Sr Advisor, LMI Housing

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

Achieving these objectives will require new solutions to address the barriers faced by low-to moderate- income (LMI) New Yorkers in accessing clean energy solutions and mitigating the potential for clean energy solutions to increase the energy burden of our most vulnerable residents. NYSERDA administers a portfolio of initiatives designed to improve energy affordability and increase access to clean energy solutions for LMI residents. NYSERDA’s LMI portfolio includes initiatives that range from energy efficiency to solar, to clean transportation and include consideration for alignment with the state’s utility, housing, and social service initiatives. Collectively these efforts have an annual budget exceeding $100 million, including funding from ratepayer collections, federal funds, and other state-allocated funds such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). NYSERDA seeks a dynamic leader to oversee this critical work.

The Sr. Advisor position provides strategic advice to the VP of Clean and Resilient Buildings and will lead NYSERDA’s strategic development for increasing access to clean energy solutions and driving energy affordability for low-to moderate income (LMI) New Yorkers. This includes working across NYSERDA teams, with interagency partners, and with stakeholders to identify opportunities to increase the impact of NYSERDA resources.

Primary Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing program, regulatory and legislative strategies and delivery mechanisms and develop refined and additional approaches to effectively increase access to clean energy solutions and drive energy affordability for LMI residents in the near and mid-term.
• Foster collaboration across NYSERDA technology and sector-focused teams and manage cross functional teams and workstreams related to development and implementation of holistic strategies for improving access to clean energy solutions for LMI residents.
• Work with Program teams to advise and provide oversight of approach toward LMI housing portfolio strategies, budgets and achievements to present a Clean and Resilient Buildings portfolio view of LMI activities aligned with related internal team efforts.
• Foster and lead inter-agency coordination on energy affordability and strategies with the goal of increasing the impact of public funds, streamlining access to LMI programs and minimizing resident and market actor confusion. Coordination will include, but is not limited to, NYS Department of Public Service, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, New York Power Authority, and Long Island Power Authority.
• Incorporate consumer protections and energy affordability into program strategies, as clean energy technologies and service delivery models evolve.
• Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders working on the issues of energy affordability and access to clean energy solutions.
• Represent NYSERDA at technical conferences, public meetings and other forums including interagency and state/federal working groups.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in a field with direct relevance to the job responsibilities, including an architecture or engineering degree, public policy, public administration, or a law degree.
• 10-15 years of relevant experience working on issues related to building decarbonization, affordable housing efficiency and electrification, energy affordability and access to clean energy solutions for LMI residents and communities.
• Understanding of the LMI energy landscape in New York State, including relevant policies, program administrators, and federal and state-administered programs.
• Highest level of communication, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills including the ability to adapt the message to resonate with audiences of diverse backgrounds.
• Experience working with New York State’s stakeholders representing energy/housing affordability and environmental justice issues, including utilities.
• Experience with affordable housing and social service programs in New York State, as well as community-based approaches for increasing access to clean energy solutions.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Additional Qualifications

• Awareness of market levers and policy drivers associated with New York’s energy system and the clean energy transition.
• Track record of building effective partnerships and facilitating consensus-building among diverse stakeholders including government, community-based organizations, and industry.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness, adaptability, and an instinct for surfacing value and pragmatic solutions.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, contracts, and strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Genuine passion for matters relating to building retrofits, energy affordability and access to clean energy solutions, environment, and equity.
• Self-starter who acts independently, directs one’s own work, can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately, and delegates and prioritizes appropriately within a high-performance environment.

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

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