Program Associate - SDREN

We are seeking motivated, dynamic professionals who are passionate about serving their local communities.

Open Position Announcement!

Program Associate

Posted 04/23/2026 | San Diego County – hybrid work schedule set by Community Power

About the Role
The Program Associate supports the implementation of a range of customer energy programs, primarily through the San Diego Regional Energy Network (SDREN). Under the direction of senior staff, the associate assumes responsibility for multiple aspects of program development, delivery, and management, including goal setting, budget development, process improvement, program marketing, enrollment, regulatory reporting, and stakeholder engagement. The role also coordinates programmatic activities with consultants and collaborates with internal project teams.

Essential Duties and Primary Responsibilities

Develop standard operating procedures and identify opportunities for efficiencies.

Support senior staff in coordinating, managing, and implementing customer-facing programs, working closely with Community Power staff, the Community Advisory Committee, consultants, stakeholders, and partner agencies.

Assist with project planning and scoping, including budgeting, procurement, staffing, scheduling, and metrics development.

Manage requests for proposals, contract negotiations, implementation, and contract oversight.

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

Lead community outreach and education initiatives, including presentations to stakeholders and community groups, and coordinate event logistics.

Collect, organize, and analyze program data, prepare progress reports, and communicate updates to senior staff.

Maintain program management tools and create tracking reports and dashboards in collaboration with the SDREN team.

Monitor program progress against goals and recommend improvements.

Field inquiries from the public and industry, answering program-specific questions or referring to appropriate staff.

Assist in drafting staff reports and presentations for Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee meetings.

Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Experience or interest in implementing programs in energy efficiency, building decarbonization, demand response, or distributed energy resources (DERs).

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

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and communities.

Understanding of environmental justice and equity principles.

Basic understanding of the CCA business model.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with customers, local businesses, community groups, consultants, stakeholders, and municipal officials.

Collaborative and supportive team member excited to work with diverse communities.

Strong organizational skills and ability to self-manage multiple assignments concurrently.

Work ethic and initiative comfortable with a dynamic, fast-paced public agency environment.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Ability to provide constructive feedback.

Strong critical thinking skills with tolerance for uncertainty and solution‑oriented mindset.

Integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting applications.

Experience with data analysis, data modeling, and visual presentation.

Proficiency with office procedures and technology.

Travel to meetings and community events; reliable transportation and good driving record required.

Preferred Experience

2–3 years experience supporting programs in energy efficiency, building decarbonization, demand response, or DERs.

1–2 years experience in a Regional Energy Network (REN), Community Choice Aggregator (CCA), utility, or program implementer.

Proficiency with digital tools and systems (e.g., customer relationship management) for program management.

Experience representing the organization in professional settings, from local to national convenings.

Proficient 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 path to qualification includes a four‑year degree or higher plus 2–3 years professional experience, with additional experience substituting for degree credits. A graduate degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.

Work Environment and Conditions
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The position requires occasional carrying, lifting, or moving objects up to 25 pounds. Occasional local travel is required; reliable transportation is necessary for attending SDCP events, meetings, and workshops. Employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID‑19, with medical or sincerely held religious exemptions possible.

Conflict of Interest
Employees in designated positions, including this role, are required to file a Statement of Economic Interests annually and may be required to file additional conflict‑of‑interest forms.

Compensation
Salary Range: $84,900 – $110,400, based on experience.

Benefits

Insurance:

100% coverage of health, vision, and dental benefits for eligible full‑time employees and dependents; $100,000 life & AD&D policy, STD, and LTD coverage.

Retirement:

457(b) plan with employee contributions and 10% matching contributions.

Paid Time Off:

11 holidays plus a paid winter holiday, 160 accrued hours per year of paid time off (increases with tenure), and 96 hours of accrued paid sick leave.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Community Power is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

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