Partner Program Manager Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview 

Walker-Miller Energy Services is a 26-year-old Detroit-based, core-values driven company committed to changing lives through energy efficiency. We create and manage customized energy waste reduction programs that assist electric and gas utilities meet mandated energy savings goals.   

Our experience driven philosophy of clean energy as economic development helps families and businesses save energy and save money. Through innovative, inclusive initiatives, we help build communities by creating local jobs, producing equitable energy savings for all rate payers, and spurring the growth of diverse local businesses.

Our operating philosophy is reflected in our core values. We refer to them as BEHIVE.

B - Boldly Go

E - Embrace Equity

H - Humble Confidence

I - Inclusive Stewardship

V - Value Reputation

E - Extraordinary Experience

Position Summary 

The Program Manager works directly with the program client, community-based organizations, and contractors to ensure deliverables remain within scope and budget. The Program Manager will coordinate with contractors to optimize project execution, manage costs, and onboard new contractors as needed to meet client needs. This position accomplishes this through a respectful, constructive, and energetic style that reflects our core values. The ideal candidate is a dynamic program leader with program management experience and a passion for advancing equity and opportunity in sustainability-focused careers. 

Key Responsibilities: This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, based on operational needs.

• Lead, embrace and operate within the core values.  
• Thrive in a collaborative environment.  
• Function well with a diverse group of communities, clients, and team members.  
• Work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Use good judgment to plan and accomplish goals.  
• Escalate all issues and troubleshoot as needed.   

Leadership & Program Management:

• Manage direct reports and oversee program staff, as applicable, including interviewing, workforce planning, work assignment, performance evaluations, coaching, mentoring, and day-to-day direction.
• Lead quarterly program performance reviews with program staff and the client.
• Provide day-to-day leadership for program staff by managing communications and requests and supporting the team in meeting program goals through creative problem-solving.
• Develop and support team members within a core values-driven culture that promotes high performance with compassion.
• Build and maintain a strong understanding of the program's strategic direction (energy efficiency) and the business activities of its customers.
• Oversee program paperwork and ensure accurate processing through designated tracking systems.
• Coordinate with program evaluators to understand evaluation plans and communicate program procedures to staff.
• Participate in working groups that coordinate program efforts with partner organizations.
• Collect, manage, and analyze project data; establish data procedures; and report KPIs, trends, and insights to stakeholders on time. Apply best-practice methods for energy efficiency program implementation.
• Maintain a professional appearance that appropriately represents Walker-Miller and the client.
• Lead and participate in presentations that promote energy efficiency programs.
• Use effective project management practices to lead program delivery.
• Manage the client relationship and serve as a program advocate.
• Support the preparation of invoices and activity reports, as needed, for the client, partners, and Walker-Miller management.

Program Recruitment & Engagement:

• Partner with the client to supervise, develop, and implement communication plans that educate customers on energy efficiency and increase participation in energy efficiency programs.
• Lead and participate in presentations that promote energy efficiency programs.
• Oversee participant onboarding by setting clear expectations and goals for program engagement and success.
• Serve as a mentor and advocate for participants by supporting their professional growth and helping maintain a positive, supportive program environment.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Build partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and industry leaders to support participant recruitment, training, and placement.
• Partner with internal teams (including Operations and HR) to align program objectives with organizational goals.
• Represent Walker-Miller Energy Services at industry events and workforce development forums.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay informed on industry developments, workforce trends, and best practices in workforce development.
• Incorporate participant and stakeholder feedback to enhance program delivery and outcomes.
• Develop strategies to expand the program's reach and impact in alignment with organizational objectives.
• Provide administrative services plan to develop client reporting processes.  
• Ensure continuous improvement of operations year after year.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Build partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and industry leaders to support participant recruitment, training, and placement.
• Partner with internal teams (including Operations and HR) to align program objectives with organizational goals.
• Represent Walker-Miller Energy Services at industry events and workforce development forums.

Basic Qualifications - Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree required; equivalent work experience may be considered.  
• 3+ years of Program Management or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years' experience working in the energy industry required.
• 2+ years of direct or indirect leadership required.
• Proven leadership abilities in a rapidly changing environment.  
• Proficiency in financial and project management.  
• Experience in community development, grassroots organizing, workforce development, public sector project management.
• Proven leadership in a fast-paced environment.  
• Detail-oriented and able to prioritize workload and delegate appropriate work assignments to staff. Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.  
• Strong data entry skills in entering information in tracking systems/databases.  
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with customers, clients and employees.  
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and solve practical problems.  
• Knowledge of mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages and ratios.  
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as the fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.  
• Reliable transportation.   

 Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Project Management: Manages projects of varying complexity; develops and implements project plans; monitors and controls progress; and coordinates with stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Management: Builds strong relationships with stakeholders and clients and consults with them regularly to gather feedback and ensure goal alignment.
• Communication: Communicates accurately and concisely with target audiences, adapting style and content as needed.
• Data Analysis: Uses data to inform decision-making and drive project improvements.
• Program Development: Independently develops comprehensive program and training materials; delivers and evaluates programs for effectiveness; recommends improvements; manages program logistics, engagement, and analysis; and collaborates with stakeholders to implement enhancements.
• Technology Skills: Effectively uses a range of technology tools and software to produce desired outputs.
• Collaboration: Works effectively in cross-functional teams, including during challenging situations, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Builds and nurtures communities (e.g., team members, entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, customers, and business leaders) that can support one another.
• Leadership: Leads and manages a small team successfully; communicates effectively; builds strong relationships with team members; handles employee relations issues independently and confidently; and contributes to team development and performance initiatives.
• Financial Management: Develops and implements comprehensive financial plans, monitors performance and adjusts as needed, and partners with teams to optimize resource allocation.
• Strategic Thinking: Supports the development and implementation of strategic plans; communicates with stakeholders to gather requirements and provide recommendations; and identifies risks and opportunities related to strategic initiatives.
• Energy Efficiency Knowledge: Understands industry- and domain-specific tools and methodologies relevant to the role (e.g., program management, regulatory compliance, energy efficiency) and applies that knowledge to solve problems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Partner with the client to supervise, develop, and implement communication plans that educate customers on energy efficiency and increase participation in energy efficiency programs.
• Master's Degree, preferred
• Sales, marketing or business development background.
• Degree in Community Relations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Management, or a discipline in energy or related field from an accredited University.
• Familiarity with project management software.
• BPI Certification
• PMP Certification
• CEM Certification

Travel Requirements 

• Up to 30% Locally

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

• Required to sit, stand, walk; talk and hear; and ability to touch and handle tools and/or controls 
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds 

• Noise level is typically moderate 
• Employee could be exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles and risk of potential shock 

Note: The physical demand and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

The above information describes the general duties and requirements necessary to perform the principle functions of the position.  This shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the duties and requirements that may be necessary in this position.  

Walker-Miller Energy Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

At Walker-Miller Energy Services, we Embrace Equity by encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds and identities to apply for open positions! We have several optional questions about candidates' demographics, but they do not impact hiring decisions. In fact, all candidate demographic data is anonymized for compliance purposes and to reduce unconscious bias in the hiring process, so none of the information collected here will be attached to your individual application. We ask for this information because Walker-Miller is committed to inclusive recruitment practices, so we hold ourselves to a high standard in developing a candidate pool that is diverse in background, experience, and perspective. 

Walker-Miller Energy Services participates in E-Verify. Which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For up-to-date information on E-Verify, go to www.uscis.gov and click on 'E-Verify' located near the bottom of the page. 

E-Verify Notice 

E-Verify Notice (Spanish) 

Right to Work Notice 

Right to Work Notice (Spanish)