Program Manager

Willdan is seeking an energy efficiency professional based in California. This is a high-visibility position that sits at the intersection of CPUC policy, portfolio administration, and program delivery.

The Program Manager will work closely with stakeholders, program teams, and senior leadership to align with and develop innovative responses to evolving regulatory and market conditions. While California is the core focus, you will also track and maintain awareness of relevant developments in other Western states as a secondary responsibility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support internal teams with CEDARS, CET/CEI, and various compliance reporting activities.
• Analyze CEDARS and eTRM data to inform decision-making, pursuit management, and program design alterations.
• Participate in CPUC workshops, working groups, and stakeholder proceedings on behalf of Willdan.
• Build and maintain relationships with CPUC Energy Division staff, IOU regulatory affairs teams, trade associations (CAEE, ACEEE, local chapters), and peer implementers.
• Monitor and analyze CPUC decisions, proposed decisions, rulings, and other documents relevant to energy efficiency funding, portfolio administration, and third-party implementer requirements.
• Synthesize regulatory documents into concise briefings and recommendations for leadership and program teams.
• Collaborate with varying Willdan Business Units to apply consistency in regulatory engagement and communications with clients and regulators.
• Contribute to internal policy positions and advocacy strategies on CPUC proceedings affecting the third-party implementer community.
• Coordinate with partners and clients on formal comment submissions and regulatory filings before the CPUC.
• Track and communicate expected IOU solicitations, RFPs, and program design changes tied to CPUC-approved portfolios.
• Track and communicate emerging Western state energy efficiency regulatory developments and market conditions that may signal near-term business opportunities.
• Support responses to data requests and compliance inquiries.

Job Requirements / Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in California energy efficiency, CPUC regulatory affairs, portfolio administration, or a closely related field.
• Direct experience with CEDARS, including understanding of program data submission workflows, measure-level reporting, and how CEDARS data is used in CPUC proceedings and evaluations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of eTRM, market analysis, and the broader CPUC energy efficiency marketplace.
• Familiarity with California-specific cost-effectiveness frameworks and Equity and Market Support indicators, and how they shape program implementation and operations.
• Hands-on experience reading, analyzing, and tracking CPUC filings - decisions, rulings, Advice Letters, and related dockets.
• Demonstrated experience managing and reporting on energy efficiency portfolios.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to drive decision-making and program optimization.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and project management software.
• Bachelor's degree in public administration, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Law, or related field; an advanced degree a plus.