Senior Manager

Make a Difference for Climate and Equity

Slipstream is a national, mission-driven nonprofit that accelerates climate solutions. For everyone.

We inspire bold ideas to tackle big energy challenges. Our work spans energy efficiency, workforce development, energy planning with municipalities and Native Nations, equitable building decarbonization, emerging technologies, and green financing. We collaborate with governments, utilities, education, and community-based organizations to discover, test, and scale solutions that work for real people in real communities.

For over 40 years, we have provided data-driven, effective strategies to help programs, contractors, and customers create healthy and comfortable homes while maximizing energy and cost savings. Throughout these years, Slipstream has successfully delivered training and technical support services to weatherization program staff, retrofit contractors, and residential builders.

Slipstream has experience delivering building science, energy efficiency, and weatherization program training combined with our rich history supporting the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) primarily through long-standing contracts with the State of Wisconsin Weatherization and Home Energy Assistance Programs. Slipstream operates as a Building Performance Institute Test Center and a Weatherization Training Center designated by the DOE and has acquired Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) accreditation for its core building science and performance training programs.

Our dedicated team of technical trainers, quality assurance inspectors, program implementation managers, logistics managers, administrative support, and curriculum development staff work together to design, develop, and/or deliver effective, engaging, and quality training whether in the classroom using props and demonstrations or out in the field on actual homes or through our online platform. The team provides administrative support services in support of training related to marketing, participant registration, logistics, tracking participation and results, and reporting.

We are optimistic, inclusive, and ambitious about our impact, and we're looking for someone who shares our drive.

About Your Role

We are seeking a passionate leader to drive workforce development, training, and technical assistance in support of weatherization, energy assistance, energy efficiency, and community-based programs.

As a Senior Manager, you will lead critical workforce development projects and oversee the day-to-day program management of long-standing weatherization, energy assistance, and building performance training and technical assistance activities. An overview of primary responsibilities follows:

Training and capacity building: Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of effective, multi-modal training programs for weatherization provider, contractor, energy assistance provider, and efficiency program staff. Training consists of in-person classroom, demonstrations, in-field, virtual, and online. Oversee annual training conference for Weatherization and Energy Assistance program staff and a biennial technical conference for Weatherization program field staff and contractors.

Resource Development: Oversee the development and maintenance of program materials (manuals, guides, and forms), customer information materials (e.g. fact sheets and Wisconsin's Weatherization Guidebook), program implementation tools (e.g., Excel calculators and workbooks), electronic energy auditing and project tracking software, and technical and program process resource documents used by program provider staff to implement programs.

Digital Infrastructure: Manage development, maintenance, and implementation of technical assistance websites, the training management and administration tool, and tracking database including certification tracking and reporting.

Evaluation: Oversee training and program evaluation projects to analyze training and programmatic efficacy supporting a continuous improvement philosophy.

General Administration: Lead annual planning process, budget and operating plan development and implementation, contract oversight and management, milestone tracking including monthly, annual and miscellaneous reporting. Support Slipstream's training program accreditation maintenance. Foster strong, collaborative relationships with funder and provider networks through clear and timely communication and by providing quality services at all levels.

While Slipstream operates in a hybrid and remote environment, we hire only in select states. Candidates must reside in Wisconsin, with preference given to those located near our Madison office.

What You'll Do

• Lead and oversee a portfolio of high-value programs
  
  
  
  • Oversee all programs/services and project design, planning and delivery within the Weatherization Training and Technical Assistance program portfolio, including the oversight of implementation.
  • Establish and manage subcontractor and provider networks participating across the portfolio of programs and/or services.
  • Establish and lead cross functional teams within and outside of Slipstream to deliver on common program goals.
  • Oversee all budgetary responsibilities for programs/services and projects.
  • Manage and/or oversee programs and projects from point of conception to completion. This includes, but not limited to: achieving performance goals and ensuring quality and compliance standards are met.
  • Lead ongoing analysis of program/services or project effectiveness throughout the life of the program or project to ensure client needs are being met.
  • Collaborate with clients, colleagues, and team members to evaluate programs, measures and services for purpose of creating synergies and providing program and process improvements and enhancements across all programs offered.
  
  
  
  
• Drive innovation and business development
  
  
  
  • Develop program strategies, operating plans, budgets, and become a subject matter expert in support of client proposals
  • Identify and develop proposals for program innovations with new or existing client programs.
  • Coordinate implementation of pilots for new program designs or delivery methods.
  • Participate in contract negotiations with existing or potential clients along with staff or colleagues across the organization.
  
