Director, Commercial Energy

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 business development, client engagement, and contract administration