Associate Director

About the role

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 an Associate Director, Projects for our Energy Efficiency Team. As a key leader within Client Services, the Associate Director will drive the success and growth of a portfolio of complex client programs, utility contracts, and solution-area initiatives.

In this role, you'll shape portfolio strategy and oversee financial and operational performance, workforce planning, and client relationships while guiding leaders and cross-functional teams toward exceptional delivery. Serving as a trusted partner and senior escalation point for clients, implementation partners, and internal stakeholders, the Associate Director turns business priorities and market opportunities into scalable solutions that strengthen client satisfaction, accelerate growth, and deliver long-term impact.

This position is remote, but applicants must reside on the East Coast, preferably in North Carolina.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Lead a portfolio of complex programs, client engagements, utility contracts, and strategic initiatives, setting priorities that balance corporate objectives, client needs, contractual obligations, and market opportunities
• Own portfolio outcomes for delivery performance, client satisfaction, financial results, regulatory compliance, and business growth
• Shape long-term strategies that strengthen service offerings, expand market opportunities, improve operational effectiveness, and support sustainable growth
• Advance portfolio-level initiatives that improve scalability, innovation, client value, and competitive positioning
• Champion strategic improvements and transformation initiatives that enhance business performance and portfolio capability
• Own portfolio financial performance, including budgets, forecasts, revenue targets, profitability objectives, and resource investments
• Optimize workforce planning, staffing models, resource allocation strategies, and operational investments to maximize business outcomes
• Drive corrective actions based on portfolio financial performance, client commitments, delivery costs, and investment opportunities
• Ensure effective contract performance, financial compliance, revenue realization, and achievement of portfolio-level business objectives
• Cultivate senior-level relationships with utility clients, regulators, implementation partners, and key stakeholders to strengthen long-term partnerships and business growth
• Influence portfolio-level decisions through communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic relationship management
• Lead Senior Managers, Managers, and project leaders to achieve organizational objectives and strengthen leadership capability across the portfolio
• Establish workforce planning strategies, succession plans, leadership development programs, and accountability structures that support long-term business needs
• Develop leadership capability through coaching, succession planning, performance management, talent development, and mentoring
• Ensure adherence to governance frameworks, compliance practices, operational controls, contractual requirements, and quality standards across the assigned program portfolio
• Own portfolio performance against financial metrics, operational measures, delivery outcomes, client satisfaction indicators, and strategic business goals

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 10 years of experience leading energy efficiency programs, utility client portfolios, business functions, solution areas, or strategic initiatives
• 7 years of leadership experience with accountability for senior leaders, workforce planning, organizational performance, and business outcomes
• Experience directing complex client portfolios with accountability for contract performance, client satisfaction, financial results, risk management, and business growth
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives across operations, finance, compliance, analytics, business development, and external stakeholders
• Experience managing senior-level client relationships and influencing strategic decisions
• Demonstrated success supporting portfolio growth, account expansion, operational excellence, and organizational transformation initiatives

Pay and benefits

The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $145,000, with a target compensation of $110,000 - $130,500 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.