Strategic Partnerships Officer
Department: Market Development • Reports To: COO • Status: Full Time Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Remote (Must reside in Mountain or Central time zones)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary range $65k-$75k
Primary Purpose of Position
Lead strategic partnership development and management, installer program oversight, and renewable energy industry engagement to drive clean energy lending growth and measurable expansion of the credit union’s loan portfolio through high-performing partner channels.
This role is the primary relationship manager for Clean Energy Credit Union’s Installer Partner network, ensuring partner success, program compliance, and mission alignment including alignment with Clean Energy CU’s B Corp commitments and social and environmental impact goals. Deep knowledge of the solar and renewable energy industry is essential. This is a strategic individual contributor role with no direct reports.
Installer Partner Relationship Management
- Serve as the main point of contact for assigned Installer Partners, building and maintaining strong, lasting relationships to ensure installer success and program compliance.
- Conduct structured annual reviews with each Installer Partner to assess performance, satisfaction, and future growth opportunities.
- Monitor partner performance and proactively address issues, providing coaching and solutions that drive results.
- Facilitate communication between installers and CU leadership, ensuring feedback loops are in place and partner voices are heard.
- Proactively identify and implement improvements that enhance the Installer Partner experience.
Installer Program Development & Administration
- Lead efforts to refine and update the Registered Installer Program, ensuring it remains competitive and responsive to partner feedback.
- Serve as the intermediary between Installer Partners and internal CU departments (loan operations, compliance, member services, etc.) to resolve challenges and improve efficiency.
- Track and analyze Installer Partner performance metrics, including loan volume, approval rates, retention metrics, member and installer satisfaction.
- Own and improve Installer Partner satisfaction scores, targeting measurable increases in partner NPS, retention, and referral activity.
- Support the design and execution of incentive structures tied to Installer Partner success and overall program performance.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen and grow the Installer Partner program including expansion into new geographies, segments, and with high performing or high impact partners.
Strategic Partnerships & Deal Negotiation
- Lead officer-level negotiations with program installers, indirect lenders, and other strategic partners.
- Conduct financial due diligence and develop partnership economics models that support scalable program growth and long-term profitability
- Work cross-functionally with the Membership Growth and Development Officer to monitor partnership performance and compliance.
- Identify and pursue new mission aligned partnership opportunities that advance clean energy access, accelerate loan originations, increase funded loan volume and contribute to sustainable portfolio growth.
Renewable Energy & Solar Industry Expertise
- Apply deep knowledge of residential and commercial solar, geothermal, and other renewable energy markets to inform partnership strategy and product alignment.
- Stay current on industry trends, installer market dynamics, technology developments, and policy changes affecting clean energy lending.
- Serve as an internal resource and subject matter expert on renewable energy, particularly solar, for cross-functional teams.
- Engage with the clean energy installer community to understand market needs and translate insights into program improvements.
- Actively engage in industry associations, climate finance networks and clean energy groups to represent the credit union, build strategic relationships, and elevate its leadership in clean energy finance.
- Develop and support educational initiatives for employees and members that expand access to clean energy knowledge, empower informed financial decisions, and advance the organization’s social and environmental impact goals.
Product & Program Support
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure residential and commercial lending products and program parameters meet installer and member needs.
- Contribute to the design of new clean energy lending offerings by surfacing installer and market feedback.
- Support equity analysis and mission alignment efforts to ensure products serve underserved communities and contribute to the organization’s B Corp impact objectives.
Preferred Job Competencies
- Mission-driven mindset with genuine commitment to equitable clean energy access for underserved communities.
- Strong relationship management skills with a track record of building trusted, long-term partnerships.
- In-depth knowledge of the solar and renewable energy industry, including installer business models and project economics.
- Negotiation excellence with a track record of closing complex partnership deals.
- Analytical capability including financial modeling, performance metrics, and program analysis.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to evaluate opportunities and assess trade-offs.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex topics for diverse audiences.
- Self-directed with the ability to manage competing priorities independently.
- Demonstrated ability to drive measurable growth in partner driven revenue, loan origination channels or portfolio expansion.
Education and Work Experience
- 3+ years of experience in solar, renewable energy, financial services, or a related industry, or equivalent experience working with contractor networks, dealer channels, or partner-driven sales models.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, environmental studies, finance, or a related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in strategic partnerships, account management, or business development. Preferably in clean energy, financial services, or other partner-driven or mission-driven organizations.
- Experience working with installer networks, contractors, or trade partners is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with program management, partner onboarding, or channel development.
- Experience in lending, credit unions, or financial institutions a plus.
Working Environment / Physical Activities
Eligible for hybrid/remote work. Sedentary computer work with significant analytical and communication responsibilities. Some travel required for installer partner meetings and industry events. Ability to lift 35 lbs. Ability to read, write, and understand English fluently.