Survey Program Manager

The Survey Program Manager leads one or more large, complex, surveys that collect energy use, and characteristics, of buildings and their installed equipment. These surveys are designed to support diverse analytical needs that include: NEEA’s market transformation activities, regional resource planning, energy efficiency measure development, electric and natural gas utility integrated resource plans (IRPs), electric and natural gas utility conservation potential assessments (CPAs), and other stakeholder objectives.   

The Survey Program Manager is responsible for planning, resourcing, and executing all aspects of the surveys including identifying study objectives, developing sample design priorities, ensuring robust recruitment and data collection strategies, managing the development of survey instrument(s), and developing final data and reporting deliverables. The Survey Program Manager leads workgroups composed of funders and internal and external stakeholders who provide expertise and priorities. 

This position is based in the Portland, OR metro area, with a hybrid work location. We are looking for candidates who can meet the requirement of working at least 2 days per week onsite at NEEA’s office location.  Finalists must have eligibility to work in the US as NEEA is not able to provide VISA sponsorship or have remote work outside of the US. 

Salary range: $90,000 - $105,000, exempt 

• Salary is based on the applicants Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 

The Typical Day May Include… 

• Leads stakeholder workgroup(s) that meet monthly to scope, design, and implement large surveys with a diverse set of priorities and end users.  
• Facilitates communication within NEEA staff and among workgroup member organizations to ensure project interdependencies are closely coordinated and that individual study schedules combine to support study milestones and objectives. Identifies, escalates, and resolves issues proactively.  
• Works closely with NEEA's Stakeholder Relations team to ensure studies are well coordinated with key stakeholders.  
• Establishes mutually beneficial relationships with utility and regional stakeholders and leverages the knowledge and expertise of others.  
• Assures that all study efforts are transparent and clearly communicated to internal and external stakeholders.  
• Coordinates and collaborates with NEEA’s Corporate Communications team to ensure appropriate study outreach.  
• Solicits input from workgroup members, teammates, and NEEA market transformation staff on key aspects of survey design that include analytical needs and objectives, sample frame selection, content and design of survey instrument (s), billing data collection, and recruiting approaches and priorities.  
• Supports internal and external stakeholders by providing guidance and best practices for conducting analysis of published study datasets.  
• Measures and reports progress toward clearly defined and articulated study objectives, including recruiting and on-site data collection objectives.  
• Prepares an annual Budget and Operations Plan and manages related goals and targets; updates financial forecast monthly for adaptations in study plans and variations in study scope; reports progress and drives corrective actions to meet study objectives and timeline; ensures good stewardship of NEEA resources spent on study activities.  
• Issues request for proposals (RFP)s and hires and manages contractors to implement study activities to achieve study objectives.  
• Participates in the development and execution of communications plans to share study findings with key audiences, either through presentations, papers, or assistance in using the data. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities over NEEA staff but is responsible for managing contractors to implement assigned studies. The incumbent provides lead direction and guidance to contractors.   

What Are You Good At? 

As a top-performing Survey Program Manager, this individual consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership in managing complex, multi-stakeholder energy use surveys. They excel at aligning varied analytical needs into cohesive, actionable study designs. With a strategic mindset and meticulous attention to detail, they lead cross-functional workgroups with diplomacy and clarity, ensuring transparent communication and stakeholder alignment throughout the project lifecycle. Their expertise in survey methodology, data analytics, and project management enables them to deliver high-quality datasets and insights that drive regional energy planning and efficiency initiatives. Known for their adaptability, budget stewardship, and ability to manage contractors effectively, they are a trusted leader who consistently meets or exceeds study objectives while fostering collaboration and innovation across the organization. 

Your Experience, Education, and Skills: 

• BA/BS Degree with major course work in research and survey design, data analytics, statistics, program management, business administration, public administration, energy policy, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).  
• Experience managing remote project teams required.  
• Experience and knowledge in one or more key aspects of energy use studies are preferred. These may include workgroup management, sample design, survey instrument design, familiarity with electric and natural gas utilities, and data analysis in R, Python, or SQL.  
• Proven success as an experienced leader of one or more of the following functions: Data Analytics, Research Design, Statistics, Program or Project Management.  
• Experienced project manager with skills to develop and manage project plans and metrics.  
• Demonstrates both business planning and implementation skills in aligning work with strategic goals. High degree of adaptability in job definition and scope in order to meet desired outcomes.  
• High competence in preparing, analyzing and managing budgets and tracking and reporting results.  
• Understands energy, utility and/or energy efficiency industries and the implications of decisions and messaging.  
• Demonstrates expertise in the process of evaluating, selecting, contracting and managing third parties. Strong negotiation skills.  
• Identifies and manages difficult or sensitive stakeholder situations. Diplomatically leads groups with divergent views towards a productive outcome. 
• Possesses exceptional communication skills with the ability to speak and write clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.  
• Demonstrates superb group presentation skills and presents information and data clearly and effectively. Ability to vary communication style to meet needs at various levels – from executive/strategic to tactical/operational.  
• Proven success as a team builder, team player and a leader. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multifunctional teams to drive to decisions and elicit support and commitment from team members.  
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties will also be considered. 

Highlights of NEEA’s Benefits: 

• 90% of medical/dental premiums paid by NEEA, including for dependents 
• Employer funded Health Savings Account 
• 136 hours of PTO/year 
• Automatic 6% retirement contribution with an additional 2% matching 
• Flexible work environment, including hybrid work location and 9/80 schedule options 
• Professional development opportunities 

About NEEA  

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is an alliance of more than 140 electric and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency organizations working on behalf of Northwest energy consumers to increase the adoption of energy-efficient products services and practices. Since 1997, the region has achieved more than 959 average megawatts (aMW) of Co-Created electric energy savings – the equivalent of enough energy to power more than 700,000 Northwest homes each year.     

NEEA welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and fields of expertise, with or without previous experience in the energy industry.  

Follow this link to our website and learn more about the organization. 

NEEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer