Description

Slipstream creates, tests, implements, and scales the next generation of solutions that move us farther, faster toward a clean energy economy. You are the key to the success of our organization by demonstrating our values, engaging in our mission, and creating results that will produce enduring economic and environmental benefits for all. 

We partner with governments, philanthropies, and utilities to discover, test, and scale new solutions that save - and decarbonize - energy. We collaborate with communities of color, rural communities, and Tribal Nations to address historic inequities in the health and economic benefits of clean energy. We're optimistic, ambitious about our impact, and on a journey to become increasingly inclusive and equitable in our work. 

The Chief Program Officer is an executive level strategic role overseeing program operations, training and technical services, new program/service development and research initiatives that affect Slipstream’s ability to achieve its mission of accelerating climate solutions for everyone. As a member of the Slipstream C-suite, this officer will join a collegial leadership team with a service leadership culture who will contribute to the overall success of Slipstream as a purpose driven organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise five major program areas and their respective vice presidents, directors, and managing directors; mentor senior staff to enhance their skills and motivation. Provide guidance on operational and performance issues.
• Ensure the successful cross functional collaboration of the five major program areas.
• Identify, develop, and implement operational systems and staffing decisions to support successful delivery of the strategic mission and plan.
• Translate the strategic plan and vision into goal-driven work projects to achieve stated goals.
• Function as a strategic business partner with the executive team regarding key organizational and management issues.
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer to budget and monitor program and research operations for effective fiscal and system management.
• Ensure programs and research initiatives meet their qualitative and quantitative goals. Facilitate the coordination and delivery of research initiatives and programs, ensuring integration and meeting the expectations of funders and stakeholders.
• Analyze data to guide programmatic and operational decisions. Use Salesforce and related systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and team collaboration.
• Develop staffing plans to achieve departmental goals and participate in hiring decisions.
• Collaborate with key leaders to create an assessment protocol for evaluating program feasibility and sustainability, aiming for more effective service delivery.
• Work with the Chief Advancement Officer to respond to RFPs and RFAs, coordinating with development and senior staff to design model programs.
• Monitor emerging needs among stakeholders and provide insights to the C-Suite for strategic decision-making.
• Coordinate with the CEO, Chief Advancement Officer, and senior staff to develop and pilot new program ideas, integrating successful pilots into existing programs.
• Guide and coach directors and managers in proactive planning to enhance program management and accountability.
• Allocate resources effectively toward organizational goals, balance staff workload, and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Support the CEO in fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive organizational culture that encourages professional and personal growth.
• Review and suggest improvements to Slipstream’s organizational design and delivery mechanisms.
• Maintain industry visibility, representing Slipstream at national conferences, platforms and with client groups.
• Develop a strong working partnership with the Slipstream Board to include preparing reports to assure compliance with the policies which govern Slipstream’s work.
• Prepare and steward the budget for all program operations and research.
• Participate in the Go/No prioritization process Committee.
• Represent Slipstream and Slipstream CEO on relevant committees and task forces, as well as at speaking engagements, conference panels and trainings.
• Other duties as assigned by the CEO or determined by the collective C-suite as an area of responsibility.

Qualifications

• Seasoned senior leader with deep experience in the climate solution space and senior management operations and program experience.
• Expertise in current science and technologies at the intersection of buildings and climate change is highly desirable.
• Exhibits a collaborative and strategic coaching management and mentoring leadership style, which prioritizes empowering others.
• Demonstrated excellent communication capacities: including active listening, clarity of expectations, ability to delegate, facilitation skills, enabling authentic dialogue and productive, inclusive meetings, platform and public speaking skills, as well as skill at addressing and enabling healthy resolution of conflicts.
• Proven ability to generate trust and operate with honesty, integrity, and compassion.
• Extensive program and project management experience.
• Ability to act as a liaison between the Executive team, department heads and employees of the program operations & research teams.
• A high level of emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, the ability to motivate, inspire, and develop others as well as a commitment to service leadership
• People management and business acumen skills and knowledge.
• Financial budget planning experience necessary.
• Ability to keep a pulse on industry trends and business.
• Desirable values include respect for others, equity and inclusion, commitment to lifelong learning for self and others, openness to change and continuous improvement, an abundance mindset, able to meet tough challenges with resilience and hope.
• A leader who has the ability to network and build collegial relationships with a variety of Slipstream stakeholders, including funders, Slipstream Board of Directors, clients, professional organizations, staff, community-based organizations – to raise awareness and help procure resources that enable Slipstream to achieve its mission.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university; MBA or MA/MS in a related field preferred.
• 7 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience in program management, including 5 years in a senior management role. A minimum of 15 years of program operations experience, with at least 3 years of experience in a nonprofit business preferred