CEJA Program Lead

About the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program (“Contractor Incubator Program”): In 2021, the State of Illinois passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA),which included provisions to provide eligible contractors with access to low-cost capital, support for obtaining insurance, assistance with registering to become vendors and connections with firms hiring contractors and subcontractors, etc. Participating contractors from the Southwest and West sides of Chicago will receive training, mentoring and support to build their businesses, connect to projects, compete for capital, and execute clean energy-related project installations and subcontracts., The CEJA Incubator Program Lead is responsible for leading the successful implementation and continuous improvement of the CEJA Contractor Incubator Program. This role oversees program operations, staff, partnerships, compliance, participant success, and grant performance while helping equity-eligible construction and professional services businesses build the capacity to compete in Illinois’ growing clean energy economy.

The Program Lead serves as the primary operational leader for the program and works closely with the Programs Director to ensure program goals, grant deliverables, and participant outcomes are achieved.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by the CEJA Incubator Program Lead. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Program Leadership and Operations

• Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the CEJA Contractor Incubator Program to ensure successful achievement of program goals, grant deliverables, and participant outcomes.
• Develop and manage the program operating plan, including timelines, milestones, training schedules, participant engagement strategies, and contract compliance activities.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the program, ensuring effective coordination across all program components and timely resolution of operational challenges.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen program effectiveness and recommend process improvements that enhance participant success and operational efficiency.

Participant Recruitment and Success

• Lead outreach, recruitment, selection, and onboarding of eligible participants from CEJA-designated R3 and Environmental Justice communities in accordance with CEJA and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) eligibility requirements.
• Assess participant needs, identify barriers to program completion, and coordinate appropriate resources and support to promote retention, successful completion, and business growth.
• Foster strong relationships with participants through ongoing communication, coaching, and follow-up to ensure continued engagement and long-term success.

Training and Capacity Building

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of grant-approved training programs, including cohort-based learning, webinars, workshops, and in-person sessions covering business operations, construction industry practices, technical skills, access to capital, procurement, and business development.
• Collaborate with the Programs Director and CEJA team to identify, engage, and manage qualified subject matter experts, trainers, and facilitators to deliver high-quality learning experiences.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and participant feedback to continuously improve curriculum, delivery methods, and program outcomes.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with contractors, industry partners, community organizations, government agencies, training providers, lenders, and other stakeholders that support participant success and expand opportunities within Illinois’ clean energy economy.
• Represent the organization at meetings, industry events, and community engagements to promote the CEJA Incubator Program and strengthen strategic partnerships.
• Manage contracts, scopes of work, and ongoing relationships with partner organizations, consultants, and training providers to ensure quality performance and compliance with contractual expectations.

Grant Compliance, Budget, and Data Management

• Partner with the Programs Director to develop and manage the program budget, monitor expenditures, and ensure responsible stewardship of grant funds.
• Ensure compliance with all CEJA and DCEO grant requirements, including participant eligibility, program documentation, performance metrics, reporting, deliverables, and partnership requirements.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely participant and program data, ensuring the integrity of records used for grant reporting and organizational decision-making.
• Monitor program performance using established metrics and prepare reports that communicate program progress, outcomes, and areas for improvement.

Staff Leadership and Collaboration

• Recruit, onboard, supervise, and support program staff, providing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development to foster a high-performing team.
• Delegate responsibilities appropriately while maintaining accountability for program performance and deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with the Programs Director, Business Capacity Manager, Workforce Program Manager, Membership team, and other internal staff and HACIA members to align services and maximize participant outcomes across organizational programs.

Strategic Growth and Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed of emerging trends, funding opportunities, resources, and best practices within the clean energy, construction, workforce development, and small business ecosystems.
• Develop and implement strategies that increase participant access to capital, contracting opportunities, technical assistance, and industry networks.
• Identify risks, recommend solutions, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen program quality, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities

• Actively promote HACIA’s mission, programs, and services to potential members, stakeholders, partners, and the broader community
• Participate in HACIA events including annual events, membership meetings, and industry-related events, as required
• Stay informed of construction industry trends, policy developments, and barriers to entry for small and diverse construction businesses
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Senior Director of Strategy and External Affairs, or Programs Director, The above job description is intended to describe the general nature of the position and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of duties, skills, and standards required for the position. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed or as assigned by their supervisor.

To perform successfully in this role, an individual should demonstrate the following:

Project Management

Plans, organizes, and manages multiple projects simultaneously. Develops and monitors project plans, coordinates resources, communicates progress and changes effectively, and ensures projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.

Communication

Demonstrates strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Actively listens, conveys information clearly to diverse audiences, keeps stakeholders informed, and selects appropriate communication methods to support collaboration and program success.

Achievement Focus

Demonstrates initiative, persistence, and accountability in achieving goals. Identifies opportunities for improvement, overcomes obstacles, takes appropriate risks, and consistently delivers high-quality results.

Job Knowledge

Maintains a strong understanding of program operations, grant requirements, and industry best practices. Continuously develops professional knowledge, applies new skills effectively, works independently, and utilizes available resources to achieve desired outcomes.

Strategic Thinking

Evaluates challenges and opportunities with a long-term perspective. Analyzes trends, anticipates changing conditions, develops strategies that support organizational goals, and adapts plans as needed to achieve successful outcomes.

Problem Solving

Identifies issues proactively, gathers and analyzes relevant information, develops practical solutions, exercises sound judgment, and resolves problems in a timely and collaborative manner.

Teamwork

Builds positive working relationships across teams and with external partners. Contributes to a collaborative work environment, values diverse perspectives, shares knowledge, provides and receives constructive feedback, and prioritizes team and organizational success., To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions., * Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Environmental or Sustainability Studies; or 2-4 years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible professional experience.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience with the Green Construction Sector, with relationships within the industry already established. Connections made in the Illinois clean energy ecosystem are preferred.

• At least 1 year experience managing staff.

Language Ability

Demonstrate strong written, verbal, and presentation skills. Read, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, grant requirements, and other program-related documents. Prepare clear reports, correspondence, and other business communications. Communicate effectively with participants, staff, partners, and stakeholders in both individual and group settings.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to analyze complex information, exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing demands, and make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment. Ability to identify problems, develop practical solutions, and adapt to changing program needs while maintaining compliance with organizational and grant requirements.

Computer Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to learn and effectively use new technology systems as needed.

Pulled from the full job description 401(k) Health insurance 401(k) matching Paid time off Vision insurance Dental insurance Paid holidays

Full job description

Department: Programs

Reports To: Programs Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $80,000-$89,000

About HACIA

Founded in 1979, HACIA is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to advancing equity, access, and opportunity in the construction industry. Through advocacy, training, and member services, we support over 300 minority, women, veteran, and disadvantaged businesses (M/W/V/DBE), as well as individuals pursuing careers in construction and professional services.

Our mission is to ensure equitable participation and promote inclusive, high-quality, and ethical business practices across the industry., * 401(k) with Employer Match

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holidays, Personal Days)

• Medical Insurance and Flexible Spending Plan

• Dental and Vision Insurance

• Paid Parking

• Hybrid Work Schedule Available, * 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off