Programs Specialist

About CanREA

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage in Canada. We represent 350+ member companies working to advance the policies, regulations and market conditions that will power Canada’s clean energy future. Our work spans advocacy, research, events and member services, all in service of a more sustainable electricity system for Canada and future generations. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.

The Role

The Program Specialist provides scheduling, logistics and coordination support across CanREA's Programs Team portfolio, which spans operational best practices, site health and safety, workforce development, insurance best practices, advocacy for behind-the-meter solar and energy storage, statistics and data analysis. Success in this role means that meetings, committees and working groups are scheduled accurately and run smoothly, that stakeholders receive timely, professional outreach and consistent follow-up, and that program files and action items stay organized and on track.

The position reports to the Senior Director of Member Programs and works closely with the Manager of Programs and Programs Team colleagues to keep project files moving day to day. Externally, the Program Specialist communicates regularly with member companies, provincial and territorial associations, colleges, polytechnics and other training institutions, unions and training providers, Indigenous organizations, and sector councils to schedule meetings, confirm availability and attendance, and follow up on outstanding items.

Primary Responsibilities

Calendar and Meeting Scheduling

• Coordinate and maintain calendars for Programs Team meetings, committees, working groups and task forces, confirming availability across internal and external participants and time zones.
• Schedule recurring and ad hoc meetings using scheduling and calendar tools (e.g., MS Outlook, Monday.com, or equivalent) and arrange video conference links.
• Prepare and circulate meeting agendas and pre-read materials in advance of scheduled sessions.
• Record decisions, action items and next steps during meetings, and distribute minutes promptly after each session.

Stakeholder Outreach and Follow-Up

• Conduct outreach by phone and email to member companies, training institutions, government contacts and other external stakeholders to confirm meeting attendance and gather scheduling availability.
• Follow up with assigned owners on outstanding action items to confirm completion by agreed deadlines, escalating to the Manager or Senior Director where needed.
• Maintain up-to-date contact lists and distribution groups for member committees, working groups, training partners and other Programs Team stakeholders.
• Respond promptly and professionally to stakeholder inquiries, directing more complex questions to the appropriate Programs Team lead.

Program and Project Coordination

• Support the Programs Team in tracking workplans, timelines and deliverables across the portfolio, including wind, solar and energy storage operational best practices, site health and safety, workforce development, insurance best practices, and behind-the-meter solar and energy storage advocacy.
• Maintain organized project files, shared drives and tracking documents so that program status is current and easy for the team to access.
• Coordinate the logistics of producing and circulating technical guidance, best-practice documents and position papers, including formatting, proofreading support and version control.
• Support the coordination of external consultants, contractors and vendors, including scheduling check-ins and tracking deliverable due dates.
• Provide administrative and scheduling support for research projects and data-collection initiatives, including coordinating interviews or surveys with stakeholders.
• Support the planning and logistics of CanREA's participation in external workforce tables, advisory committees, and industry and education-sector events.

What Success Looks Like

• Meetings, committees, and working groups are scheduled accurately, efficiently and with minimal conflicts.
• Stakeholders receive timely, professional outreach and consistent, reliable follow-up.
• Action items are tracked diligently and closed out on schedule.
• Program files and records are well organized, current and easy for the team to find.
• Scheduling conflicts, stakeholder concerns and other potential issues are identified swiftly and communicated proactively.
• Support to the Programs Team, CanREA members and external stakeholders is dependable, detail-oriented and consistent.

Qualifications

Functional Competencie