New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy.

• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.

• Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Job Overview

NYSERDA seeks an individual to join the Communities & Local Government team, which enables increased engagement and investment in decarbonization by local governments and communities throughout New York State. The position will support the continued success and evolution of the Clean Energy Communities (https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/cec) program and other initiatives that advance decarbonization at the local level. The candidate will assist in developing and implementing a new option within the Clean Energy Communities program that offers peer learning cohorts for local governments to advance a specific decarbonization initiative or policy, and learn from other local governments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist Program Manager, other team members, and consultant(s) in planning, strategy, and implementation of local government decarbonization cohorts, which may include:

• Supporting the selection of cohort topics related to local decarbonization efforts

• Performing research to inform cohort curriculum content and design

• Structuring opportunities for local governments to learn from one another

• Soliciting ongoing feedback from participants to ensure program is responsive to participant needs and achieves program objectives

• Monitoring progress of local governments in meeting key milestones and objectives

• Working with the team to develop accessible tools and resources to help New York State municipalities

• Coordinating with other NYSERDA teams and state agencies to align local government offerings with Authority-wide objectives

• Managing grants awarded to New York State municipalities through the Clean Energy Communities cohorts initiative and others as assigned

• Provide subject matter support to NYSERDA programs serving New York State municipalities in one or more of the following fields. (Note: Candidates are not expected to have experience in all of the fields described below.)

• Planning, financing, and implementing clean energy upgrades and electrification of municipal facilities

• Local energy, climate, and/or decarbonization planning and incorporation of climate considerations into municipal processes such as budgeting and capital planning

• Municipal clean energy procurement, district energy networks, or other community energy strategies

• Electrification of municipal fleets and local sustainable transportation policy

• Design of municipal policy, services, and other mechanisms by which a local government can influence decarbonization efforts by residents, businesses, and institutions within their jurisdiction

• Incorporating equity and resiliency into local climate policy and planning

• Maintain strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders, including municipal staff, local elected officials, community leaders, and partner organizations

• Manage external consultants to ensure contracted deliverables are high quality, on-time, and within budget

• Travel within New York State up to 10% of the time

• Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community.

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience 

• Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community

• Demonstrated ability to identify and solve problems using available resources

• Experience in at least one of the following subject areas: clean energy, energy efficiency, building or transportation electrification, urban planning, climate action planning

• Strong organization, project management, and time management skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Demonstrated skill in applying critical thinking, working collaboratively, and continual learning

• Proficient with Microsoft Office software including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience organizing, leading, or participating in cohort, peer learning, or other programs geared towards addressing clean energy, climate change or other issues at the local level

• Knowledge of municipal operations and local governments

• Experience managing consultants or contracts, including development of statements of work and budgets

• Experience with public speaking

• Proficiency with Salesforce

• A Master’s degree with 4 years of relevant experience

Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume.

Please note that during the application process, you may be prompted to opt-in to Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) scoring. This is an automatic request in the ADP system but is not a feature that is used by NYSERDA in its recruiting and hiring process. Your response will have no impact on your application to NYSERDA.

[INDGER]