Project Manager, Ny-Sun

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

The NY-Sun team at NYSERDA seeks a self-motivated and collaborative individual to fill the role of Project Manager for the Solar Energy Equity Framework (SEEF). Reporting to the Senior Project Manager for the SEEF, the Project Manager will manage day-to-day operations of existing incentive and technical assistance programs that advance the deployment of solar and storage that benefits disadvantaged communities and support the development of new program activities. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to the equitable growth of clean energy coupled with an inclination towards detailed work and problem solving.

This role will require frequent coordination with other NY-Sun team members, NYSERDA colleagues, and program implementation contractors, as well as close working relations with public, community, and private sector partners. The ideal applicant will have familiarity with programs and policies addressing energy affordability for low-income households and regulated affordable housing; an understanding of the solar energy industry, community solar, and rooftop solar; and experience working with diverse groups of stakeholders. The existing program areas that the successful candidate will interact with include:

• NY-Sun Incentive Program
• Affordable Solar Program
• Multifamily Affordable Housing Incentive
• Solar Where Feasible
• Inclusive Community Solar Adder
• Expanded Solar for All

Primary Responsibilities

• Day-to-day management of NY-Sun’s existing programs that promote solar adoption for low-to-moderate income households, disadvantaged communities, and affordable housing, including:
• Providing assertive project management: actively communicating with program participants, answering questions, resolve issues, and driving processes forward.
• Reviewing eligibility documentation for regulated affordable housing and community solar projects seeking NY-Sun incentives.
• Managing the application approval process for predevelopment and technical assistance funds, and review deliverables for active predevelopment/technical assistance projects.
• Working collaboratively and frequently with internal colleagues and program partners.
• In collaboration with NY-Sun colleagues, support the development of new programming and strategies to drive equitable solar and storage adoption, including:
• Performing research, stakeholder engagement, and analysis to understand market conditions, barriers, and gaps. Examples may include a “root cause analysis” of why program uptake varies in different geographic areas, and “customer discovery” to better understand the reasons people choose to sign up for community solar.
• Coordinate the internal process for development and approval of new program activities and funding opportunities, including those related to the federal Solar for All grant program.
• Being nimble and responsive to design changes so that programs achieve intended outcomes, are easy to use, maintain operational flexibility needed to evolve, and minimize administrative cost and unnecessary contracting burdens.
• Support the NY-Sun team’s programmatic engagement with Support stakeholder engagement, including:
• Engaging with relevant public, community, and private sector partners; including environmental justice organizations, affordable housing providers, and solar project developers.
• Presenting on public webinars and in-person events.
• Collaboration with other city, state, and federal agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• At minimum 5 years of experience in energy-related or other relevant fields.
• A bachelor's degree in a relevant area
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple diverse projects or activities simultaneously, delivering on commitments and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• Ability to be a self-starter and function well independently and in teams.
• Experience in gaining and using insight from market participants to formulate programmatic solutions.
• Attention to detail, exceptional time management skills, excellent critical thinking skills, and experience effectively maneuvering shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and a demonstrated ability to develop relationships with key stakeholder groups with multiple levels of energy policy fluency.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, ability to produce effective and purposeful written material.
• Strong work ethic and resolute integrity

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 4 years of relevant experience in a related field.
• Additional relevant professional experience in clean energy, with experience in environmental justice and energy affordability concepts, terms, principles, and practices, and/or related post-graduate training or degree.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing on programs.
• Experience in reporting, storytelling, and data visualization technologies
• Experience with quantitative data analysis
• Strong stakeholder outreach and engagement capabilities including advanced public-speaking and presentation skills
• Familiarity with New York’s Climate Act and decarbonization targets

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

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