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). This role, under direction and support from senior staff, will assume responsibility for more than one aspect of program development, delivery and management, and contribute to several other aspects including 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 be reporting 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 1 million customer accounts across its member agencies: the Cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa and National City, as well as the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

OUR HISTORY

Community Power was formed in 2019 as a public, not-for-profit community choice aggregator (CCA) in the San Diego region. We began electric service in 2021 and now serve seven member agencies: the Cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa and National City, as well as the unincorporated communities of San Diego County. Community Power was formed to bring local control and customer choice to San Diego while also providing clean and renewable energy at competitive rates. We are the second largest CCA in California, serving nearly 1 million customers. For more information, please visit SDCommunityPower.org.

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 hope to hire employees that reflect our communities. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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, including Community Power’s Communities of Concern.
• 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, officials of municipalities, agencies, special districts and other related agencies.
• Positive, collaborative and supportive team member that is 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 comfortable taking responsibility, initiative and working in a dynamic, fast spaced, 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 to meet with residents and stakeholders. Must have access to reliable transportation, and if driving an automobile, a good driving record. Community Power will reimburse mileage expense at the IRS mileage rate.

Preferred:

• 2-3 years of experience supporting the implementation of programs in one of the following areas: 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 3rd party program implementer.
• Proficient in digital tools and systems (i.e., Customer Relationship Management) to manage programs and work with quantitative data.
• Ability to represent the organization in various professional engagement settings from local to national convenings (conferences, workshops, executive meetings, etc.).
• Proficient in verbal communication in multiple languages, Spanish and English preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND ABILITIES

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities listed. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

A four-year degree or higher from an accredited college or university AND a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years of professional experience. Four (4) additional years of professional experience may be used in place of a degree. 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 and/or moving objects up to 25 pounds. Occasional local travel required and reliable transportation to be able to attend SDCP events, meetings, and workshops as needed is expected.

At Community Power we work in the communities we serve and in the office. Community Power works to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for employees and in our communities. Community Power requires employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Exemptions to the vaccine requirement will be considered for individuals with medical conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated and for individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs that prohibit them from being vaccinated, consistent with governing labor laws.

Community Power is an agency required to adopt and promulgate a Conflict-of-Interest Code (“COI”). The COI code requires employees in designated positions, including those identified under the interim disclosure process, to file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) on an annual basis. A Successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.