Planning and Procurement Post-Graduate Fellowship

Illinois Power Agency Planning and Procurement Post-Graduate Fellowship

The Illinois Power Agency (“IPA”) Post-Graduate Fellowship Program is a one-year paid opportunity that provides fellows with an unparalleled opportunity to contribute their skills and talents to support the advancement of clean energy and development of electricity markets in Illinois. 

The Agency develops and implements incentive programs to support the advancement of new clean energy resources. As its core, the IPA plays a critical role in expanding Illinois’ clean energy economy, supporting a robust wholesale electricity market, and transitioning the state to a clean energy future.

At the IPA, we believe in developing a talent pipeline of the next generation of leaders – individuals who are innovative, mission-driven, and passionate about working to build an equitable clean energy future for all. Through this one-year Fellowship Program, the IPA seeks to provide opportunities to recent recipients of graduate-level degrees or early-career professionals pursuing careers in clean energy, environmental planning, and energy markets space.

A Fellowship at the IPA will provide the opportunity to support the development of innovative solutions to advance IPA’s work in providing a clean, reliable, cost-effective, and equitable future for residents and businesses across Illinois. For example, previous fellows have researched best practices in renewable energy financing, studies options for incentivizing energy storage, analyzed opportunities to improve the access of multi-family households into IPA-administered clean energy programs, and researched changes in law and regulation to support nuclear energy in Illinois as part of a diverse supply mix in pursuit of the state’s clean energy goals.

Fellows will receive training and valuable experience to launch a career in the clean energy sector. Additionally, fellows will have the opportunity to support leaders and subject-matter experts in implementing the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard. This work could include:

• Producing energy-related white papers, memos and presentations.
• Preparing reports and stakeholder correspondence. 
• Conducting quantitative and/or qualitative research on focused topics to support specific IPA clean energy initiatives.
• Developing a Capstone Project on a clean energy and/or wholesale energy market topic of mutual interest of the Fellow and the IPA which includes a paper and final presentation to IPA staff.

The Planning and Procurement Bureau of the IPA is responsible for the planning and procurement of reliable, efficient, equitable, and cost-effective electricity for Illinois residents and businesses and the implementation of the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard. The Bureau’s clean energy work includes the administration of the IPA’s solar incentive programs, Illinois Shines (support for solar installations for homes and businesses as well as community solar projects) and Illinois Solar for All (support for solar projects to serve low-income households and communities), and the administration of competitive procurements to support the development of large-scale renewable energy projects. The Bureau also supports the implementation of new legislative initiatives when enacted, which can range from the development of new procurement plans to producing research reports and studies.

This position reports to the Planning and Procurement Bureau.  Specific assignments will be based on Agency needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in public policy, environmental science/policy/studies, economics, finance, energy, law, sustainability or related field within the last three years. 
• Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed research.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and carry out assignments, make independent judgments and/or decisions, and discern when action at a higher level is required.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and maintain an organized and well-communicated workflow.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines, and proven ability to be resourceful, in a dynamic office environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in energy-focused policy issues, energy efficiency, or related strategic fields with a focus on renewable energy preferred.

Application Materials

• Resumé. 
• A letter of intent expressing your interest in becoming an IPA Fellow. This letter must include how your relevant knowledge, experience and skills have prepared you for this opportunity, what aspects of the IPA’s work interest you the most, and how the IPA Fellowship will further your professional goals.
• Writing sample relevant to the fellowship (graduate-level papers preferred).
• Three professional references.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit all requested application materials with your online application to https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job-invite/42515/ . 

Position will be open until filled.  Start date is between June and September 2025 for a 1-year fellowship term. 

Salary: $67,000

Benefits

The IPA fellowship is a one-year program with full state benefits.

Work location:  This position has a hybrid work schedule that may require some in-office days at the Agency’s headquarters located in downtown Chicago.

No phone calls please.