Virtual Power Plant Operator Jobs in Minooka, IL

About the Market Management Department

The Market Management department is the core commercial engine of Gotion Illinois New Energy, established and led by the Head of Market Management (Business Development). The department encompasses sales and business development, BESS power station deployment, Virtual Power Plant and peak shaving programs, commercial EV charging, backup power applications, utility and contract negotiations, government and public affairs, construction and union coordination, and strategic advisory services. This role joins a lean, high-impact team operating at the intersection of business, policy, and clean energy infrastructure.

Position Overview

The Strategic Partnerships & Funding Manager is a newly created strategic role within the Market Management department at Gotion Illinois New Energy. This individual will lead efforts to identify, pursue, and secure investment capital, government grants, federal and state incentive programs, and public funding opportunities that support Gotion's clean energy manufacturing and energy storage initiatives.

This role requires a commercially minded professional who can navigate complex federal and state funding landscapes, build relationships with government agencies and economic development organizations, and translate Gotion's business strategy into compelling funding applications and investment proposals. The position works in close collaboration with the Head of Market Management, legal, finance, and project development teams.

Key Responsibilities

Investment Sourcing & Capital Strategy

• Identify and pursue equity, debt, and project finance opportunities for Gotion's BESS power stations, solar, EV charging, and backup power projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with institutional investors, private equity firms, clean energy funds, development finance institutions, and strategic partners.
• Support the structuring of investment vehicles including SPVs and joint ventures for energy storage and clean energy projects.
• Prepare investment presentations, financial summaries, and due diligence materials for potential investors and financing partners.
• Track and evaluate financing market trends, tax equity structures, and emerging investment vehicles relevant to clean energy assets.

Government Grants & Public Funding

• Lead identification, pursuit, and management of federal and state grant programs, including DOE, IRA, CHIPS Act, EPA, EDA, and SBA programs relevant to clean energy manufacturing and storage.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle - from opportunity identification and eligibility assessment through application, award management, compliance reporting, and closeout.
• Engage with federal agencies, state economic development offices, and elected officials to advance Gotion's funding priorities.
• Track legislative developments and new bill structures at the state and federal level that create funding or incentive opportunities for the company.
• Coordinate with legal and finance teams to ensure compliance with grant terms, reporting requirements, and audit obligations.

Tax Incentives & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage the identification and application of federal and state tax incentives including ITC (48E), PTC, manufacturing credits, and other clean energy incentive programs.
• Coordinate with external legal and tax counsel on FEOC compliance, SPV structuring, and ITC eligibility requirements.
• Monitor regulatory changes impacting investment eligibility, FEOC designations, and clean energy incentive programs.
• Support negotiations with utilities and government entities on financial incentives tied to infrastructure development.

Government & Legislative Affairs

• Support the Head of Market Management in government relations efforts, including direct engagement with elected officials, regulatory bodies, and economic development agencies.
• Assist in the development and advocacy of legislative positions that support clean energy manufacturing, energy storage deployment, and workforce development.
• Represent Gotion Illinois New Energy at public hearings, economic development forums, and government-sponsored events.
• Maintain relationships with local, state, and federal government contacts to advance funding and policy objectives.

Business Development Support

• Collaborate with the Market Management team on sales and business development initiatives, identifying funding mechanisms that make Gotion's BESS, EV charging, and backup power solutions more accessible to customers.
• Support customer-facing proposals by identifying available incentives, grants, or financing options that strengthen the commercial case.
• Contribute to the development of Virtual Power Plant (VPP), peak shaving, and community solar business models by identifying applicable funding and incentive structures.
• Assist in preparing strategic advisory materials for customers evaluating clean energy infrastructure investments.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Public Policy, Economics, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in one or more of the following: government grant management, energy project finance, commercial banking, business development, economic development, or strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, pursue, and secure funding, capital, or business opportunities - whether through grants, loans, investment, or commercial channels.
• Strong relationship-building skills with government agencies, financial institutions, elected officials, investors, or business community stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing proposals, presentations, applications, or business correspondence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-moving environment.
• Commercial mindset with a strong sense of urgency and accountability.

Preferred - Energy & Finance Track

• Working knowledge of federal clean energy incentive programs including IRA, DOE loan programs, ITC/PTC structures, and manufacturing credits.
• Experience working with battery energy storage, solar, EV infrastructure, or clean energy manufacturing projects.
• Familiarity with PJM, MISO, or other regional transmission organization (RTO) markets.
• Understanding of FEOC regulations, SPV structuring, or tax equity financing.

Preferred - Banking & Financial Services Track

• Experience in commercial lending, small business banking, financial advisory, or portfolio management.
• Familiarity with SBA programs, economic development loans, or community development financial instruments (CDFIs).
• Background in customer acquisition, account management, and business retention in a financial services context.
• Experience coaching or leading teams in a banking or financial services environment.

Preferred - Both Tracks

• Experience with state-level economic development programs in Illinois, Michigan, or other Midwest states.
• Master's degree in Finance, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience working in a start-up, high-growth, or newly established department environment.
• Bilingual communication skills are a plus.

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $155,000.00 - $220,000.00, plus eligibility for 15% bonus and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by factors such as the role, level, and geographic location. The range listed in the job posting represents the minimum and maximum target salaries for this position across all U.S. locations. Actual compensation within the range will be influenced by the specific work location, along with factors such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.