Title: Director, Commercial Energy
Location: Reston, VA; Columbia, MD; Hybrid
Overview
The Director, Commercial Energy is responsible for driving strategic leadership and business growth through the expansion of utility-sponsored energy efficiency, electrification, and demand-side management (DSM) programs. This role develops new program opportunities and oversees a dynamic suite of residential, commercial, and public sector initiatives, primarily in Virginia, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks, client expectations, and organizational performance goals.
The ideal candidate demonstrates a proven ability to develop new business relationships as well as cultivate new opportunities with existing partners, lead cross-functional teams, manage a team of program managers, scale program impact, and deliver measurable results that support equitable clean energy transitions.
Key Responsibilities
Develop new program partnerships in Virginia by leveraging relationships with utilities and other energy efficiency partners.
Identify strategic collaborations with local industry partners to bring new program concepts to market.
Lead cross-functional teams of program managers, engineers, outreach, marketing, and IT professionals to deliver high-impact, customer-centric energy programs.
Oversee program design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
Manage portfolio-level financials, forecasts, KPIs, and reporting; ensure timely billing, data quality, and regulatory deliverables.
Build and maintain strong relationships with utility clients, regulators, and community stakeholders to align program strategies with customer and policy goals.
Guide inclusive, collaborative teams and support staff development through mentorship, performance management, and strategic direction.
Drive innovation by identifying emerging technologies, market trends, and new program opportunities.
Represent the organization in regulatory proceedings, stakeholder working groups, and industry conferences.
Lead or support business development efforts including proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
Drive client growth strategy and direct capture efforts to ensure success in portfolio recompetes.
Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across all program areas.
Skills
Strategic leadership and portfolio oversight, including financial management and regulatory compliance
Deep understanding of energy efficiency, electrification, and DSM program frameworks
Client relationship development and stakeholder engagement
Team building, mentorship, and performance management
Energy efficiency program innovation and market trend analysis
Business development and contract negotiation
Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities with a willingness to adapt to changing client goals and regulatory requirements
Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
Ability to travel and represent the organization externally
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Energy Resources, Engineering, Policy, Business, or a related field
10+ years of experience in energy efficiency, electrification, or DSM programs
6+ years of experience managing cross-functional teams, client portfolios, and teams of program/project managers
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed
Must be willing to travel up to 25% locally across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related field
Familiarity with residential and commercial electric and gas energy efficiency measures, load management, and distributed energy resources
Professional certifications such as PMP, CEM, or LEED AP
Proficiency in MS Office Suite and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
Demonstrated success in…