Program Compliance Manager (Chicago)

ABOUT EQUITY SOLAR ILLINOIS (ESI)

Equity Solar Illinois (ESI) is a mission-driven clean energy company focused on expanding access to community solar across Illinois. ESI partners with leading solar and storage developers and other stakeholders to deliver projects under a state program called the Adjustable Block Program (known as Illinois Shines). Equity Solar Illinois is an Approved Vendor in this state program and certified as an Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC).

The Illinois Shines program is a state-administered initiative that incentivizes distributed and community solar development through Renewable Energy Credit (REC) contracts, with a focus on expanding access to clean energy and supporting underserved communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Program Compliance Manager ensures that ESI maintains compliance with all applicable program requirements. This role serves as a critical bridge between ESI, its development partners, program administrators, and utility staff – ensuring projects are successfully submitted, maintained, and reported in accordance with evolving regulatory standards.

Prior experience with this particular program is not required. The ideal candidate is someone who can learn the details of a state-administered program and take on a lead role in the analysis and management of program compliance. ESI is already successfully participating in this program, and there will be a thorough training period to get the new employee up to speed. This role offers a high degree of flexibility but is expected to be in-office in Chicago approximately three days per week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Maintain deep expertise in Illinois Shines program rules, contract provisions, and other regulations
• Monitor program guidelines and policy changes
• Ensure ESI and all ESI-supported projects remain compliant throughout their lifecycle (application, approval, operations)
• Track program capacity, application windows, waitlists, and more

Developer & Partner Interface

• Facilitate the execution of service agreements with development partners
• Serve as the primary compliance point of contact for project development partners
• Review project documentation packages for completeness and compliance prior to submission
• Coordinate with project development partners on timelines, milestones, and issue resolution related to program participation

Reporting & Filings

• Submit project applications to the program administrator and respond to any requests for additional information
• Prepare and submit all required annual reports and renewals for ESI’s state vendor status to the program administrator
• Create new LLCs and facilitate the transfer of project contracts in the program portal
• Track and report on project portfolio performance
• Maintain organized records of program submissions, approvals, and communications

Business & Executive Reporting

• Develop regular reports and dashboards for company leadership on:
• Project pipeline and status
• Compliance risks and mitigation strategies
• Financial and operational performance of projects in the program
• Develop schedules and trackers, internal compliance checklists, SOPs, and training materials
• Present insights and recommendations to ESI ownership

Industry Engagement & Representation

• Periodically represent ESI at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings
• Build relationships with program administrators, industry groups, and policymakers
• Coordinate on community engagement and equity impact tracking
• Monitor market trends in Illinois community solar and equity-focused energy programs

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 4+ years of experience in energy, regulatory compliance, public policy, or similar
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, comfortable working with regulators, utility staff, and more
• Self-starter with excellent organizational and project management skills
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
• Comfortable with spreadsheets and financial tracking and reporting
• Proactive problem-solving and risk identification
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving policy environment
• Basic understanding of regulatory frameworks and ability to comprehend complex program rules
• Experience coordinating with external partners or clients

Preferred

• Familiarity with solar or storage project development
• Direct experience with Illinois Shines or similar state incentive programs
• Experience with compliance reporting, audits, or regulatory filings
• Background in Illinois energy markets or policy

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional travel within Illinois for project meetings, site visits, and industry events

WHY JOIN ESI

• Be part of a mission-driven organization advancing equitable access to clean energy
• Make a big difference on a small team and report directly to ownership
• Shape compliance strategy in a rapidly growing market