National SolarCorps Manager
Why you want to work here...
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.
Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.
Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.
Based in Oakland, California, GRID has 8 regional offices and affiliates serving all of California, Colorado, Mid-Atlantic/Washington D.C. region, and Tribal Lands within the U.S. Additionally, GRID has international operations in Nicaragua, Mexico, and Nepal. GRID has a dedicated staff of 400 and growing!
What It's Like At GRID…
At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.
GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications.
- Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.
Why is this a big deal…
The Program Manager is responsible for the overall management and execution of the SolarCorps program, ensuring that all aspects are efficiently implemented and aligned with AmeriCorps requirements and GRID Alternatives' mission, vision, and goals. This role includes direct oversight of training, recruitment, placement, and retention strategies, as well as team leadership. The Program Manager will collaborate closely with the Program Director to contribute to long-term strategic planning, ensuring the program’s success and alignment with GRID Alternatives' values. This is a unique and impactful opportunity to lead a transformative, hands-on apprenticeship program that fosters long-term career opportunities for individuals from historically under-resourced communities and directly contributes to the equitable transition to clean energy.
The Opportunity…
Program Management
- Manage the day to day operations of the SolarCorps fellowship program, ensuring compliance with AmeriCorps and other relevant stakeholders.
- Oversee the fellowship lifecycle, ensuring intentional, high-quality services and program components across all stages from recruitment through job placement and alumni success.
- Design and develop programming and training materials tailored to the needs of SolarCorps Fellows, ensuring alignment with GRID’s mission, industry standards, and career readiness.
- Foster strong, collaborative relationships with site managers, providing them with the necessary training, resources, and support to effectively supervise Fellows and achieve program and organizational goals.
- Ensure a positive and productive member experience throughout their term.
Reporting and Evaluation
- Track key performance indicators, such as community impact, member progress, job placement, and career advancement, and work with the National SolarCorps Director to inform program design and improvements
- Manage the SolarCorps Salesforce Dashboard and ensure up to date and accurate data tracking and reporting.
Leadership, Collaboration, And Centering Equity, Inclusion, And Diversity
- Champion equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) initiatives within the program’s design and delivery, fostering a culture of belonging for all Fellows
- Work closely with the National SolarCorps Director to ensure alignment with national program goals and strategic initiatives. This includes providing regular updates on program progress, challenges, and successes, and contributing to program improvement and innovation.
- Lead, mentor, and support a high-performing team, fostering mindsets that value collaboration, open communication, shared leadership, collective problem-solving, and ongoing professional development
- Collaborate with internal teams, including recruitment, operations, and HR to ensure smooth coordination of resources and communication.
What You Need To Bring To This Role…
- 5+ years of experience in program management, ideally in workforce development, nonprofit, or renewable energy sectors.
- Mission-oriented and strategic mindset, with the ability to see how the SolarCorps program aligns with and supports the broader mission of GRID Alternatives, ensuring program success contributes to organizational goals.
- Must have experience within the renewable energy sector.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and mentor diverse teams, fostering a culture of inclusion across racial, cultural, class, educational, and gender differences.
- Familiarity with tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and using both qualitative and quantitative data for reporting and to inform program decisions and improvements.
- Strong emotional intelligence, excellent communication, team-building, proactive problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Candidate must be able to prioritize conflicting needs; manage urgent matters expeditiously, calmly, and proactively; adapt and adjust to new priorities and unexpected challenges
- Experience designing and facilitating training programs, utilizing industry awareness and strong presentation skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Passion for environmental, economic, and social justice, as well as community development and workforce empowerment.
It would be great if you also had…
- Experience working for or being a participant in programs like those offered by GRID Alternatives IBT or SolarCorps Fellowship, AmeriCorps, YouthBuild, JobCorps, or similar programs
- Experience with Restorative Justice, Trauma-Informed Care, and other best practices for working with diverse populations.
- Proficiency with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms for program management and reporting.
- Experience with Asana or similar project management tools
- Knowledge of the renewable energy and solar industries, particularly as they intersect with social, economic, and environmental justice issues.
- Experience with program design and implementation in a national or multi-site context.
Where you will sit and the places you may go…
This is a remote position and may rarely require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as company-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required.
GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record.
Let's Talk Money!
This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary pay commensurate with experience within the pay band
($64k- $80k annually), plus the benefits below.
How We Take Care Of You...
Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance
Ready to Apply?
Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted. Please do not call and/or email requesting an update.
Thank you for your interest in GRID Alternatives! 
