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.
Responsibilities
- Lead development activities in early, mid, and late stages of large-scale renewable energy projects.
- Drive origination and identify project opportunities, including greenfield development, M&A, and other potential partnerships, to support project pipeline growth.
- Assess the feasibility of pipeline projects, considering technical, financial, and regulatory aspects, and ensure alignment with policy and NYPA's strategy, while identifying key risks.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including real estate, engineering, permitting, legal, finance, and other stakeholders, to mature projects from early to late-stage development, including preparing bids/proposals.
- Lead negotiations of key project and partnership contracts to maximize project value.
- Oversee and guide the development process, ensuring adherence to project timelines and milestones.
- Participate in industry events, trainings, and conferences as needed to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify innovative solutions and strategies for project development and implementation.
- Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior management based on market analysis and project assessments.
- Foster relationships with industry leaders, developers, regulators, and other key stakeholders to enhance NYPA's position in the renewable energy sector.
- Stay updated with industry advancements, regulatory changes, and market trends to drive continuous improvement and innovation within project development practices.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced analytical abilities to think through complex problems and make strategic decisions.
- Expertise in leading and supporting team members in the development of projects across all stages, from origination to implementation.
- Excellent written, oral, and research skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and findings.
- Strong ability to work independently on assignments, prioritize tasks, and manage deadlines, while also providing guidance and mentorship to team members.
- Exceptional organization and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and external organizations from diverse backgrounds.
- In-depth knowledge of the NYISO market, broader energy industry, and regulatory landscape.
- Proficiency in financial analysis and understanding of business, financial, project management, and technical concepts.
- Strategic understanding of New York's clean energy goals, policies, and regulations, including the Clean Energy Standard, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), and the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act.
- Strong leadership and project management skills, including the ability to communicate clear objectives, prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and motivate an interdisciplinary team.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Ability to interface and effectively communicate with senior management, stakeholders, and external parties.
- Knowledge of procurement processes to acquire necessary resources for project identification and development.
- Proven track record of successfully negotiating key project and partnership contracts.
- Actively stays updated with industry advancements, regulatory changes, and market trends to drive continuous improvement and innovation within project development practices.
Education, Experience and Certifications
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum 10 years of related experience with at least 7 years of experience in energy infrastructure projects preferred.
- Utility or energy experience required.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience developing or executing renewable generation and/or energy storage projects is preferred.
- Experience interfacing with transmission organizations (NYISO and TOs) for interconnection related issues and familiarity with energy markets is preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Approximately 20% travel within NY State.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Ability to attend meetings/events outside of normal business hours.
The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The estimated salary range for this position is: $153,640-211,250. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates' relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.
NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates' disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypa.gov.
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