Job Description

Job Title:

Program Manager: Clean Energy Incubator Program at Innovation DuPage 

(100% IL DCEO grant funded) 

Summary:

The College of DuPage has secured a three-year grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to administer a robust incubation program focused on clean energy and growing startups. This initiative, funded through the Clean and Equitable Jobs Act, will run through April 2028. The program will be administered by Innovation DuPage, the region's pre-eminent business incubator focused on growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout DuPage County and beyond. 

General Job Description:

The Program Manager for the Clean Energy Incubator Program at Innovation DuPage will be responsible for collaborating with the Program Director to build incubation programs and services, ensuring that clean energy businesses have access to essential resources that will help these startups scale. This role involves managing day-to-day operations, coordinating with partners, and supporting the growth and development of incubator participants. The Program Manager will work with other ID staff to make sure the program is well marketed to clean energy startups from throughout the region, will work with additional program staff on participant engagement, will support data collection initiatives, and will ensure alignment with Innovation DuPage's mission and goals. The Program Manager will support the Program Director in fulfilling all deliverables outlined by IL DCEO.

Goals: 

• Attract and recruit clean energy businesses from the region. 
• Foster strong partnerships and collaborations. 
• Provide business mentorship to incubator participants. 
• Ensure program goals and objectives are met. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Represent Innovation DuPage and the Clean Energy Incubator program externally. 
• Attract and recruit clean energy businesses. 
• Work collaboratively with partners to support program initiatives. 
• Provide business mentorship and guidance to incubator participants. 
• Develop and implement strategic plans for the incubator program. 
• Monitor and evaluate program performance and impact. 
• Prepare and present reports to stakeholders. 
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and financial regulations. 
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Education: 

• Bachelors degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: 

• 10+ years proven experience in program management and business development. 
• Strong leadership and communication skills. 
• Experience with clean energy initiatives a plus. 
• Familiarity with the entrepreneurial ecosystem in DuPage County and beyond a plus. 

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Innovation DuPage is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. 

About Innovation DuPage:

Innovation DuPage (ID) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering economic development by supporting startups and small businesses. As both a business incubator and accelerator, we connect entrepreneurs with the essential resources, expertise, and network connections needed for growth. Located in downtown Glen Ellyn, Innovation DuPage is a community built around the needs of startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Through our extensive network of partners, mentors, and investors, we have the resources and expertise needed for companies to build from the ground up. Signature programs are designed to quickly take businesses to the next level. Our work advances the entrepreneurial ecosystem, grows the regional economy, and is defined by the successes of those we serve. 

Affiliation with College of DuPage:

ID was founded by the College of DuPage, in partnership with the Village of Glen Ellyn. ID grew out of more than 40 years of economic development work through the college’s Center for Entrepreneurship (now the Business Development Center), which hosts chapters of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Apex Business Accelerator (APEX), and International Trade Center (ITC). The College of DuPage supplies operational funding, resources, and in-kind support to ID, while the Village of Glen Ellyn supports ID with 8,500 square foot office and meeting space. 

About the Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA):

The Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), signed into law by Governor Pritzker on September 15, 2021, is comprehensive energy legislation aimed at creating a cleaner and more sustainable future. It incentivizes renewable energy development, accelerates electric vehicle adoption, and expands charging station infrastructure. The Act also establishes statewide clean energy workforce training programs to prepare Illinoisans for jobs in the clean energy industry, prioritizing communities that have historically faced economic barriers and environmental damage.

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