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Program Officer Sustainable Homes

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association • United States • Added on Jul 31, 2026
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This role manages a suite of high-impact decarbonization programs focused on transforming affordable housing across Massachusetts. You will oversee multi-million dollar grant funds, coordinate technical assistance for solar installations, and facilitate the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Your work ensures building owners have the resources to navigate the transition toward renewable energy and efficient building systems.

The position bridges environmental policy and social equity by bringing green technology to underinvested communities. By advocating for better regulatory solutions and building capacity among housing providers, you directly combat the energy burden faced by low-income residents. It is a rare opportunity to merge climate action with community development on a statewide scale.

This suits someone who possesses a strong foundation in green building strategies and thrives on managing complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships. You should be a detail-oriented strategist comfortable navigating both financial reporting and grassroots community engagement to achieve tangible results.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is the management of the Climate Ready Housing Program, a $16M annual fund for building decarbonization. This involves updating application materials, scoring proposals, and drafting recommendation memos for state-level partners. You will also oversee specialized initiatives like the STAR Solar Program and EV infrastructure projects. This requires ensuring technical programs reach affordable housing partners effectively, managing the flow of capital and expertise. Additionally, you serve as a knowledge hub for the sector by maintaining a Decarbonization Hub resource center. This involves research, trend analysis, and providing one-on-one support to housing organizations navigating green financing.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in the Massachusetts building decarbonization ecosystem, working closely with state agencies like MassHousing and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. The role provides exposure to cutting-edge building science through partnerships with specialized energy firms. You will develop a sophisticated understanding of how policy influences real-world retrofit projects and gain skills in legislative advocacy. Furthermore, you will hone your skills in cohort facilitation and peer-learning management. Leading an Energy Cohort offers a unique opportunity to understand the diverse operational challenges faced by affordable housing practitioners.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings at least five years of experience at the intersection of sustainability and community development. A Bachelor’s degree is required, though a Master’s degree in urban planning or public policy is preferred. Technical knowledge of green building standards and renewable energy systems is essential, as is a proven track record in grant writing and outcomes-based reporting. You must be comfortable analyzing financial data to identify program improvements. Soft skills are critical; the role requires a dynamic communicator who can build trust with diverse populations, from government officials to community members. A commitment to social equity is a non-negotiable attribute.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Highlight your analytical and administrative capabilities alongside your passion for social impact. Specifically, mention instances where you have managed complex budgets or multi-partner projects that yielded environmental results. Research the specific Massachusetts programs mentioned, such as the Climate Ready Housing Program, and demonstrate how your experience aligns with the technical assistance needs of building owners. Showing an understanding of split incentives or financing gaps in low-income housing is key. Alignment with LISC's values of community-led development is vital. Be prepared to discuss how you balance technical energy efficiency requirements with the goal of strengthening underinvested neighborhoods.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses on the decarbonization of the built environment, which is a major pillar of regional climate goals. You will be at the forefront of efforts to reduce emissions in residential buildings through electrification. There is a strong social sustainability component. By focusing on affordable housing, the role ensures the green transition is equitable, addressing issues like air quality and resident health in marginalized areas. Governance and transparent reporting are also key. Managing public funds and philanthropic investments requires ensuring resources are allocated effectively and their impact is measured accurately.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One challenge is navigating the fragmented landscape of funding. Coordinating between state agencies and private funders while keeping the process accessible for housing owners requires patience and political savvy. You may also face technical hurdles related to aging infrastructure. Many buildings require significant pre-development work or structural remediation before they can support modern renewable energy systems, leading to budgetary constraints. Balancing policy advocacy with day-to-day administration is another challenge. You must keep programs running smoothly while finding time to advocate for the systemic changes needed to make decarbonization more scalable.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical morning might involve a coordination call with the administrative team to review grant applications and scoring progress for building decarbonization funds. You might then shift to a meeting with technical partners to troubleshoot a solar installation project. Afternoons are often dedicated to preparing memos or updating resource hubs with new federal tax credit information. The day often concludes with stakeholder engagement, responding to inquiries from housing developers or organizing a roundtable for a peer-learning energy cohort.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This role offers significant visibility within climate policy circles. Working with state agencies puts you in a prime position for future leadership roles in government or sustainability consulting. There is substantial room for skill expansion in specialized areas such as climate finance, EV planning, and solar development. As environmental initiatives expand, you may design and lead entirely new programs. The position also offers a path toward senior advocacy roles. Mastering the intersection of housing and energy policy allows you to transition into roles shaping the legislative frameworks of the future.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact heavily with public agency partners who provide the funding and regulatory framework for your programs. Managing these relationships is critical for program success. External technical providers and consultants are your primary partners in project delivery. You will work closely with them to ensure that housing owners receive high-quality technical assistance. Finally, the affordable housing community—including developers and non-profit owners—is your primary constituent. Building trust with these stakeholders ensures programs are grounded in community needs.

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