📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Program Management, Utility Partnerships
🔹 Company: Sparkfund
🔹 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Utilities Administration
🔹 Date Posted: July 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with occasional travel
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic planning and stakeholder engagement for a critical utility partnership
- Cross-functional coordination and proactive risk management
- Operational setup, ongoing management, and comprehensive reporting
- Direct contribution to business development and organizational growth
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and operational excellence to ensure the success of Sparkfund's enterprise utility client partnership.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead overall program management and governance for the Enterprise Utility Client
✅ Act as the primary day-to-day point of contact for the Utility Client, managing execution and interactions across key client functions
✅ Coordinate cross-functionally with Sparkfund’s core teams, including deployment, governance, operations, growth, value chain management, finance and accounting, among others
✅ Track and report on schedule, budget, and performance KPIs across the Sparkfund team, vendors and partners, and client leadership
✅ Ensure timely, budget-conscious, and high-quality deployment of distributed energy resources through the program
✅ Support Sparkfund’s Deployment team in establishing, automating, and streamlining progress reporting toward milestones and deliverables
✅ Proactively anticipate and manage troubleshooting efforts across Sparkfund, vendors and partners, and client teams
✅ Collaborate with deployment and growth teams to continuously refine processes, tools, and team management based on program performance data and insights
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision making to ensure the successful execution of Sparkfund's utility partnership program.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, or a related discipline). Advanced degree preferred.
Experience: Proven experience in managing regulatory, pilot, or capital projects, preferably valued over $50 million and within the electric power industry.
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to build and maintain collegial, productive, collaborative relationships across both small and large organizations
- Deep commitment to ensuring client and stakeholder success
- Strong operational discipline, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple competing priorities
- Demonstrated agility in switching contexts across corporate cultures, workflows, and communication styles efficiently and effectively
- Competency in utilizing cloud-based and software tools including Salesforce, Google Workspace, Slack, Teams, and project management platforms
- Skilled in crafting and delivering impactful presentations to stakeholders at various organizational levels, including executives
- Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and listening—and keen attention to detail
- Genuine passion for Sparkfund’s mission and a strong commitment to addressing climate change
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with utilities or in the energy industry
- Familiarity with distributed energy resources (DERs) and grid modernization initiatives
- Proven track record in driving strategic alignment and business development
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in program management, stakeholder engagement, and experience within the energy industry will be well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $170,000 - $200,000 per year
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation and stock option plans
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance as well as disability and life insurance
- Flexible vacation policy encouraging strong work life balance and paid time away
- Alternating 4 day weeks, with every other Friday off
- 12 weeks gender-neutral paid leave for caregivers when they have a new addition to their families and an additional 4 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents
- A one-time, work-from-home stipend to help cover any equipment, hardware, etc. you need to set up your remote office
- A monthly allowance of $100 to help cover phone and WiFi expenses
Working Hours: Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend hours as required
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles within the energy sector and takes into account the level of experience and responsibility required for this position.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Utilities Administration, with a focus on energy transition and distributed energy resources
Company Size: 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and impact
Founded: 2013, with over a decade of experience as a utility services company
Company Description:
- Sparkfund is the distributed energy resources (DERs) deployment layer for the built environment, transforming buildings into a valuable extension of the grid
- Through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model, Sparkfund enables utilities to plan, deploy, and dispatch DERs at the scale and pace necessary to meet load growth demand and unlock the full value of the grid
- With over 3,500 projects deployed across 43 states, creating over $500 million in energy system value, Sparkfund is helping unlock the built environment for the benefit of society
Company Specialties:
- Energy Efficiency
- Financial Technology
- Energy Project Management
- Energy Technology Procurement
- Building System Retrofits
- LED Lighting
- HVAC
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
- Backup Generation
- Building System Maintenance
- Monitoring & Controls
- Solar
- EVSE
- Program management
- Distributed Energy Resources
- Grid Industry
- Utility Industry
- Distributed Capacity Procurement
- and Distributed Capacity Readiness
Company Website: http://www.sparkfund.com
ASSUMPTION: Sparkfund is a well-established company with a strong focus on energy transition and distributed energy resources, providing a unique opportunity for candidates to contribute to a growing and impactful industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Manager or Director level, with the potential for growth and increased responsibility
Reporting Structure: Initially reporting to the VP of Deployment during the launch phase, with a transition to a matrixed reporting structure under the VP of Governance & Operations
Work Arrangement: On-site with occasional travel, up to 10% of the time, including meetings within the Minneapolis, Denver, and Washington, DC areas as well as meetings in other parts of the continental US
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for increased responsibility and career advancement within Sparkfund's growing organization
