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Program Associate

San Diego Community Power (CA), San Diego, CA, United States


ABOUT THE ROLE
Program Associate supports the implementation of a range of customer energy programs, primarily through the San Diego Regional Energy Network (SDREN). Under direction and support from senior staff, this role assumes responsibility for multiple aspects of program development, delivery, and management, and contributes to goal setting, budget development/management, process development, program marketing and enrollment, regulatory reporting (if necessary), and stakeholder engagement. The Program Associate may coordinate programmatic activities with consultants and collaborate with internal project teams. This role will report to a Senior Program Manager.

WHO IS COMMUNITY POWER?
Community Power is a community-driven, not‑for-profit public agency providing cleaner energy to the San Diego region. Formed in 2019, Community Power is the second largest Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) in California, serving nearly one million customer accounts across its member agencies: the Cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, National City, and the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

OUR HISTORY
Community Power was formed in 2019 as a public, not‑for‑profit community choice aggregator in the San Diego region. Electric service began in 2021. We serve seven member agencies and numerous unincorporated communities. Community Power was created to bring local control and customer choice to San Diego while providing clean and renewable energy at competitive rates.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
At Community Power, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We represent a diverse customer base and aim to hire employees that reflect our communities. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

With oversight from senior staff, develop standard operating procedures, review, process and seek opportunities for efficiencies and improvements.

Support senior staff with the coordination, management and implementation of customer‑facing programs by working closely with Community Power staff, the Community Advisory Committee, consultants, stakeholders and other partner agencies.

Support senior staff with aspects of project planning and scoping, including collaborating on budgeting, procurement, staffing, scheduling and metrics development.

Support senior staff with developing and conducting requests for proposals and negotiating, implementing and managing contracts.

Coordinate independently with industry, consultants, customers and other stakeholders involved in program delivery and implementation.

In coordination with the Public Affairs team, lead aspects of program‑related community outreach and education initiatives, including making presentations to stakeholders and community groups and coordinating event logistics.

Assist in a broad variety of program‑related data collection, organization and analysis. Prepare progress reports on a regular basis and clearly communicate updates to senior staff.

Work closely with the SDREN team to maintain program management tools and create programmatic tracking reports and dashboards.

Monitor program progress in assigned program area(s) relative to goals and make recommendations for improved program delivery.

Field inquiries from the public and industry to answer program‑specific questions and/or refer to the appropriate staff.

Support the drafting of staff reports and presentations for Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee meetings.

Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Experience in or interest in supporting the implementation of programs in one of the following areas: energy efficiency, building decarbonization, demand response, and distributed energy resources (DERs).

Strong commitment to sustainability, community energy and mission‑driven work.

Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization and in our communities to build program accessibility and participation.

Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of environmental justice and equity principles.

Knowledge and basic understanding of the CCA business model.

Establish effective and cooperative working relationships with customers, local businesses, community groups, consultants, interested stakeholders, municipal officials, agencies, special districts and other related agencies.

Positive, collaborative and supportive team member excited to work with diverse teams and communities.

Ability to work independently, strong organizational skills and demonstrated goal‑setting and self‑management to support multiple assignments concurrently.

Strong work ethic and comfort taking responsibility, initiative and working in a dynamic, fast‑paced public agency environment.

Strong communicator who can write and present compellingly and clearly.

Ability to take and provide critical feedback in constructive ways.

Strong critical thinking skills, including a high tolerance for uncertainty and the ability to identify issues and propose solutions.

Ability to act with integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.

Ability to comprehend and adhere to Community Power personnel policies.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Excel and PowerPoint and ability to use virtual meeting applications.

Experience with data analysis and data modeling and ability to present it visually.

Experience working with office procedures and practices including correspondence etiquette, and operating office equipment, technology and programs.

Ability to travel to meetings and community events. Must have reliable transportation; if driving, a good driving record. Community Power will reimburse mileage at the IRS mileage rate.

Preferred

2-3 years of experience supporting the implementation of programs in energy efficiency, building decarbonization, demand response or distributed energy resources (DERs).

1-2 years of experience at a Regional Energy Network (REN), Community Choice Aggregator (CCA), investor‑owned utility, public utility, other public agency or third‑party program implementer.

Proficiency in digital tools and systems such as Customer Relationship Management to manage programs and work with quantitative data.

Ability to represent the organization in professional engagement settings from local to national convenings (conferences, workshops, executive meetings, etc.).

Proficiency in verbal communication in multiple languages; Spanish and English preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND ABILITIES
Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities listed. A typical route to meet the required qualifications is a four‑year degree or higher from an accredited institution plus two to three years of professional experience. Four additional years of professional experience may substitute for a degree; a graduate degree may substitute for one year of experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS
The position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Occasional lifting, carrying or moving items up to 25 pounds is required. Occasional local travel is necessary. Community Power requires employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID‑19, with exemptions considered for medical or sincerely held religious reasons. Successful candidates may be required to file Conflict‑of‑Interest forms and disclose economic interests in accordance with local regulations.

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