---
title: 'Solar Programs, Trade Ally Manager II (Remote - Chicago, IL - US) at Energy Solutions - USA'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/solar-programs-trade-ally-manager-ii-remote-chicago-il-us-energy-solutions-usa-wjq2etwaa02y'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-14'
---

# Solar Programs, Trade Ally Manager II (Remote - Chicago, IL - US) at Energy Solutions - USA

- **Company:** Energy Solutions - USA
- **Location:** Chicago, IL
- **Posted:** 2026-09-24
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-14
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/energysolutions/jobs/5241577007

## Job description

Interested in joining a growing company where you will work with talented colleagues, enhance a supportive and energetic culture, and be part of the climate solution? At Energy Solutions, we focus on the big impacts. And we believe that market-based programs can be a powerful force to deliver large-scale energy, carbon, and water-use savings. Since 1995, we’ve harnessed that power to offer proven, performance-based solutions for our utility, government, and institutional customers.

Energy Solutions is currently seeking a full-time Solar Programs, Trade Ally Manager II located in Illinois to join our Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Team. In this role, you'll play a key role in advancing distributed and community solar programs by building strong partnerships with solar developers, contractors, Equity Eligible Contractors (EECs), Small and Emerging Businesses (SEBs), and other industry stakeholders. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to program participants, guiding them through onboarding, application processes, and program requirements while driving engagement and participation. You'll help remove barriers for EEC's and SEB's during their participation in Illinois solar incentive programs. If you enjoy connecting people to opportunities, analyzing data to improve outcomes, and working at the intersection of clean energy, community impact, and program strategy, this is your chance to make a difference while helping shape the future of solar in Illinois.

This position is a remote opportunity, but applicants must reside in the Chicago, Illinois region or willing to relocate.

Daily responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support the successful delivery of solar incentive programs and outreach initiatives.
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with solar developers and contractors including EECs, SEBs, and other market participants.
- Support contractors and market partners by providing guidance on program requirements, participation processes, and available resources.
- Facilitate application processing, trade ally onboarding, training, and engagement activities for trade allies and program participants.
- Recommend approval of EEC applications following program review and vetting procedures and communicate recommendations to client stakeholders.
- Research, analyze, and report market information to support program planning, outreach strategies, and client objectives.
- Collect, maintain, and manage participant, contractor, program, and market data to support program operations and reporting activities.
- Coordinate project timelines, deliverables, communications, and stakeholder engagement efforts to support successful outcomes.
- Track program progress and participation targets and communicate updates to management and clients.
- Analyze program, participation, market, and contractor data to identify trends, opportunities, risks, and areas for improvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

- A bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience OR High School diploma/GED with 7 years of relevant experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in trade ally management, stakeholder engagement, account management, program operations, project coordination, business analysis, energy programs, or a related field.
- Experience working directly with contractors, vendors, clients, trade allies, market partners, or program participants.
- Experience collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to support business or program objectives.
- Experience gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to support decision-making and operational improvements.
- Experience in the energy industry, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, distributed energy resources, utility programs, solar programs, or related fields.
- Experience coordinating outreach initiatives, training activities, events, or engagement programs.
- Ability to work independently with moderate supervision while managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
- Proficiency using Salesforce, CRM systems, reporting tools, or similar platforms.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with contractors, clients, market participants, and internal stakeholders.
- Experience coordinating projects, managing deliverables, and supporting program implementation activities.
- Knowledge of program compliance, quality assurance, and reporting practices.
- Willingness to conduct business travel locally 10-20% in Illinois, including occasional overnight travel.

The salary range for this role is $79,000–$92,000/annually with a target compensation of $79,000 - $87,400/annually based on experience and qualifications. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a generous retirement package. Energy Solutions provides an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, other pre-tax contribution plans and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

AI Use

At Energy Solutions we believe in the importance of authentic interactions and equitable opportunities. We base our candidate selection on one’s own skills, knowledge, and experience. To ensure the integrity and fairness of our interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (including Generative AI) or other means to generate or assist with responses during interviews is strictly prohibited. This practice supports our commitment to create a transparent and equitable space where skills, knowledge and experience can truly shine.

## Equal Opportunity Employer

Energy Solutions is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Energy Solutions conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Office Locations and a Remote Workforce

Energy Solutions operates as a predominantly remote workforce with offices in  [six different locations](https://energy-solution.com/contact-us/). Employees who reside within 40 miles of an office (except New York) will be assigned to that location, though in-office attendance requirements may vary by team. At this time, we are not accepting applications from candidates residing in the following states: Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

Background Check Information

Information will be requested to perform the compulsory background check. A drug screen and authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely are preconditions of employment. Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer.

Reasonable Accommodations

Energy Solutions is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, and/or completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email accommodation@energy-solution.com.

