Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Solar Outreach and Market and Strategy (Remote - Chicago, IL)

at Energy Solutions

🏢 About Energy Solutions

Energy Solutions is an innovative consulting firm that has been delivering market-based energy solutions since 1995, focusing on large-scale environmental impact. They work with utilities, government, and institutional clients to design programs that incentivize clean energy adoption, making them a key player in the climate solution space. The company culture is supportive and energetic, with a mission-driven team of talented colleagues.

About This Role

As Director of Solar Outreach and Market Strategy, you will lead growth and management of programs promoting solar, storage, and demand response adoption within the Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) department. You'll collaborate with leadership to shape market strategies, oversee outreach efforts, and drive impact by scaling clean energy technologies. This role is critical to advancing Energy Solutions' mission of reducing carbon emissions through market-based incentives.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the DER leadership team to review program metrics and discuss upcoming initiatives. You could then meet with utility partners to align on outreach goals, followed by analyzing market data to refine targeting strategies. Afternoons might involve mentoring junior staff on campaign execution or preparing a presentation for a new client pitch on solar program design.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Energy Solutions Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years of experience in solar/renewable energy program management, outreach, or market strategy, ideally within consulting or utility sectors.
  • Demonstrates strong leadership and strategic thinking, with a track record of designing and implementing successful market-based programs.
  • Possesses deep knowledge of distributed energy resources (solar, storage, demand response) and familiarity with utility incentive programs.
  • Excels in stakeholder engagement, including building relationships with utilities, contractors, and community organizations to drive program participation.

📝 Tips for Applying to Energy Solutions

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific solar outreach and market strategy achievements, such as % growth in program enrollment or partnerships established.

2

In your cover letter, mention your experience with market-based programs and your passion for climate solutions, aligning with Energy Solutions' mission.

3

Research Energy Solutions' current DER programs (e.g., Illinois Solar for All) and reference them to show you understand their work.

4

Use quantifiable metrics (e.g., 'led outreach that increased solar adoption by 30% in 2 years') to demonstrate impact.

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and manage cross-functional teams virtually.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience in designing and executing market strategies for solar and DER programs, with concrete examples of success.', 'Highlight your leadership in cross-functional teams and ability to drive program growth while managing budgets and stakeholder relationships.', "Express genuine commitment to environmental impact and how your values align with Energy Solutions' mission.", 'Showcase your understanding of the utility and regulatory landscape in relevant markets (e.g., Illinois, Midwest).']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Energy Solutions' website and recent news to understand their key DER programs and clients (e.g., ComEd, Illinois Power Agency).
  • → Study Illinois' renewable energy policies, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), and how they affect solar incentives.
  • → Examine Energy Solutions' company culture via Glassdoor or LinkedIn to align your application with their values.
  • → Look into their competitors (e.g., CLEAResult, ICF) to differentiate how Energy Solutions' market-based approach is unique.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you developed a market strategy for a solar program—what was your approach and what results did you achieve?
2 How would you engage underserved communities to increase solar adoption in a program like Illinois Solar for All?
3 How do you stay updated on DER policies and market trends, and how would you apply that knowledge to this role?
4 Tell us about a challenging stakeholder relationship you managed and how you resolved it.
5 How would you measure the success of an outreach campaign, and what metrics would you prioritize?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Energy Solutions' specific programs or mission.
  • Focusing only on technical solar knowledge without demonstrating strategic outreach or market strategy skills.
  • Neglecting to explain how you've driven measurable impact in previous roles—vague descriptions weaken your application.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Energy Solutions!

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