Full-time
www.questcanada.org
QUEST is a national non-government organization that works to accelerate the adoption of efficient and integrated community-scale energy systems in Canada by informing, inspiring, and connecting decision-makers. QUEST undertakes research, communicates best practices, convenes government, utility, private-sector and community leaders, and works directly with local authorities to implement on-the-ground solutions. QUEST grounds all its activities in the “Smart Energy Community”– a concept that encapsulates the ideal end state of the organization’s work.
QUEST is an equal opportunity employer which has been operating since 2007. We welcome diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified individuals in traditionally marginalized groups such as racialized people, Indigenous people, LGBTQIA2S+ people, and persons with disabilities to apply. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their cover letter or application if they are a member of a marginalized community. QUEST is committed to and working toward developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If you are contacted to be considered for a job opportunity, advise the human resources representative of accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information relating to these measures will be addressed confidentially. QUEST has adopted a cloud-based coordination and management approach that operates across Canada. We encourage and support a flexible work environment.
Putting QUEST’s vision of Canada as a nation of Smart Energy Communities at the centre of everything we do, it is the role of the Program Manager, Smart Energy Communities Accelerator to manage all components of QUEST’s inaugural program - from design to implementation to delivery. The Program Manager, Smart Energy Communities Accelerator will also work with and support all QUEST areas of practice to ensure the efficient delivery of projects, respond to the diverse needs of QUEST organizing bodies, and maintain a high level of professionalism towards funders, volunteers, clients, Supporters and partners.
The ideal candidate has experience managing complex multi-year, multi-sectoral programs with budgets >$1,000,000, managing remote teams, program and developmental evaluation, and has worked for a local/municipal government.
The Program Manager, Smart Energy Communities Accelerator is expected to undertake the following functions and responsibilities, as well as other functions and responsibilities as requested by their Supervisor:
1. Program Management
Finalize design of program and coordinate national launch.
Develop and support program delivery partner network and assigned project teams, committees, and other bodies.
Develop and implement governance documents such as work plans, program charters, partnering contracts, terms of reference, evaluation plans, etc.
Work with management to pursue public and private sector funding opportunities to help support the program.
Develop, manage and track assigned budgets.
Work with the Communications and Marketing team to continuously promote and grow the program.
2. Program Delivery
Deliver, and/or support team members and/or partners who are delivering, workshops and customized services requested by clients. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting Smart Energy Community Benchmarking, assessing readiness of communities to undertake community energy planning, and creating customized materials built on best practices to accelerate communities in meeting their energy-smart aspirations.
Use QUEST’s Project Management Tool (Wrike) to advance individual client work plans, track progress towards project target milestones and deliverables, and ensure all internal and external reporting requirements are met in a timely manner.
Maintain effective communication and engagement of clients, supporters, and other participants to support the operation of QUEST activities (relevant newsletters, policy briefings, etc.).
Support management with strategic input into QUEST’s evolution to more effectively accelerate the implementation of Smart Energy Communities in Canada and position QUEST for success.
Other tasks include carrying out assigned tasks including research, business case creation, reports, writing, review and editing of associated documents, and other activities as required.
3. Evaluation
Design, develop, and continuously improve data collection and program evaluation tools.
Train QUEST team and program delivery partners on evaluation methodology and data collection.
Conduct routine analysis on program process and outcome data.
Work with the QUEST team, external partners, and clients to continuously evolve and update Smart Energy Community Benchmark indicators.
Identify and implement program improvements working closely with the QUEST team, external partners, and clients.
Experience managing complex multi-year, multi-sectoral programs with budgets >$1,000,000
Budget management
Internal, program, developmental and/or summative evaluation
Experience working independently
Strong facilitation (virtual and in-person) skills
Experience working for a municipal/local government
Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups
Internal and external relationship management
Business development
Proposal writing
Strong communication abilities (listening, speaking, writing)
Collaborative and inclusive
Fully bilingual in French and English
Community energy familiarity
Project Management Professional (PMP) designation
Planning (RPP, LPP, MCIP) designation
Experience and relationships with Indigenous communities
Understanding of justice and anti-oppression frameworks
Ability to travel within Canada.
This is a full-time position. The salary range is $70,000 - $80,000. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, résumé and an indication of start date availability via this link. Note that you need a Google account to apply (it’s free!). The anticipated start date for this position is February 2021.
The deadline for application is December 13, at 11:59 pm ET. Applicants are encouraged to apply earlier and up until the deadline. Initial interviews will take place in December. We thank all applicants in advance for their application, but be advised that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.