Senior Program Officer, Energy

Organization
Builders Vision
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Where to Apply
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4243860465/
Tags
Full-time

Builders Vision (BV) is seeking a Senior Program Officer to join our exciting, dynamic, and growing organization and lead our Energy philanthropic program. Reporting to the President of the Philanthropy team, you will help finalize the program strategy for approval and then shepherd the program in subsequent years. You will be responsible for advancing the strategic and operational priorities of the Energy program, in alignment with cross-BV Energy priorities. We believe that philanthropy can be a significant enabler for market development, and you will help steward resources towards that end. You will not only be accountable for managing the performance of the Energy grantee partners, but you will lead the development of new initiatives, collaborate closely with investment and operations colleagues across Builders Vision, report out to leadership, and much more.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and lead a new program at BV, build out an exciting portfolio of Energy partnerships, provide thought-leadership external to BV, and build a lean team over time.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Finalize a clear strategy for the new BV philanthropic Energy program area, including the creation of artifacts, such as a theory of change, strategic framework, learning agenda, among others
  • Develop and refine the Energy program in an ongoing manner to meet operational and strategic goals. Responsible for meeting budget goals and other identified key results. Responsible for providing strategy updates to leadership on an ongoing basis.
  • Represent philanthropy in cross-BV Energy discussions and help shape organization-wide strategic plans
  • Participate in program or investment initiatives that cut across Builders Vision. Investment experience may be focused on developing PRI’s or concessionary/blended capital structures, that have a high social outcome and financial return potential. May participate in Energy investment committee meetings
  • Manage the Energy grant proposal process: evaluate proposals, conduct due diligence on potential partners, make recommendations, grant processing, in-grant management, close-out and reporting
  • Work with key partners and stakeholders to support grantees’ capacity building through training, networking, and collaboration
  • Build out a lean Energy program team and then manage teammate(s)
  • Partner with the Impact Measurement and Management team to identify key lessons learned and apply the learnings to strengthen the strategy and future grantmaking
  • Partner with the Communications team to accurately and appropriately share the Energy program story and use the Communications tool to advance the area’s goals
  • Represent BV in relevant outside forums and networks
  • Liaise with teams across BV to foster cross-team collaboration and learning
  • Engage in cross-office learning opportunities, taking the lead when the topic allows
  • Pursue continuous professional development to enhance leadership, strategic counsel, and the ability to strengthen the firm’s reputation through impactful communications

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the associate in this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve or change over time.

 

ABOUT BUILDERS VISION

Builders Vision is a team of investors and philanthropists that deploys flexible capital and pursues innovative solutions to expedite the transition of the Oceans, Food and Agriculture, and Energy sectors.

We aim to build stronger, more resilient systems within these three sectors while remaining nimble and innovating within emerging solutions and community initiatives. Our coordinated solutions span market development, incentivizing innovation, and delivering market-rate investments. We help investors, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and frontline changemakers access the resources, insights, and expertise they need to succeed.

Notable accomplishments include helping mitigate, sequester, or avoid over 4 million metric tons of CO2e, generating 42,000 jobs, and supporting the development of more than 170 sustainable products, technologies, or solutions.

 

WHO WE ARE

With more than 80 people driving our work forward, our teams include diverse and impassioned experts across investment, philanthropy, strategic communications, legal, and general operations.

Builders Vision’s commitment to people and the planet is rooted in our workplace and culture.

  • We have best-in-class total rewards and benefits programs, including competitive compensation, a generous 401k program, and an industry-leading long-term incentive program that rewards our team for their performance, financial returns, and the impact we achieve in the world.
  • We also offer generous health, wellness, employee training and development opportunities, and charitable match programs.
  • We know how to have fun! We host enriching and inclusive team events and retreats to help our staff feel connected to nature, each other, and our mission.
  • We were named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023 and voted one of Chicago’s Best Places to Work by Crain’s Chicago Business in both 2023 and 2024.
  • The company headquarters, located in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop, achieved Gold-level certifications from both the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the International WELL Building Institute.

A long-term and deep commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is core to our mission and values. We recognize that a diverse workforce drives innovation, enhances collaboration, and strengthens the leadership needed to achieve meaningful impact and financial returns. That’s why we are dedicated to proactively recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent from a broad and dynamic candidate pool. It’s with these goals in mind that we aspire for our team to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 7-10+ years in the energy or climate tech industry with direct grantmaking experience preferred
  • Experience in and knowledge about industrial decarbonization or hard to abate sectors preferred
  • Experience with a/or deep appreciation for private sector and its critical role in the clean energy transition
  • Well-established relationships with energy sector stakeholders, including philanthropy, thought-leaders, utilities, companies, investors, government
  • Ability to manage and lead complex projects
  • Developing reputation as a thought-leader within the Energy field
  • Experience identifying, gathering and reporting on impact metrics
  • Energetic self-starter and problem solver, able to keep projects on track and adapt when necessary.
  • Strong presentation and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
  • Analytical thinker with the ability to quickly grasp complex industries and business concepts.
  • Keen attention to detail
  • Bachelor’s and advanced degree, or equivalent professional experience

 

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES THAT SUPPORT YOUR SUCCESS

  • You are a caring and conscientious team player who develops strong relationships and loves to collaborate; You adapt your behaviors to work effectively with a range of people and situations
  • You bring positive energy to your work and workplace; you care to show up as your authentic self and measure your personal success as the success of those around you.
  • You are results and detail oriented and take pride in striving for excellence; you design and execute with the “why” and what success looks like in mind; you also understand when “perfect” can be the enemy of “good enough”
  • A lifelong learner, you are inquisitive and like to solve problems with bold thinking and innovation; you view “feedback” as an opportunity for growth
  • You display flexibility and openness in daily work and encourage others to stay open to change and improvement; You accept and readily adapt to changing priorities, new ideas, strategies and methods.

 

COMPENSATION

There are several factors taken into consideration in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; specific job-related experience and training; job location, licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Builders Vision, we apply a total rewards philosophy where all aspects of compensation and benefits are taken into consideration in determining compensation terms. Expected annual base salary range for this role is $207,000-$248,000 plus this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary long-term incentive award, and benefits.

Builders Vision is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply, including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable laws and regulations.

 

HOW TO APPLY

As of 6/11/2025, BV was actively reviewing applicants. Confirm applications are being accepted, and click on the Apply button found on: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4243860465/