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Program Administrators
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
About the Minnesota Department of Commerce
Commerce protects the public interest through a broad range of regulations and programs. We oversee more than 40 industry areas in Minnesota and license about 250,000 professionals and businesses to ensure that their services and products are fair, accessible and comply with state laws.
- Work with collaborative, mission-driven colleagues in a team-based, innovative environment;
- Ensure under-resourced households receive the benefits of the clean energy economy;
- Enjoy a culture that promotes work-life balance and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
About the Division of Energy Resources
We advocate on behalf of the public interest in regulated-utility matters; conduct environmental review of proposed energy facilities; oversee utility energy conservation programs; and administer the federal Weatherization Assistance Program and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:
- 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
- 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
- 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
- 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:
- Public pension plan
- Training and professional development
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 11 paid holidays each year
- Paid parental leave
- Low-cost medical and dental coverage
- Prescription drug coverage
- Vision coverage
- Wellness programs and resources
- Employer paid life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Health care spending and savings accounts
- Dependent care spending account
- Tax-deferred compensation
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.
- Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,002 / annually
- Classified Status: Unclassified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- End Date: Appointment is up to 2 years
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Limited
- Working Title: Program Administrators
- Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Commerce Dept
- Division/Unit: Energy Resources / Multiple Units
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10% of the time
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes (up to 10%)
Job Summary
Filling up to eight program administrator positions with this posting. These are Temporary Unclassified positions anticipated to last up to 2 years.
Hybrid work environment with potential for significant telework.
In the 2023 session, the Minnesota Legislature established several new energy programs designed to reduce economic barriers and to promote climate change resilience.
Energy Program Administrator responsibilities include:
- Design, develop, implement, and manage energy programs.
- Lead program coordination between various Commerce units and external partners.
- Facilitate communication, provide technical assistance, research and develop information related to successful program administration.
- Serves as the face of the program with partner organizations, utilities, industry representatives and organizations, and the public.
- Promote and explain the program to a variety of interested stakeholders.
Programs include:
- Electric Vehicle Rebates: The Legislature established several new electric vehicle (EV) rebate programs to complement rebates available through the Inflation Reduction Act and spur EV adoption. EV Rebates are now available for Minnesota resident/business/non-profit vehicle registered in MN, purchased after 05/25/2023. In addition to rebates for vehicles, the Legislature also established a rebate program to help fund the training Auto Dealers must have to sell EVs.
- Residential Electric Panel Upgrade Grants: For owners of single-family residences and multifamily buildings to prepare them for full electrification.
- Residential Heat Pump Rebates: A new residential heat pump rebate program to supplement rebates available through the Inflation Reduction Act. Rebates are available to households with total annual income less than 150% of the median income of the area in which the household resides.
- Solar on Public Buildings: Building upon the successful Solar for Schools program, this program is designed to provide grants to stimulate¿ the installation of solar energy generating systems on public buildings in Xcel Energy territory.
- Strengthen Minnesota Homes: A new pre-disaster mitigation program to help Minnesotans upgrade their roofs to make them more resistant to high wind, hail, and other extreme weather events.
- Emerging and Renewable Energy Technology: The Legislature established an energy storage grant program. The bulk of this position will be to set up and administer this On-Site Energy Storage Grant program for eligible applicants outside of Xcel Energy territory. In addition, the Legislature established a series of related emerging-technology and renewable energy-focused studies.
- State Utility Grants: The Legislature established a Distributed Energy Resources System Upgrades fund and an electric grid resilience grants fund. The Distributed Energy Resource System upgrade funds are intended to pay for reasonable costs of distribution upgrades within Xcel Energy territory. The Electric Grid Resilience Grants are geared toward consumer-owned utility-led projects that increase the resilience of the electric grid. Preferred Qualification: Experience working with utilities.
- Federal Utility Grants: In 2023, Minnesota was awarded nearly $12 million as part of the Federal Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program. The goal of this funding is to assist eligible entities to maintain or increase their energy resilience by reducing the likelihood and consequences of power outages within their utility territory and/or community. Preferred Qualification: Experience working with utilities.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor degree, AND three (3) years' professional experience working in public program administration, education, energy programs, environmental justice, or a related field.
OR
Advanced degree, AND two (2) years' professional experience working in public program administration, education, energy programs, environmental justice, or a related field.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Applicants who meet the above education/experience requirement will be further evaluated based on the following:
- Communication skills sufficient to relate complex program objectives to a wide range of individuals.
- Organizational skills sufficient to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and coordinate resources effectively.
- Knowledge of public policy principles sufficient to oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of public programs.
- Experience in building networks within historically marginalized communities, connecting individuals with resources and opportunities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in social science, public administration, public policy, education, or a related field.
- Project management experience or certificate.
- Interest in or experience with energy programs.
- Bilingual in Hmong, Somali, Spanish, or Vietnamese.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes and laptop computer.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
Job offer is contingent upon passing reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.
- Job ID: 69421
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of the posting page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about the position, contact Jody Northouse at [email protected] or 651-539-1504.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jody Northouse at [email protected].
