Conservation Program Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Demand Side Management Program Specialist

Location: Fergus Falls

Salary grade 10 or 12

Otter Tail Power Company is seeking an innovative and collaborative professional to lead the development and management of customer energy programs that support demand-side management, load growth, electrification, and energy optimization objectives. In this role, you'll combine market intelligence, customer insights, and program leadership to develop products, services, and strategies that create value for customers while advancing Company goals. The successful candidate will serve as the Company's subject matter expert and program owner for multiple customer-facing energy programs, helping guide strategy, implementation, and continuous improvement.

This position serves as a key link between customers, emerging technologies, and utility operations. Partnering with teams across Customer Service, Sales and Implementation, Industrial Services, Resource Planning, Regulatory, Advanced Concepts, and Operations, you'll evaluate market opportunities, manage program performance, and drive the implementation of customer-focused solutions that support system reliability, customer experience, and the evolving energy needs of the communities we serve.

This position reports to the Manager of Retail Energy Solutions and also known as Market Research Analyst I or II.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and Manage Customer Energy Programs

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of demand-side management (DSM), load management, electrification, and energy optimization programs that support customer needs and Company objectives.

Conduct Market and Customer Research

• Analyze customer segments, market trends, competitive offerings, demographic changes, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and develop effective customer solutions.

Drive Product and Program Strategy

• Manage the full lifecycle of customer-facing products and services, including business case development, positioning, pricing, forecasting, implementation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement.

Support Company Growth and Energy Objectives

• Develop innovative programs that advance load growth, load retention, demand response, energy conservation and optimization (ECO), customer experience, customer satisfaction, and beneficial electrification goals.

Evaluate Emerging Technologies and Market Opportunities

• Research and assess new technologies, energy market developments, and customer solutions to identify innovations that create customer value and support Company strategy.

Lead Cross-Functional Initiatives

• Collaborate with Customer Service, Sales and Implementation, Industrial Services, Resource Planning, Regulatory, Advanced Concepts, and Operations teams to establish goals, secure stakeholder alignment, and execute strategic initiatives.

Perform Financial and Operational Analysis

• Develop forecasts, pro forma financial analyses, pricing strategies, spending to budget analysis, and performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and support decision-making.

Monitor Regulatory, Economic, and Industry Trends

• Assess the impacts of economic conditions, regulatory policy, utility industry developments, and evolving customer expectations to inform program design and business strategy.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Energy Management, Engineering, Economics, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant utility, energy, or customer program experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge of marketing principles, market research methodologies, customer analytics, product development, pricing strategies, and project management practices.
• Knowledge of electric utility operations, including customer service, regulatory processes, resource planning, energy markets, demand-side management, energy efficiency, electrification, and load management technologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial evaluation skills, including the ability to develop business cases, forecasts, and performance metrics to support decision-making.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented with the ability to identify emerging opportunities, evaluate new technologies, and deliver innovative customer solutions that support Company objectives.

What We Offer

We believe employment is a partnership and we expect excellence from our talented employees. To support our employees and help drive their career experience and goals.

• Competitive wage & benefit package.

• The expected offer for base compensation for this role is $62,000 - $114,000 annually. The actual compensation within the compensation range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
• Incentive plans
• Employee Stock Ownership options
• Retirement Savings Fund with employer match
• Health, disability and life insurance plan options

• Our employees are provided training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement. This includes safety – one of our values and key to our success – technical, compliance and developmental training.
• Career development is critical to our long-term success. Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!
• Mental health support from the experts at SupportLinc as well as competitive vacation and sick leave to ensure employees are at their best when they’re working.

To apply, visit our careers page at www.otpco.com. Applications accepted through September 11, 2026.

Position placement within Analyst I or Analyst II and corresponding salary grade will be based on the successful candidate's education, experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.