Community Energy Project Director

Summary

The Community Energy Project Director is an important member of the Environmental Justice Department, advancing energy equity initiatives in the disadvantaged communities that intersect with the strategic operations of the New York Power Authority (NYPA). Under the direction of the VP, Environmental Justice, the Community Energy Project Director supports new clean energy infrastructure projects to promote a just transition across NY state communities that have been most impacted by historical environmental inequity.
 
Primarily the Energy Project Director will conduct outreach to community leaders; clean energy project developers and private and public entities in order to identify the strategic partnerships that will progress in Community clean energy projects that would not otherwise be built. Additionally, the candidate will leverage public and private funding streams as well as community capacity building to enable project success.
 
Successful candidates will have extensive experience with community energy project origination including project financing, impact metrics, program data collection and reporting to track and demonstrate program performance. The ideal candidate will demonstrate commitment to environmental, social and economic justice. #LI-CJ1

Responsibilities

• Help drive origination by conducting outreach to community leaders; clean energy project developers and private and public entities to identify potential strategic partnerships for In Community clean energy project opportunities
• Assess the feasibility of In Community energy projects considering technical, financial, and regulatory aspects, ensuring alignment with policy and NYPA's strategy
• Identify key risks and potential barriers to proposals and project completion. Determine what role NYPA can play to help overcome barriers.
• Leverage public and private funding streams as well as community capacity building, to enable project success
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including real estate, engineering, permitting, legal, finance, and other stakeholders, to advance projects from early to late-stage development, including preparing bids/proposals
• Provide ongoing support to project teams during the implementation phase, ensuring alignment with funding requirements and objectives
• Foster relationships with industry leaders, developers, regulators, and other key stakeholders to enhance NYPA's position in the community
• Participate in industry events, trainings, and conferences as needed to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive experience with community energy project origination including project financing, impact metrics, program data collection and reporting to track and demonstrate program performance
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and policies related to energy projects
• Knowledge of funding application processes
• Ability to interact with all levels of management as well as with government officials and community leaders
• Advanced analytical abilities to think through complex problems and make strategic recommendations 
• Excellent written, verbal, and research skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and findings 
• Exceptional organization and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, and work in diverse communities, understanding ethnic, social, and economic issues
• Understanding of the broader energy industry, and regulatory landscape 
• Strong leadership and project management skills, including the ability to communicate clear objectives, prioritize tasks, and manage deadlines 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams 

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Engineering, Environmental Policy or related field
• 8 years experience preferred

or  

• Associate’s degree in Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Engineering, Environmental Policy or related field
• 10 years of related experience preferred

Additionally:

• Experience in a community outreach or account management position
• Minimum of 3 years of experience developing or executing projects is preferred 
• Bilingual written and verbal English/Spanish preferred
• Valid U.S. driver's license 

Physical Requirements

• Up to 60% travel within NY State. Ability and willingness to attend meetings/events outside of normal business hours
• Will be required to lift & move items weighing up to 40 lbs. on a regular basis