New York State, Albany, On-site, Advanced Andrew DeZarn New York State, Albany, On-site, Advanced Andrew DeZarn

PM, Innovation Partnerships

  • Manages the Innovation Partnership program, fostering connections between universities, research centers, industry, and investors to advance NY energy

  • Executes program strategies, designs solicitations, and manages contracts, ensuring alignment with NYSERDA's climate and clean energy goals

  • Drives strategic initiatives, leads a team, and maintains stakeholder networks, while continuously improving program efficiency and effectiveness


About the Company

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, and enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

About the Job

The purpose of this role is to build and manage an Innovation Partnership program comprising the network of universities, research centers, industry and investment groups, business incubators, accelerators, and other entities that engage with NYSERDA to support energy innovation in New York State. This role will also lead and manage some discretionary sponsorship contracts, and discretionary or competitive contracts for services and studies.

Responsibilities

  • Innovation Partnership Team Responsibilities:

    • The Program Manager, Innovation Partnerships will lead the planning, launch, and management of program offerings that support partner organizations working to advance energy innovation in New York State

    • This role will work closely with the Assistant Director, Innovation Partnerships to develop and execute a program strategy to build the most effective partnership network possible, accelerating development and deployment of innovative energy technology by fostering connections between partner organizations, NYSERDA, and other state and federal entities

    • Key activities for this role are expected to include the design of program solicitations to competitively award sponsorships to prospective NYSERDA Innovation partners

    • The Program Manager will also be responsible for developing evaluation criteria, budgets, and marketing plans for these solicitations, as well as leading selection committees and negotiating program awards

    • The Program Manager will manage the resulting contracts along with additional project manager resources assigned to the role

    • The Program Manager will also work with the Assistant Director to develop effective mechanisms for receiving, packaging, and disseminating business and technical information resulting from funded sponsorships and other partnerships

  • Strategic Leadership and Development:

    • Lead a team of NYSERDA staff in developing and implementing interventions and strategies for a Business Unit

    • Drive a program initiative

    • Leverage the capabilities of their team to achieve goals

    • Maintain a network of stakeholders

  • Execution and Ongoing Improvement:

    • Evolve and continuously adapt strategies to optimize impact, cost-effectiveness and efficiency based on insights, critical program and research data, timely execution, and risk management

    • Ensure programs are built such that they: have effective go forward strategies; achieve intended outcomes; meet the expectations/needs of the market; maintain operational flexibility needed to evolve; and minimize administrative cost and unnecessary burdens

    • Develop strategy for RFP, PON and other solicitations, review all documents to ensure program objectives are likely to be met. Ensure programs align with the requirements from the funding source and have funds available in approved budgets

    • Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with vendors to ensure NYSERDA's interests are promoted and protected in support of the above, and in accordance with NYSERDA and New York State Procurement Policies

    • Develop Statements of Work, provide oversight, feedback and review of all tasks and deliverables and approve invoices for assigned contracts

    • Project program management – balanced, non-duplicative, and high impact

    • Project risk management

    • Manage financial, staff and other resources for efficiency and effectiveness

    • Coordination and collaboration with NYSERDA’s market development teams

  • People Leadership and Development:

    • Foster and contribute to a culture of excellence grounded in people development, learning, problem solving, and teamwork

    • Develop staff and colleagues to meet NYSERDA's goals and their own professional goals

    • Serve as a mentor and a role model

Qualifications

  • Minimum Qualifications:

    • Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of relevant experience in managing business partnerships or innovation projects from concept to commercialization

    • A demonstrated record of success in setting strategy and successfully delivering services or solutions at scale or scope within business or government operating environments including 4 years in a supervisory role

    • Ability to perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with demonstrated experience fostering respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion across the workforce

    • Strong computer skills (MS word, excel, and ppt)

    • Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including confidently and clearly presenting in front of different audiences with various backgrounds including executive and C-suite level audiences

    • Strong program management skills including a track record of successfully managing external cross-functional consultants

    • Demonstrated problem solving ability, an entrepreneurial edge, resourcefulness, adaptability, ability to surface insights and solutions

    • Insight and understanding of NYSERDA programs

    • Skill in gaining and using insight to formulate strategy and design and evolve solutions

    • An exceptional manager, coach, mentor, and developer of talent

    • Top-notch presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of different backgrounds

    • A relentless work ethic and resolute integrity

  • Preferred Qualifications:

    • Master’s degree with 6 years’ of relevant experience in managing business partnerships or innovation projects from concept to commercialization

    • A demonstrated record of success in setting strategy and successfully delivering services or solutions at scale or scope within business or government operating environments including 4 years in a supervisory role

Read More
New York State, Albany, On-site, Mid-level Andrew DeZarn New York State, Albany, On-site, Mid-level Andrew DeZarn

PM, Local Governments

  • Supports Clean Energy Communities program, aiding in the creation of peer learning cohorts for local governments focused on advancing decarbonization

  • Develops curriculum and structures peer learning opportunities, while also monitoring progress and gathering feedback to ensure program responsiveness

  • Manages grants, provides subject matter support in areas like municipal clean energy, and maintains stakeholder relationships


About the Company

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, and enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

About the Job

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 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.

