliance and documentationEquity-centered service delivery models·       Transportation with valid driver’s license Preferred QualificationsBPI Certification (strongly preferred)Spanish Fluency strongly preferred, but must have extensive experience working with Spanish speaking communitiesExperience supporting utility or public-benefit energy programsFamiliarity with Energy Trust of Oregon programs or similar modelsExperience balancing relationship-based work with performance accountabilityComfort navigating multiple stakeholders and systems Core CompetenciesClear, direct, and respectful communicationStrong technical credibilitySound judgment and decision-makingAbility to lead difficult conversations constructivelyExcellent organization and documentation skillsCultural humility and community-centered valuesUnderstanding of non-profit organizational structures, What This Role Is — and Is NotThis role IS:Relationship-based and performance-orientedCommunity-centered and technically rigorousProactive, responsive, and accountableThis role is NOT:A passive outreach or tabling roleA purely administrative positionIndefinite troubleshooting without progressAvoidance of difficult conversations Success in This Role Looks LikeCommunity organizations understand expectations earlyFewer stalled projects and repeated issuesStronger technical confidence among partnersEarlier identification of capacity challengesClear recommendations when adjustments are neededImproved program outcomes and staff sustainability Why This Role MattersThis position helps ensure that Energy Trust’s community-based delivery efforts:Reach priority populations effectivelyUse public and ratepayer funds responsiblySupport organizations that are ready to deliver impactRemain sustainable, credible, and equitable over time