Residential Program Manager

About Evolution Solar 

Evolution Solar is the first of its kind, immersive semi-residential training program created through a partnership between Knobelsdorff Electric, Inc. and the Evolve Foundation. The program prepares system impacted and equity‑eligible participants for high‑quality careers in the renewable energy industry. Unlike traditional solar training programs, Evolution Solar mirrors the realities of utility scale, industrial solar construction, emphasizing hands‑on technical training, physical stamina, teamwork, and travel‑based work readiness.  

The 10‑week, 350‑hour semi‑residential model means that participants will live onsite Monday through Thursday while receiving wraparound support services, life‑skills instruction, and extensive hands‑on technical training on a resolute 1 MW solar training array located at Knobelsdorff Electric, Inc. in Oglesby, IL.  

What You'll Do

The Residential Program Manager will lead day-to-day program execution, coordinate with instructional and facilities teams, uphold residential standards, and maintain the culture, accountability, and cohesion essential to preparing participants for industrial solar fieldwork.

This individual plays a critical role in participant success and overall program impact by ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive environment that prepares participants for the realities of industrial solar fieldwork through consistent oversight, community-building and effective program coordination. 

• This position will be onsite in our Oglelsby location for the duration of each cohort.
• Manage daily residential operations during training cohorts, ensuring a safe, clean, respectful, and well-functioning environment.
• Oversee participant orientation, check-in, schedules, house rules, residential expectations, and housing-related records.
• Coordinate facility maintenance, safety checks, and residential needs with appropriate support teams.
• Build a positive cohort culture focused on teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and career readiness.
• Serve as a primary resource and mentor for participants, providing one-on-one coaching, conflict resolution, behavior redirection, and non-clinical support.
• Partner with Evolve Foundation staff to integrate life skills, financial coaching, barrier-removal resources, and alumni support into the participant experience.
• Coordinate with instructors and operational teams to support technical training, scheduling, attendance, transportation, logistics, and communication throughout each cohort.
• Support and enforce safety protocols, residential policies, behavioral expectations, and incident reporting requirements.
• Partner with trainers and subject matter experts to evaluate curriculum, capture lessons learned, and continuously improve training content and delivery.
• Serve as the central point of continuity across cohorts, ensuring best practices, program improvements, and participant feedback are carried forward.

What You Bring

• 3+ years of experience in residential program management, workforce development, social services, education, correctional reentry, or related fields. 
• Strong ability to build rapport and maintain professional boundaries with adult learners from diverse backgrounds. 
• Experience managing residential or group-living environments (e.g., campus housing, job corps, workforce camps, transitional housing, etc.). 
• Exceptional communication, de-escalation, and conflict resolution skills. 
• Ability to maintain structure, accountability, and safety while fostering an encouraging environment. 
• Comfortable working in a setting that includes physical labor training and industrial construction culture. 
• Experience working with system impacted or equity eligible populations. 

Total Rewards Statement

As a full-time employee at KE, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.

• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Performance-based incentives
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $120,000 per year, which reflects a good-faith estimate based on market data and internal equity.  

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Typical requirements may include:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Ability to occasionally lift fifteen pounds (such as files, office equipment, or training materials).
• Regular verbal communication and active listening in person, virtually, and by phone.

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact Knobelsdorff Human Resources via email at HR@KEway.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.