Account Manager

Outreach Professional-Distributed Generation Oak Brook, Illinois We are looking for an experienced and talented Outreach Professional to lead the technical sales outreach effort to promote and increase participation in a Distributed Generation (DG) rebate program in the Northern Illinois and Chicago Metro area. As an outreach professional, you will join our team of degreed professionals helping customers take advantage of rebates to increase solar, battery, and DG adoption. The outreach professional is responsible for conducting outreach and seeking out new opportunities for incentive-funded projects that support electrification. This position requires Up to 80% local travel in the Chicago Metro area. A local candidate is preferred. Day to day The Outreach Professional is accountable for engaging and maintaining relationships with C&I, Residential, and Community Solar developers and contractors to gather pipeline information, company challenges, and educate on the benefits of the DG Rebate. This role will at times participate in outbound calling efforts to educate potential participants, serve as an in-field inspector of completed projects, and be a backup to the Customer Service Representative (CSR) in times of high volume. This multifaceted role blends excellent customer service with proficient project management. Collaborating closely with utility and program staff, the Outreach Professional excels in relationship management, project identification, and project administration. The daily tasks encompass: Maintaining excellent relationships with all developers to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and to identify potential future needs. Represent the program requirements thoroughly and accurately. Engage with developers to educate and coach on the program. Be the first point of contact for assistance with the book of business. Engage freely with all team members to resolve customer challenges. Help Marketing with ideas and material review. Strong communication skills and an enjoyment of engaging with the market to learn and educate. Generate interest from cold calls, networking, building, and leveraging relationships within the market. Meet with customers and conduct site visits to identify opportunities for electrification and to better understand the customer's equipment operation. Provide regular reporting of engagement, project status, or other data as directed by Program Management. Overall management of electrification projects through the incentive administration process from beginning to end. Responsible for increasing diverse trade ally participation Participate in outbound calling educational campaigns to educate client customers who have not participated in the program. Perform inspections of completed DG sites to ensure adherence to program requirements. Perform all work in a safe and courteous manner. Occasionally provide backup assistance to CSR in times of high call volume. Incorporating the essence of program management into this role, the Outreach Professional undertakes a wide-ranging set of responsibilities to drive the achievement of program goals while fostering productive relationships with stakeholders and overseeing project execution from inception to fruition. Other tasks as directed. About you General familiarity with solar and storage and the development pipeline. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact comfortably with external customers. Focus on customer engagement with the ability to build trusting long-term working relationships. Proven customer service and communication skills, both written and verbal. The ability to listen, motivate, and empathize is critical. Demonstrated awareness of sensitive communications and client/end user dynamics, and a capability for diplomatically working through issues. Self-directed and able to work independently as well as collaborate with others to drive execution, solve problems creatively, and foster innovation among teams. Able to work effectively both independently and in a team environment. Critical thinking skills with exceptional problem-solving skills Exceptional organizational skills. Ability to adeptly juggle multiple projects, customers, and deadlines. Previous experience with financial/accounting systems Proficient with MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Salesforce or a similar CRM, with an understanding and use of SharePoint features. Proactive, resourceful, and highly motivated with and the ability to achieve results. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills Strong report-writing and slide deck skills Attention to detail and safety. Willingness and ability to travel up to 80% of the time (local travel) Preferred Background Degree or equivalent experience in energy management, technology, business administration, Engineering or a related field. Excellent knowledge of DG projects. Knowledge of the solar and battery market is preferred. Previous experience working with solar and/or storage projects/technologies. Successful lead generation, networking, and relationship-building ability. At least 3 to 5 years of related experience. Experience with utility-funded energy efficiency, demand-side management, or rebate programs Technical or consultative sales experience preferred, adept at effectively explaining and encouraging interest in utility program offerings. Experience giving presentations to utility mid-level managers and leaders. Managing utility programs' outreach scope, schedule, and budget. Experience working with CRMs/Salesforce.

Created: 2024-11-05