Manager II, Market Research and Evaluation

This Manager II, Market Research and Evaluation position directs NEEA’s Market Research and Evaluation (MRE) team, which is responsible for every aspect of market research and evaluation at NEEA. The incumbent sets the strategic direction for the team and supervises the annual budget, leading a team of MRE professionals. Work products of this department inform decision-making on annual energy efficiency investments.  

The incumbent serves as an internal consultant to NEEA leadership on decisions related to NEEA’s portfolio, and on initiative planning, strategy and tactics. This position works closely with other functional areas of the organization, as well as key external stakeholders (e.g., electric and gas utilities, state and federal agencies, and Bonneville Power Administration, among others). 

This role 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: $100,000 - $120,000, exempt 

• Salary is based on the applicant’s Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 

The Typical Day May Include… 

• Develop and implement long term and annual department plans to align with NEEA’s business plan, clearly articulating vision, goals, objectives, strategies, value proposition, and resource requirements for the MRE function.  
• Works across the organization to support the efforts of MRE within the context of market transformation, collaborating with other departments to coordinate efforts, overcome obstacles, find collaborative solutions and assure smooth operations and task clarity in a matrix environment.  
• Develop and internalize high standards of practice in MRE. Lead the team in fostering organizational learning and driving the identification, sharing and adoption of best practices across the organization.   
• Provide coaching to staff to strengthen team capabilities in MRE methods, market transformation, leadership and collaboration.    
• Manage the development and execution of key work product deliverables tied to annual planning, contract and budget management, risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement and performance tracking.  
• Represent regional market research, evaluation and market transformation interests in national and cross-regional forums to influence more effective research and evaluation practices and promote shared learning.    
• Lead stakeholder engagement for market research and evaluation, co-leading the Cost Effectiveness and Evaluation Advisory committee, facilitating the Northwest Research Group, and acting as the central point of contact for funders regarding research- and evaluation-related questions.  
• Assess team workload and staff readiness to effectively plan and assign resources and ensure alignment with project needs and timelines.    
• Establish clear objectives, goals and development plans for staff and track progress to confirm deliverables are met.    
• Manage cost-center budgeting, forecasting and expense tracking for projects and initiatives, personnel costs and other general administrative expenditures.  
• Perform other duties related to MRE that support the organization’s goals and evolving needs. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

As a first-line supervisor, responsibilities include hiring and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; recognizing achievements; addressing concerns; and resolving problems.   

What Are You Good At? 

A top performer in the Manager II, MRE position is a strategic and visionary leader who excels at aligning departmental goals with the organization’s broader mission of energy efficiency and market transformation. This individual demonstrates exceptional skill in guiding a high-performing team of MRE professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and methodological excellence. They are a trusted advisor to NEEA leadership, offering insightful, data-driven recommendations that shape initiative planning and investment decisions. Adept at cross-functional coordination, they build strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, including utilities and regulatory agencies, to ensure cohesive and impactful research efforts. With a keen eye on resource planning, budget management, and performance tracking, this person ensures that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and with the highest standards of quality and relevance. 

Your Experience, Education, and Skills: 

• At least 10 years’ experience in the market research and/or evaluation field preferred.  
• Master’s degree in evaluation, market research, social sciences or related field required; Ph.D. with less experience may be considered.  
• A demonstrated aptitude for managing and mentoring professional staff, as well as managing research and/or evaluation contractors,  
• Demonstrated success related to all aspects of market research and evaluation including market research and evaluation plan development, methodological design, instrument design, sample design, statistical analysis and data presentation.  
• Superb analytical skills and ability to synthesize and communicate findings so that they are actionable.    
• Ability to develop evaluation plans based on market transformation concepts and logic models.  
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise reports and recommendations on time, within budget, and with minimal supervision.    
• Skilled in staff development and team building, with the ability to listen, coach, and provide constructive feedback to motivate and support high-performing teams.  
• Superb communication and influence management skills, with the ability to excel working in a cross-functional team environment.  
• Must have knowledge of energy efficiency and market transformation programs.  Knowledge of utility business and operations is a plus.     
• Ability to quickly comprehend NEEA’s portfolio of energy efficiency activities and their relevance to NEEA’s market transformation goals.  High degree of adaptability and the ability to help define and refine the position to meet desired outcomes.  
• Demonstrated success as a team builder, team player, and leader with a strong track record of working collaboratively across multifunctional teams.  
• Skilled in using interpersonal judgment to influence internal and external teams, energize collaboration, and drive cross-functional cooperation to meet deadlines and implement plans. 
• 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