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

Qualifications

  • 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

Read More
New York State, Albany, On-site, Advanced Andrew DeZarn New York State, Albany, On-site, Advanced Andrew DeZarn

Asst. Director, Shared Svcs.

  • Manages REC contract settlements, ensuring data accuracy and efficient use of systems like Salesforce and Jira, while leading a team of operations specialists

  • Produces key public reports, including the CES Progress Report, by authoring content and ensuring cohesiveness, while also handling funding petitions

  • Provides strategic leadership for operational improvements, including budget management and collaboration, to optimize performance


About the Company

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, and enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

About the Job

The Large-Scale Renewables (LSR) team seeks a creative, self-motivated and knowledgeable individual with clean energy industry and program operational management experience to join the team as an Assistant Director in the Shared Services and Strategic Initiatives group. The successful candidate will lead a team focused on settling REC purchase contracts with large scale renewable generators, maintaining effective tracking and reporting of all LSR program data and manage LSR team operations including compliance with internal processes and policies and efficient and effective use of business systems such as Salesforce and Jira.

To be successful in this role, communication and writing skills are just as important as program management and operational experience. The Assistant Director will directly contribute to public-facing deliverables such as the annual CES Progress Report, CES Biennial Review, and yearly petitions to the New York State Public Service Commission for administrative funding. Not only will this role provide leadership for the creation of these documents, but the successful candidate will also author significant portions as needed along with ensuring a cohesive narrative throughout and between key program documents.

This role is an exciting opportunity to lead a small team of highly skilled and experienced individuals in a fast-paced operations environment. This team’s work is at the very core of the Clean Energy Standard and ultimately enables the LSR team to succeed in its mission. This is a new role reporting to the LSR Director of Shared Services and Strategic Initiatives and represents an exciting opportunity to provide leadership in critical aspects of the Clean Energy Standard.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of LSR operations specialists, providing guidance, training and support to ensure the team is well-positioned to provide business operations as a service to the larger LSR program team

  • Oversee the end-to-end process of REC contract settlement ensuring continued accuracy and efficiency

  • Provide forward-looking strategic leadership to ensure the contract settlement process has the resources and business systems needed to scale commensurate with the increasing number of operating generators in the Large-Scale Renewable program portfolio

  • Oversee the continued evolution of NYSERDA’s business systems to track and report relevant programmatic data

  • Provide strategic insights based on data analysis to optimize contract settlements and program performance and further develop tools to monitor key performance indicators

  • Lead the Large-Scale Renewable program’s routine reporting tasks including the CES Annual Report, OPEN-NY data set and yearly administrative funding petition

  • Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Contracts and other relevant internal departments to ensure alignment across all deliverables

  • Work closely with the finance team to establish LSR team budgets, monitor financial performance, and collaborate on quarterly and yearly financial reporting obligations

Qualifications

  • Minimum Qualifications:

    • Bachelor's degree and 8 years' experience working actively in one or more areas relating to Large Scale Renewables markets

    • Degree in Engineering, Data Science, Atmospheric Science, Business Administration or related technical field; and related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

    • Experience directly related to business process development, database management, real-time data acquisition and screening

    • Project management and leadership skills including the ability to work as a team member, maintain project timelines and budgets

    • A demonstrated record in managing multiple diverse and complex activities simultaneously, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment

    • Ability to quickly identify and drive to the best possible solution when presented with a series of opportunities and constraints

    • Ability to develop, lead, and coach a team to achieve their potential

    • Excellent written and oral communication skill, including the ability to build relationships and effectively communicate and influence across all organizational levels

    • The ability to effectively produce materials Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, Project, Tableau and PowerPoint

    • Should be able to present technical presentations to a technical and non-technical business audience

    • Operate with a high degree of autonomy and accountability

  • Additional Qualifications:

    • Knowledge of renewable energy technologies

    • PMP or similar certification

    • Preferred: Master's degree and 6 years experience in areas such as: utility operations, energy pricing, energy contracting, renewable electricity generation, renewable energy markets, renewable project development, emissions trading and accounting, and clean energy policy

Read More