BPA Utility Program Director

About This Opportunity

Join Cascade Energy as our Director of the BPA Energy Smart Industrial Program (ESI) and lead one of the most impactful industrial energy efficiency programs in the region. You’ll guide the strategy and day-to-day operations of a program that helps utility customers save energy, reduce emissions, and strengthen industrial performance. You’ll work with BPA, public utilities, technical experts, and regional partners to advance a shared vision for a thriving, energy‑efficient industrial sector.

If you’re motivated by building teams, improving systems, and turning complex technical challenges into measurable results – this role gives you the scope, mission, and collaboration you’ve been looking for.

• Lead and support cross functional ESI teams – creating clarity, accountability, and a culture of trust, learning, and recognition.
• Ensure high quality, on time, compliant delivery of program services – from onboarding new initiatives to verifying savings and meeting BPA reporting requirements.
• Strengthen key partnerships with BPA and regional organizations and others working to advance industrial energy efficiency.
• Manage program operations, budgets, margins, and performance metrics – ensuring financial health, operational excellence, and contract compliance.
• Champion continuous improvement – guiding teams in refining processes, elevating technical quality, and finding smarter ways to deliver value.
• Support development of new industrial energy efficiency measures – collaborating with technical experts, BPA staff, and SMEs to advance new opportunities for savings.
• Work with a diverse, talented, and fun team – sharing wins, supporting each other, and finding enjoyment and meaning in the work we do.

This is a full‑time, exempt position located in Portland, Oregon (preferred), Seattle/Walla Walla, Washington, or Boise, Idaho. Occasional travel (10‑20%) is anticipated for this role.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial), Business Administration, or a related technical or operational field; an advanced degree is preferred but not required.
• 10+ years of experience leading program operations, energy efficiency delivery, industrial consulting, or technical services – ideally within utility, industrial, or regional energy efficiency environments.
• Significant experience working in industrial settings and with industrial clients, with a strong understanding of industrial processes, facility systems, customer needs, and the dynamics of utility and regional energy programs.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, operational leadership, and energy efficiency program delivery, with a proven ability to guide teams executing complex technical and programmatic services.
• Strong background in staff leadership and people development—coaching, mentoring, and performance management—with a track record of fostering high‑engagement team culture, psychological safety, and cross‑team collaboration aligned with organizational values.
• Knowledge of regional energy efficiency organizations and stakeholders, including utilities, BPA, NEEA, NW SEM Collaborative, and technical or industry associations, is strongly preferred.

The full salary range for this full‑time, exempt position in Portland, Oregon is $144,375 (min) – $180,495 (mid) – $216,615 (max). Washington and Idaho will be adjusted based on geographic location. At Cascade, transparency and fairness are core to how we work. We post the full salary range for every role because we value clarity and equity. Our offers are thoughtfully determined based on factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and internal equity, to ensure fairness.

We aim to ensure consistency and integrity in every decision.

Our total rewards include competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and financial security. We provide health, dental, and vision coverage, along with flexible spending and health savings account options that include employer contributions. Additional benefits include life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability coverage,…