- Opportunity to contribute to business development and organizational growth
- Chance to gain experience in a dynamic and evolving industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to grow both personally and professionally within a dynamic and impactful industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hub-office with a digital workplace, allowing for remote work flexibility
Office Location(s): Minneapolis, MN
Geographic Context:
- Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota, with a population of over 429,000 residents
- The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives
- Minneapolis offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, with numerous parks, lakes, and recreational opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time position with occasional evening and weekend hours as required, with alternating 4 day weeks and flexible vacation policy
ASSUMPTION: Minneapolis provides a dynamic and vibrant work environment, with a strong focus on sustainability and a diverse range of cultural and recreational opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and relevant team members
- Final interview with the VP of Governance & Operations or another senior leader
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Stakeholder engagement and communication abilities
- Operational excellence and attention to detail
- Cultural fit and alignment with Sparkfund's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your passion for Sparkfund's mission and commitment to addressing climate change
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence
ATS Keywords: Utility Partnerships, Program Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Cross-Functional Coordination, Risk Management, Operational Setup, Performance Tracking, Regulatory Project Management, Client Success, Climate Change, Energy Transition, Distributed Energy Resources
ASSUMPTION: Sparkfund's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence, with a strong focus on cultural fit and alignment with the company's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Salesforce
- Google Workspace
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
- Project management platforms (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using cloud-based and software tools, with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Mission-driven: Sparkfund is committed to accelerating the energy transition and addressing climate change
- Collaborative: Sparkfund fosters a culture of teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect
- Innovative: Sparkfund encourages creativity, continuous learning, and a growth mindset
- Accountable: Sparkfund holds its team members responsible for delivering on their commitments and driving results
- Inclusive: Sparkfund values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strives to create an environment where all team members feel valued and respected
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on driving results and continuous improvement
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional coordination and stakeholder engagement
- Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to learn and grow in a rapidly evolving industry
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Sparkfund's mission and commitment to addressing climate change?
- How have you successfully engaged with stakeholders in complex and dynamic environments, and how would you apply these skills in this role?
- How do you approach continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly evolving industry, and how would you apply these skills in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their alignment with Sparkfund's mission, values, and work style to ensure a strong cultural fit and a successful integration into the team.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing complex stakeholder relationships and expectations across multiple organizations
- Balancing strategic planning and execution with operational demands and day-to-day tasks
- Navigating a dynamic and evolving industry, with a focus on energy transition and distributed energy resources
- Occasional travel requirements, up to 10% of the time, including meetings within the Minneapolis, Denver, and Washington, DC areas as well as meetings in other parts of the continental US
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to navigate the complexities of a dynamic and evolving industry, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and operational excellence.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on utility partnerships and program management within the energy transition industry
- Similar roles may include Program Manager, Utility Services, or Strategic Partnerships Manager within the energy sector, but this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing and impactful industry
- Career path comparison: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to grow both personally and professionally within a dynamic and impactful industry, with potential for increased responsibility and career advancement within Sparkfund's growing organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to contribute to a growing and impactful industry, with a strong focus on energy transition and distributed energy resources.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive program management plan for a critical utility partnership
- Leading cross-functional teams in the successful execution of key client projects, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and operational excellence
- Driving strategic alignment and business development initiatives to support Sparkfund's growth and expansion
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the strategic, collaborative, and operational nature of this role, with a strong focus on driving results and continuous improvement.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Sparkfund's overall strategy and growth plans?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Sparkfund support the professional development and growth of its team members?
- What are the key challenges and opportunities facing Sparkfund in the energy transition industry, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Sparkfund foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, and how can this role contribute to maintaining and strengthening these values?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful and strategic questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and their commitment to Sparkfund's mission and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence
- Research Sparkfund's mission, values, and industry focus to demonstrate your commitment to addressing climate change and contributing to a growing and impactful industry
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
