Job Title: Manager of Contractor Development – Clean Energy
Department: Business Development
Work Location: Chicago
Reports to: Director of Business Development
Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-time (Hybrid)
Salary: $95,000 - $125,000
Employee Type: W-2
Who Are We:
HIRE360 is an industry-led, workforce and contractor development nonprofit investing in the communities that call Illinois home. We bring together the largest construction, general contractors, and developers to create opportunities in construction for everyone.
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Director of Business Development and the Executive Director, the Manager of Contractor Development – Clean Energy will launch and lead HIRE360’s Clean Energy Contractor Accelerator Program.
This role will grow the capabilities of 10 Equity Eligible Contractors, enabling them to compete for and win clean energy construction contracts as prime contractors. Building on HIRE360’s successful business development programming, this role will organize cohort-based training and specialized mentoring to help these contractors strengthen operations, build capacity, and expand their businesses.
Program success will be measured through outcomes such as:
- Working capital loans obtained,
- Staff training and retention
- Back office and compliance improvements
- Successful contract awards won.
The position calls for a wide variety of technical skills and program management skills due to the diversity of contractors served and range of technical assistance required.
Responsibilities Include:
- Develop strategic plans, capital requests and program objectives that align resources with the goals.
- Manage and oversee implementation of the Clean Energy Contractor Accelerator Program.
- Develop, track and manage the program’s annual operating budget for staffing, purchasing, and operations.
- Establish timelines and milestones to ensure program success.
- Ensure high quality services to contractors and their businesses.
- Lead the program’s Operational Grant Disbursement and Mentorship Program, wherein participants identify operational support needs, and identify areas where mentorship will be of most benefit; develop the operational grant framework and mentorship plan with each participating business.
- Provide direct business advising and training to contractors.
- Supervise program personnel, consultants and clerical staff supporting the program.
- Develop and maintain referral networks with accountants, attorneys, and other industry professionals to support contractors.
- Attend pre-bid and pre-construction meetings for public and private projects to provide opportunities to our contractors.
- Build relationships with the Illinois Power Agency and other state agencies to expand opportunities for the contractors in the program.
- Facilitate referrals of qualified pre-apprenticeship graduates into registered apprenticeship programs and unionized employment opportunities.
- Maintain accurate client records and program documentation.
- Prepare and submit all required reports information to the funder.
- Analyze and document data on program performance and recommend program improvements.
- Continuously stays up to date on clean energy trends and needs to better align our contractors with opportunities.
- Serve as the primary point of contract for this program.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding businesses and program information.
- Other duties as appropriate.
Qualifications (Knowledge, skills, and abilities):
- Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Salesforce, and the ability to learn new systems
- Knowledge of the construction industry and clean energy sector.
- Proven track record of working with small businesses.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to lead within a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
- Strong planning, organizational, and analytical skills.
- Ability to simplify complex concepts and communicate them effectively.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Flexible self-starter who can manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment when interacting with stakeholders.
- Strong project management experience, utilizing planning, leadership and organizational skills. Project Management Professional (PMP) is a plus.
- Commitment to HIRE360’s mission, values and culture.
Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics or a related field.
- Five (5) years of experience in small business management or business consulting.
- Experience managing programs and budgets.
- Experience in nonprofit, construction, and Clean Energy sector.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Ability to regularly sit and write at a computer.
- Frequent in-person and phone communication.
- Ability to stand and lift up to 20 pounds to stock office supplies.
- Frequently move from room to room to accommodate guests.
- Requires reliable transportation including state-mandated insurance.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
- Combination of in-person and virtual work as needed.
- Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
Travel
- Travel as needed across Northern and Central Illinois including Chicago, Joliet, Aurora, Waukegan, Peoria, Rockford, Champaign, DeKalb, Bloomington, Pekin, and Danville.
HIRE360 is an equal opportunity/ADA employer. All federal, state and local and other fair employment standards including EEO and ADA requirements in race, gender, gender identification, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, veterans or disabled veterans status as found in 41CFR 60-1.4, 60-250.4 and 60-741.4 are herein incorporated by reference. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. HIRE360 encourages applications from all of the above referenced protected and unprotected status groups.