PROGRAM ASSOCIATE I

Program Associate I

Location: Chicago, Illinois (Headquarters: 180 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601)
Work Type: Hybrid (periodic in-office work required)
Schedule: Full Time (M–F, 9 AM–5 PM)                                                                                                                   

Salary: $65,000 - $73,500
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook; Adams; Alexander; Bond; Boone; Brown; Bureau; Calhoun; Carroll; Cass; Champaign; Christian; Clark; Clay; Clinton; Coles; Crawford; Cumberland; DeKalb; DeWitt; Douglas; DuPage; Edgar; Edwards; Effingham; Fayette; Ford; Franklin; Fulton; Gallatin; Greene; Grundy; Hamilton; Hancock; Hardin; Henderson; Henry; Iroquois; Jackson; Jasper; Jefferson; Jersey; Jo Daviess; Johnson ; Kane; Kankakee; Kendall; Knox; LaSalle; Lake; Lawrence; Lee; Livingston; Logan; Macon; Macoupin; Madison; Marion; Marshall; Mason; Massac; McDonough; McHenry; McLean; Menard; Mercer; Monroe; Montgomery; Morgan; Moultrie; Ogle; Other; Peoria; Perry; Piatt; Pike; Pope; Pulaski; Putnam; Randolph; Richland; Rock Island; Saline; Sangamon; Schuyler; Scott; Shelby; St. Clair; Stark; Stephenson; Tazewell; Union; Vermilion; Wabash; Warren; Washington; Wayne; White; Whiteside; Will; Williamson; Winnebago; Woodford
Number of Vacancies: 1

A COVER LETTER AND RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING

Please attach a Cover Letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), and three professional references in the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of the documents requested. 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Work Hours:  M-F; 9AM - 5PM 
Headquarter Location: 180 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60601 
Work County: Cook
Email: ipa.hr@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Environmental & Natural Resources; Fiscal, Finance & Procurement; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; Social Services

Illinois Power Agency

Program Associate I

The Illinois Power Agency (Agency) is seeking a Program Associate I. The Program Associate I positions is an entry-level position that will directly support the Illinois Shines program (statutorily known as the Adjustable Block Program) and is positioned under the direction of the Illinois Shines Program Manager. The Program Associate I will aid in the development and implementation of the Program, which includes providing incentives for distributed generation and community solar projects. Prospective applicants should review the Illinois Shines Program website for more information, found at: https://illinoisshines.com/  

The Illinois Power Agency is an independent State Agency created in 2007 to develop annual electricity procurement plans and renewable resources procurement plans and to conduct procurement events to ensure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service for the default supply customers of Illinois electric utilities. The Agency also conducts procurements and administers programs that promote the development of renewable energy resources in accordance with the State Renewable Portfolio Standard. For more information about the Agency, please refer to: https://ipa.illinois.gov/

All applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications defined below for the Program Associate I to be considered for this position.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Track projects related to the Illinois Shines Program.

• Review updates to program requirements and compliance by participants.

• Support program processes, including application reviews, project submissions, communications, outreach, and issue resolution.

• Complete administrative program activities (reviews, appeals, data requests, reporting).

• Work with the third-party Program Administrator on forms, documentation, communications, and issue resolution.

• Track and report on program metrics and KPIs.

• Attend regular administrator meetings and report back to IPA.

• Translate or review translated program materials (if bilingual).

• Support stakeholder outreach activities (conferences, webinars, presentations).

• Perform other program-related tasks as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• 0–2 years of relevant work experience.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple ongoing projects.

• Proficient writing and editing skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

• Reliability in meeting deadlines and completing tasks.

• Ability to collaborate with an agile team.

Desired Qualifications

• Degree in public policy, political science, environmental studies, engineering, energy, project management, or similar.

• Experience related to renewable energy, distributed energy resources, or public-sector programs.

• Customer/client service experience.

• Fluency in Spanish.

Additional Information

• Salary Range: $65,000–$73,500, commensurate with experience.

• This is a merit compensation position.

• Candidates are prohibited from owning or receiving compensation from certain energy entities (details outlined in posting).

• Must submit: cover letter, resume, three professional references. Applications lacking a cover letter will not be reviewed.

• No visa sponsorship available.

• Hybrid work includes periodic required office attendance.

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students.  To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history.  Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history.  To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.