Senior Partnership Manager- Utilities

Slipstream is a nonprofit organization with staff working together to accelerate climate solutions for everyone. Headquarters are in Madison, WI with an office in Chicago, IL and remote staff in 20 states.

About the role

The Senior Partnership Manager, Utilities is responsible for developing, managing, and expanding Slipstream's strategic relationships with electric and gas utilities, state energy offices, and other key energy-sector stakeholders. This senior-level role requires a strong understanding of the utility industry and a well-established network of utility decision-makers, regulators, program administrators, and industry partners. The Senior Partnership Manager will leverage these relationships and market expertise to identify new business opportunities, shape utility-focused energy efficiency and decarbonization strategies, support proposal development, and drive growth in Slipstream's utility partnerships.

By working closely with internal teams—including Utility Program Administration, Research & Innovation, Workforce Development, Financing, Policy, Proposals, and Partnership Development—the Senior Partnership Manager ensures that Slipstream’s utility relationships are strong, informed, and aligned with organizational capabilities. The role helps translate technical expertise into compelling program concepts, identifies opportunities for new utility initiatives, and stewards partnerships that support Slipstream’s mission to accelerate climate solutions.

Responsibilities

• Utility Partnership Development
  • Own and grow a portfolio of utility and energy-sector partnerships; build new relationships and deepen existing ones.
  • Identify opportunities for new or expanded utility programs, pilots, and services.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact to utility partners, ensuring a high-quality partner experience.
  • Attend utility conferences, regulatory forums, and industry events to represent Slipstream and maintain market visibility.
  • Support internal leadership with strategic partner engagement planning.
• Program & Service Development
  • Lead or support internal ideation sessions to identify innovative solutions that meet utility partner needs.
  • Translate partner priorities, regulatory requirements, and market trends into actionable project or program concepts.
  • Support development of scopes, budgets, and project plans for proposed utility initiatives.
  • Assist in development of new service offerings, including emerging technology pilots and decarbonization programs.
• Proposal & Grant Development
  • Support proposal development and RFP responses for utility-funded programs and research.
  • Collaborate with utility program implementation, research and innovation, and policy teams to ensure high-quality proposals aligned with Slipstream’s strategy.
  • Contribute to data gathering, partner insights, and narrative development for winning proposals.
  • Track partner pipeline, activities, and outcomes; share insights internally to guide strategy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with research and innovation, utility program implementation, and policy teams to ensure cohesive delivery of utility-focused work.
  • Assist project managers in aligning project deliverables with utility partner expectations.
  • Provide internal staff with insights into utility market trends, partner feedback, and regulatory landscapes.
• Market Intelligence & Industry Engagement
  • Monitor changes in the utility sector, including regulatory developments, funding opportunities, and technology trends.
  • Cultivate and leverage relationships with key decision-makers, funders, policymakers, philanthropic partners, and industry leaders to strengthen organizational visibility, advance strategic opportunities, and secure resources and partnerships that support mission-driven growth and impact.
  • Present program results, market insights, or research findings at regional or national events.
• Other Duties
  • Actively participate in internal workgroups.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience in utility partnerships, energy-sector project management, program design, or related fields.
• Experience working with utilities, energy offices, or energy program implementers preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, and Asana.
• Experience with proposal writing, RFP responses, and business development.
• Experience with budget and contract management.

Skills

• Strong relationship-building and partner management skills.
• Ability to translate utility needs into program concepts and actionable strategies.
• Strong verbal and written communication, including proposal writing.
• Proven project management experience.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively across teams.
• Familiarity with research plans, pilot design, and program analytics.

Physical Demands

• Primarily a sedentary role, with tasks typically performed while sitting or occasionally standing.
• Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment.
• Tasks demand visual focus for reading, design work, and working on screens.
• Ability to distinguish between colors is essential for visual and brand design.
• This position frequently communicates via phone and video conferencing, with in-person interactions as applicable.

Work Environment

• Flexible hybrid role based in the Chicago, IL area.
• Must have the ability to work independently while staying engaged with the team through virtual communication tools such as email, chat, and video conferencing.
• Requires a quiet and professional workspace for virtual meetings and collaboration.
• Expect a moderate noise level if working in Chicago office.
• Typical schedule of 9–5 in Central Time zone. Flex hours may be available depending on role and team requirements.
• Regular attendance is required for in-person meetings in the Chicago area.
• Regular travel required (approximately 20-30%), including overnight and out of state for meetings and events.