[Privacy Notice for Job Applicants](https://energy-solution.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ES-Privacy-Notice-for-Job-Applicants.pdf)

## About Energy Solutions - USA

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Energy Solutions is a mission-driven, employee-owned firm that designs and implements large-scale, market-based programs to reduce carbon, energy, and water use, helping utilities, governments, and private clients combat climate change.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Employee Stock Ownership Plan – ESOP)
- **Headquarters**: Oakland, California, United States
- **Founded**: 1995
- **Founders**: Sam Cohen (President/CEO)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Clean energy, energy efficiency, building decarbonization, demand management, renewable energy, clean transportation, codes and standards, carbon reduction, water management.
- **Target customers**: Utilities (gas, electric, water), local/state/federal government agencies, community choice aggregators (CCAs), fleet operators, school districts, EV dealerships, and other commercial/industrial stakeholders. Primarily B2B and B2G.
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “To combat climate change through market-based, cost-effective energy, carbon, and water management solutions that make big impacts.” [energy-solution.com](https://energy-solution.com/)

## Products & Services
For each major offering:
- **Program Design & Management**: End-to-end design and administration of energy efficiency, demand management, and renewable energy programs for utility and government clients.
- **Market Development & Transformation**: Strategies to drive adoption of clean energy technologies and practices, including trade ally networks and consumer engagement.
- **Policy & Market Research**: Deep analysis of energy markets, codes, and standards to inform regulatory advocacy and program design.
- **Data Analytics & Reporting**: Custom data platforms and reporting tools to track energy savings, GHG reductions, and program performance.
- **Process Automation**: Workflow automation and software solutions to streamline program operations.
- **Engineering & Technical Evaluation**: Technical assessments of energy efficiency technologies, building systems, and distributed energy resources.
- **Marketing & Creative Services**: Campaign development and creative content to support program outreach and customer engagement.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (privately held, employee-owned).
- **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue of $24.8M (LinkedIn estimate, likely based on public signals). [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-solutions)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not applicable (no external investors). Key clients include major utilities and government agencies across North America.
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount of 472 employees (+7.1% YoY, +50 people) as of mid-2025. Operates in 18 countries (including Brazil, India, UAE, Canada, Tunisia). The company’s programs have supported policies that will reduce 1.8 billion tons of CO2e through 2050. [energy-solution.com](https://energy-solution.com/careers/)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Employee Ownership**: 100% vested ESOP aligns every employee with the company’s long-term success and mission.
- **30 Years of Market Transformation**: Pioneered market-based approaches to energy efficiency and carbon reduction, with deep relationships across utilities and government.
- **Proven Impact**: Achieves outsized results – e.g., annual GHG reductions per employee equivalent to taking 50,000 cars off the road. [energy-solution.com](https://energy-solution.com/)
- **Full-Service Capability**: From policy research and program design to data analytics and marketing, providing integrated solutions under one roof.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scaling Impact**: Expanding into new geographies and sectors (clean transportation, building decarbonization, distributed energy resources).
- **Technology Enablement**: Investing in process automation, Salesforce development, and data analytics to improve program efficiency.
- **Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility (IDEA)**: Embedding IDEA into all aspects of work to ensure solutions reach vulnerable communities. [energy-solution.com](https://energy-solution.com/careers/)
- **Talent Development**: Promoting from within, offering professional development stipends, and maintaining a strong mentorship culture.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-Driven Culture**: Employees are passionate about solving climate change – “smart, motivated people with ‘good kindergarten skills’ – curiosity, respect, teamwork, and a healthy sense of fun.” [energy-solution.com](https://energy-solution.com/about-us/)
- **Employee Ownership**: All employees participate in the ESOP, sharing in the company’s success.
- **Work Flexibility**: Hybrid and remote roles available across the U.S. (offices in Oakland, CA; Portland, OR; Orange, CA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; New York, NY). Flexible hours and floating holidays.
- **Benefits**: Competitive compensation + annual bonus; health/dental/vision (PPO/HMO); 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting match; generous PTO; paid parental leave; professional development stipends; Employee Assistance Program.
- **Inclusion Score**: 12.2 points higher than industry average (based on Diversio survey, Jan 2025). [energy-solution.com](https://energy-solution.com/careers/)
- **Growth Opportunities**: Many senior leaders promoted from within; strong emphasis on lifelong learning and mentorship.

## Sources
1. [energy-solution.com – About Us](https://energy-solution.com/about-us/)
2. [energy-solution.com – Careers](https://energy-solution.com/careers/)
3. [energy-solution.com – Home](https://energy-solution.com/)
4. [linkedin.com – Energy Solutions](https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-solutions)
5. [job-boards.greenhouse.io – Energy Solutions Jobs](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/energysolutions)

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