Associate, Smart-E Programs

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

IPC seeks an Associate to support the expansion and daily operations of our Smart-E Loan Program, a national initiative providing financing for clean energy home upgrades. This position will focus on mobilizing local lenders, vetting contractors, and scaling residential clean energy upgrades in the Southwest Region, along with other states as needed. You will assist in maintaining critical relationships with stakeholders such as contractors, lenders, homeowners, and partners, contributing to IPC's mission to expand clean energy adoption.

The ideal candidate will be experienced working in a remote customer support role, preferably with experience interacting with homeowners, contractors, lenders, and partners to ensure the successful execution of projects. This role will involve supporting day-to-day activities, including program administration, stakeholder communications, and project tracking. The Associate will play a key role in contributing to a national clean energy initiative aimed at providing affordable and accessible energy financing options to underserved communities.

This position is designed as a remote role with potential travel to our Hartford, CT office as required. This role requires the employee to reside in one of the specified states and work within Central or Mountain time hours (Mountain time as permitted by manager). Reporting directly to the Senior Associate, Smart-E Programs this role is an exciting opportunity for a proactive individual to be involved in the strategic expansion of the Smart-E Loan Program and make a meaningful impact in scaling residential clean energy upgrades.

RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to):

Contractor and Partner Management

• Facilitate the onboarding, support, and partner engagement of a diverse network of energy contractors, ensuring seamless integration into program operations.
• Maintain and track contractor compliance documents (e.g., insurance certificates, licenses), ensuring all contractors meet program standards.
• Collaborate closely with lenders and contractors to efficiently manage project workflows and uphold program compliance at all stages.
• Participate in local events that support the Smart-E Program as needed.

Customer Interaction

• Serve as the primary point of contact for homeowners, contractors, and lenders, ensuring timely, clear, and professional communication via phone and email.
• Provide guidance to stakeholders on program processes, project timelines, and expectations, ensuring a positive and informed experience.

Program Support

• Support the administration of the program’s online workflow tool by maintaining accurate records, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing operational efficiency.
• Contribute to the expansion of financing programs into new markets, playing a key role in program development and scalability. Monitor project milestones, manage budgets, and produce regular performance reports, ensuring programs are delivered on time and within scope.

Reporting and Compliance

• Work with the Smart-E team to ensure program adherence to regulatory and compliance guidelines by thoroughly reviewing project submissions and identifying/reporting discrepancies.
• Maintain comprehensive records and support the development of internal reports, ensuring transparency and accuracy in all program-related documentation.

Other Duties as Assigned: Other assigned duties may include, but are not limited to, engaging in other business and partnerships as directed by your supervisor.

JEDI-B Commitment: This role requires a commitment to always leading and adhering to IPC’s core values by consistently fostering justice, equity, diversity inclusion, and belonging (“JEDI-B”) both internally and externally. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate an ongoing willingness to learn about the environmental and economic impacts of our work.

Travel: Up to 15% travel required.

Conditions:

• This role requires a dedicated workspace that is free from interruptions, ensuring optimal focus and productivity.
• The workspace must include a desk and chair and should have a reliable broadband connection with a minimum of 20MB download speed and 8MB upload speed.
• It is essential that the workspace is quiet and free from distractions to facilitate effective work.
• Candidates must be able to remain in a stationary position for at least 75% of the time while performing job duties.
• Occasional travel may be required as part of this role.

Above all, the ideal candidate will be eager to learn and strive for continuous improvement. This is a unique opportunity to grow in a mission-driven organization, applying your clean energy experience and playing a key role in a growing, mission-oriented organization. We embrace an "all hands" approach, and successful candidates will be enthusiastic contributors. This position reports directly to the Senior Associate, Smart-E Programs and will have high visibility throughout the organization.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

The ideal candidate will possess an associate’s degree in a related field such as Environmental Science, Business Administration, Political Science, or a similar discipline. Alternatively, candidates with a high school diploma and 2-3 years of relevant experience in customer service, program administration, or project management, particularly within the clean energy or financial services sectors, will be considered. A minimum of 1 year of experience in a remote working environment is required.

Skills:

IPC seeks candidates who demonstrate both mission alignment and professional proficiency in the following areas:

• Interpersonal and Communication Abilities: Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of clear and professional interactions with various stakeholders, including homeowners, contractors, and lenders.
• Project Management & Organizational Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills are essential for tracking project progress and maintaining program compliance.
• Technological Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data management and reporting. Familiarity with customer relationship management systems (e.g., Salesforce) and workflow tools is preferred.
• Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving: A methodical approach to identifying and resolving challenges. Known for a solution-oriented mindset, integrity, and practical decision-making.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Demonstrates resilience in handling changing project demands and is capable of adjusting to shifting priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Commitment to Sustainability & Inclusion: A strong dedication to environmental sustainability and clean energy initiatives, coupled with a deep commitment to workplace inclusion and belonging (JEDI-B values).
• Learning Agility: Eagerness to continuously learn and develop professionally, particularly in areas related to clean energy technologies and financial products.

Above all, an ideal candidate will be eager to learn and grow in a collaborative fast-paced team environment.

Benefits

• IPC offers competitive compensation packages based on experience and expertise. Benefits include comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, and an Employee Assistance Program. We provide up to a 6% match on 401K contributions, extensive paid time off including 15 holidays and Summer Fridays, and support professional growth through career advancement opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, and Student Loan Repayment Options.

• Location flexibility: This role is intended to be a remote role and may require the candidate to travel to our Hartford, CT office or other assigned locations/events as needed. This role requires the employee to currently reside in one of the specified states and agree to work within Central time hours (Mountain time as permitted by manager). By accepting this employment opportunity, candidates commit to residing and working from one of the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, & WV. This requirement is a non-negotiable condition of employment.