  
  
  
• Elevate Slipstream's market presence and partnerships
  
  
  
  • Represent Slipstream at national, regional, and local industry conferences/associations
  • Stay current with best practices, emerging trends, and policy development to ensure competitive positioning
  
  
  
  
• Leadership and Management
  
  
  
  • Clearly communicates priorities and expectations; bridges strategy and team member execution by translating organizational goals into actions.
  • Holds team accountable to high standards aligned with departmental and organizational goals and initiatives.
  • Empowers team to achieve high standards through effective performance management, goal setting, training and development, conflict resolution, engagement, delegation, and staffing.
  • Builds an inclusive, collaborative, and equitable environment where diverse perspectives are valued and leveraged to achieve results.
  • Speaks up and provides recommendations and solutions when Slipstream's values are at risk; empowers others to embody Slipstream's values.
  
  
  
  
• Actively participate as a member of the department leadership and workgroups as assigned or volunteered.
• These responsibilities are not all inclusive, and other duties may be assigned from time to time.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience, preferably with federal or state funded program administration or management at a subgrantee level, with experience in the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program strongly preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing, implementing, and managing effective training, technical assistance, and workforce development programs.
• Working knowledge of home performance, energy efficiency measures, building science, and energy auditing.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and managing direct reports, including performance management, coaching, professional development, and team leadership.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite.

What Makes a Great Candidate

• Problem Solver: Analyzes issues, identify root causes, generates alternatives, and implements solutions.
• Prioritize: Identifies critical tasks and allocates time effectively. Balances competing demands to optimize productivity and meet deadlines.
• Leader: Influences, motivates, and inspires others toward a common goal. Provides direction, support, coaching, and feedback to foster team success.
• Budget Manager: Plans and manages budgets effectively by tracking expenses, making adjustments, and ensuring financial stability to achieve organizational goals.
• Contract Manager: Understands and adheres to contract requirements, ensuring compliance with guidelines, deliverables, and reporting expectations.
• Cross Functional Coordinator: Aligns and integrates efforts across teams and functions, leveraging diverse expertise and perspectives to foster collaboration, break down silos, and achieve shared organizational objectives.
• Networker & Relationship Builder: Strategically develops networks and builds alliances across teams, organizations, and clients to achieve common goals.
• Project Manager: Applies principles and tools for planning, executing, and monitoring projects. Manages resources, budgets, timelines, and deliverables effectively.
• Negotiator & Influencer: Persuades others and builds consensus through effective negotiation. Finds mutually beneficial solutions to conflicts.
• Conflict Manager: Proactively manages and resolves conflicts constructively, encouraging open discussions while preventing counterproductive confrontations.
• Storyteller: Ability to craft and deliver compelling and persuasive narratives that engage diverse audiences.
• Client Orientated: Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external clients. Delivers high-quality programs and services with a customer-first mindset.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily a sedentary role, with tasks typically performed while sitting or occasionally standing.
• Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment, as well as tools and controls
• Ability to walk or stand, balance, stoop, crouch or crawl, and climb stairs
• Ability to operate a company motor vehicle
• Occasionally lift or move 35lbs
• Tasks demand visual focus for reading and working on screens.
• This position frequently communicates via phone and video conferencing, with in-person interactions as applicable.

Work Environment

• Hybrid position with the ability to work from home or another suitable location with reliable internet access. When in-office, expect a moderate noise level.
• Must have the ability to work independently while staying engaged with the team through virtual communication tools such as email, chat, and video conferencing.
• Requires a quiet and professional workspace for virtual meetings and collaboration.
• Typical schedule of 8-5 in Central Time zone. Flex hours may be available depending on role and team requirements.
• Travel required, including local and out-of-state travel with occasional overnight stays.

Slipstream is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We center community in everything we do and strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status or characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.

Slipstream will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on Slipstream, or if it would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be mitigated. Questions or accommodation requests should be directed to Human Resources.

Please note that Slipstream will only contact candidates via the Paycom portal. We will never ask a candidate for payment of any kind as part of the hiring or onboarding process or send payment to any candidate prior to completing the hiring and onboarding process.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.

Family & Medical Leave Act Equal Employment Opportunity Employee Polygraph Protection