New job CHIEF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT in Rhode Island

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Within a state department, to be responsible for the total planning, program development and research for the various programs of the department, for the purpose of coordinating the programs within the department and with other departments and agencies, improving present programs and creating new programs to provide better services to the people of the state in the most effective and efficient manner possible; and to do related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the administrative direction of the director with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgement; work is reviewed through consultation and review of submitted reports for conformance to laws, rules, regulations and departmental policies.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As required, may supervise and review the work of a professional and clerical staff assigned to assist.

Within a state department, to be responsible for the total planning, program development and research for the various programs of the department for the purpose of coordinating the programs within the department and with other departments and agencies, improving present programs and creating new programs to provide better services to the people of the state in the most effective and efficient manner possible.
To be responsible for the development of programs with regard to the identification of the population to be served, needs and priorities, resources available, planning and implementation of the program and evaluation.
To act as a liaison between the director and his division heads in coordinating all planning and programs, and to assist in developing their ideas for new programs or to suggest possible programs to them.
To coordinate current and proposed programs with other state departments when a program requires the cooperation of these departments.
To act as a liaison for the department with local governments and community groups in order to coordinate programs, gain their assistance or assist them in initiating, developing and implementing projects.
To be responsible for evaluation of existing programs and to develop plans for their expansion, modification or elimination in view of changing needs, the availability of state and/or federal funds and recent advances in ideas and methods.
To be responsible for following national and state legislation and interpreting their provisions with regard to their effect on the financing of departmental programs and on the development of new programs within the department.
To participate in the preparation of requests for federal grants.
To draft reports and review material for the director with regard to program development.
To do related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of program planning and development as it relates to the implementation of a variety of departmental programs and in terms of statewide and community needs and the ability to establish standards, policies, and administrative controls for such programs; a working knowledge of federal, state and community resources and legislation and their interrelationships, and the ability to apply such knowledge in the identification of the population to be served, needs and priorities, resources available, planning and implementation of the programs, and evaluation; the ability to act as a liaison between the director and his division heads in coordinating all planning and programs and for the department with local governments and community groups in order to coordinate programs, gain their assistance or assist them in initiating, developing and implementing projects; the ability to coordinate current and proposed programs with other state departments where their cooperation is necessary; the ability to evaluate existing programs and to develop plans for their expansion, modification, or elimination; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department officials, professional people, voluntary agencies, community representatives, other state and local agencies and the public; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Such as may have been gained through: possession of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, one of the Social Sciences, or a closely related field; and
Experience: Such as may have been gained through: employment in a responsible capacity involving program development in a field of human service.
Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) is hiring for a lead analyst to oversee its Energy Efficiency portfolio, with a specific focus on Buildings Optimization & Decarbonization. This position will manage a number of tasks and oversee a portfolio of workstreams focused on transitioning Rhode Island’s built environment to a clean, affordable, reliable, and equitable energy future. A well-qualified candidate would have a strong background in energy efficiency policies and programs, demand response technologies, strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder engagement, building decarbonization best practices, and would be an adept, mission-driven professional that can work independently and collaboratively. Strong analytical and communication skills are required as well as 3+ years of energy program management experience. The position is a full-time state employment opportunity including health and retirement benefits. The position will report directly to the state’s Energy Commissioner and may be responsible for managing other team members.

Description
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) is the State’s lead energy policy office. OER’s mission is to advance Rhode Island to a clean, affordable, reliable, and equitable energy future.
Since 2006, Rhode Island has delivered energy efficiency programs under RI General Law § 39-1-27.7 through the state’s largest electric and natural gas utility. These nation-leading programs are the foundation of Rhode Island’s clean energy economy, supporting 60% of in-state clean energy jobs, significantly reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions, improving building healthy and comfort, reducing energy burdens, and enabling a more affordable clean energy transition for all Rhode Islanders.
OER participates directly and facilitates the participation of other stakeholders in the development and implementation of these annual utility-administered programs. Program oversight and planning is focused on aligning the programs with state-wide energy policies. The Buildings Optimization Lead will manage this collaborative work, while also implementing other building programs and policies that advance building decarbonization, efficiency, and grid interconnectivity.
At minimum, the Buildings Optimization Lead will be responsible for advancing the following critical objectives and tasks:
1. Manage the workflow for OER’s energy efficiency team;
2. Provide oversight to energy efficiency and demand response programs throughout Rhode Island;
3. Support expanded access and ensure continued innovation in support of state policy objectives, such as decarbonization and clean energy job growth;
4. Advocate for more energy efficient building codes and continue other initiatives to support building decarbonization, such as building energy labeling, stretch codes, appliance standards, and compliance with the State’s Green Buildings Act;
5. Enhance communications about, and transparency in, existing energy efficiency programs especially through the administration of Rhode Island’s Energy Efficiency & Resource Management Council (https://rieermc.ri.gov/);
6. Center equity and advance health co-benefits of building decarbonization, energy efficiency, and grid interconnectivity;
7. Collaborate with other state agencies, Rhode Island utilities, and other organizations to achieve state energy goals;
8. Support efficiency-related policy and legislative development efforts;
9. Pursue and oversee relevant grants and other funding opportunities;
10. Provide testimony and comments for relevant regulatory proceedings; and
11. Facilitate stakeholder engagement during energy efficiency program and policy development.
Specific daily tasks and overall position scope may vary depending on office needs.

Qualifications
A well-qualified candidate for the position would have demonstrated expertise in building decarbonization broadly, and energy efficiency (EE) and demand response (DR) specifically, including EE and DR technologies, innovations, and policy frameworks. The ideal candidate has 3+ years’ experience working in the energy efficiency space, is mission-driven, passionate about building-related policies and dedicated to advancing economy-wide decarbonization and energy equity. The ideal candidate is a critical thinker, analytical, has excellent verbal and written communication skills, is an independent worker, is adept at program management, team management, and meeting deadlines, can handle multiple tasks without letting work fall behind, is responsive to communications, can manage budgets, has experience with strategic planning and regulatory processes, and is a team player. The ideal candidate should have demonstrated, robust experience in the field, with at least three (3) years of relevant experience and/or a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study.

Submission Requirements
1. CV or Resume: Please provide a CV or resume that describes the applicant’s professional, academic, and other experience and accomplishments. Please include descriptions of relevant professional experiences.
2. Detailed Cover Letter: Please provide a cover letter that describes why the applicant is interested in this position, how the applicant’s experience will help them excel in this position, the applicant’s approach to working as a member of a team and manager, and any other relevant information. Qualifications and experience related to energy efficiency, building decarbonization, program management, public communications, and analytical capabilities are of particular interest. The cover letter may also include a discussion of considerations for the portfolio of tasks described above.
3. Writing Sample: Please include a writing sample that demonstrates the quality of the applicant’s writing. The writing sample should be at minimum two pages but should be no longer than five pages; an excerpt from a longer document is acceptable. Writing samples related to building energy efficiency or demand response are preferred. Please also include a cover sheet with a description of the writing sample, including the intended audience, year it was produced, and any other relevant notes.
4. References: Please include at least three (3) references who can speak to the capabilities of the applicant. For each reference, please include name, title and organization, email address, phone number, and description of how the reference knows the applicant.