Sustainability Programs Administrator

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Sustainability Programs Administrator to join the City of Palo Alto's Utilities Department. The role involves leading electrification programs and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy efficiency for residents and businesses.

Responsibilities

• Leads the design and launch of electrification programs by developing RFPs, evaluating vendor proposals, and negotiating contracts
• Monitors emerging technologies and market trends to inform program strategy development
• Identifies and pursues funding opportunities through grants and sponsorships, and ensures programs effectively meet customer needs
• Manages program budgets and expenditures, ensuring fiscal accountability and alignment with program goals
• Assesses program effectiveness and incorporate industry best practices to enhance CPAU’s program offerings
• Oversees the daily operations of sustainability programs to ensure they stay on schedule, within budget, and meet performance goals
• Coordinates teams, tracks progress, and implements improvements to internal systems and processes
• Conducts rebate application reviews and performs site inspections to verify project eligibility and compliance
• Collaborates across City departments to support program delivery, addresses customer inquiries and escalations, and provides training and guidance to other team members to ensure consistent program implementation
• Partners with communications teams and vendors to design, implement, and evaluate marketing, education, and outreach campaigns, including planning, promoting, and delivering workshops, presentations, and other community-facing events
• Collaborates with industry organizations and advocacy groups to expand and enhance program reach and impact
• Represents CPAU in local and statewide forums to advocate for sustainability initiatives and engage with key stakeholders

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in physical or environmental sciences, engineering, business, marketing, economics or related field
• Four years of professional experience in a utility or energy service company, municipal planning, architectural, construction or related field, with preference for energy efficiency program implementation, energy/water end-use analysis or related work
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License
• Experience in complex energy and electrification program marketing, education, outreach, and implementation efforts
• Experience delivering programs focused on building and transportation electrification for single-family homes, multifamily properties, and/or commercial properties under 50,000 square feet
• Familiarity with clean energy technologies such as heat pumps, electric vehicle infrastructure, load management solutions, solar, and battery energy storage
• Experience in formulating customer-focused approach to ensure programs meet community needs
• Ability to analyze program and customer data using spreadsheet applications and/or databases to monitor program performance and develop new program recommendations
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• One year of professional experience in a utility or energy service company, municipal planning, architectural, construction or related field, with preference for program implementation, sales, marketing or customer contact experience related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, or sustainability

Benefits

• Schedule: Option of a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off
• Hybrid work: Ability to work remotely and onsite (current policy allows for 2 days/week remote and 3 days/week on-site)
• Professional development: Tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and career growth opportunities
• Education benefits: Potential enrollment for dependents in the Palo Alto Unified School District (pilot program, subject to change)
• Childcare support: $10,000 in childcare subsidies (pilot program, subject to change)
• Commute benefits: Incentives for walking, biking and taking transit to work. The City of Palo Alto participates in the Clipper Bay Pass program (Employee Cost: $5 per month).
• Defined-Benefit Retirement Plan: with competitive pension benefits

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