Director, Environmental Justice Jobs

Summary

The Director, Environmental Justice provides leadership and is responsible energy equity policy and programs designed to serve Environmental Justice (EJ) Communities that intersect with the Power Authority’s strategic operations and statewide assets.

Under the direction of the VP, Environmental Justice, the Director cultivates new and existing relationships with EJ stakeholders, advocates for community-based organizations across NYS and identifies communities and municipal entities eligible for community energy demonstration projects.

The Director, serves as an advisor to senior management on issues related to Environmental Justice programming, public policy and industry trends related to EJ. Supports and analyzes NYPA programing to ensure adherence to state and federal legislation that prioritizes communities most impacted by historical and present energy burdens.

Works internally to ensure that environmental justice programing leverages NYPA resources for the benefit of historically disadvantaged communities; supports a Just clean energy transition and advances energy equity within NYPA strategic and commercial operations.

Responsibilities

Program Management and Governance

• Cultivate productive relationships with Environmental Justice community leaders, advocates and other associated stakeholders including energy industry think tanks, and academia.
• Serve as subject matter expert to internal business units such as Commercial Operations, Utility Operations, Project and Business Development and others to ensure that an EJ lens is applied to business operations.
• Maintain a high level of expertise in the field of energy and the environment including but not limited to community energy projects, transmission, climate change, renewable generation and the marketplace.
• Maintain a high level of expertise in the field of energy and the environment including but not limited to community energy projects, transmission, climate change, renewable generation and the marketplace.

Program Evaluation

• Assists the VP Environmental Justice in the development of business cases, scope of work, contract requirements and justification of capital and operational spend. Oversee the acquisition of external resources including management of external consultants and suppliers to ensure that they are performing against contracted requirements.
• Review and enhance NYPAs strategic EJ plan to deliver programs and projects to the communities impacted by NYPA operations.

External Relations

• Work to cultivate new and existing stakeholder relationships within key EJ areas. Identify possible communities and municipal entities for ongoing EJ energy efficiency demonstration projects recognizing opportunities to leverage NYPA resources to benefit communities.
• Serve as point of contact for EJ stakeholders and advocacy groups. Monitor activities and develop material to update leadership with strategic advice on governmental, political or communications issues to ensure the concerns of the community are understood.
• Serves as a primary EJ liaison on Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), Executive Order 22 and other interagency and industry groups focused on energy equity and historically disadvantaged communities.

Develop, coach, mentor and manage a team of environmental justice professionals.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Excellent supervisory ability and experience managing diverse inter-disciplinary teams. Interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of management both internally & externally.
• Problem solving skills and ability to be creative about leveraging companywide expertise.
• Working knowledge of the Power Authority, mission and strategic goals required . Familiarity with the state and federal regulatory energy environment in which NYPA operates, including expertise in the wider energy industry, generation transmission projects and renewable energy technology.
• Excellent organization and planning and ability to adjust course to accommodate changes in strategic or political direction.
• Ability to leverage high-level relationships with key internal & external stakeholders. Ability to work with highly sensitive and confidential material and issues
• Essential working knowledge of the NYS Environmental Justice Community and Advocacy goals. Experience working with community groups.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Minimum 7 years of related experience. Community organization experience desirable.
• Master’s degree in environmental policy, public administration, business, or communications is preferred
• Experience in the energy industry
• Experience with Federal and State grant writing
• Experience working with government officials, community activists on EJ issues.
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental science, engineering, business, public relations, communications, finance, economics, or related field
• Minimum 3 years of people management experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to attend meetings/events outside of normal business hours.
• Ability to drive with a valid Driver’s License.
• Approximately 60% travel within NY State.

New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The target salary range for this position is: $151,360-$185,000. Salary offered will be determined based the successful candidates’ relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The New York Power Authority and Canals Corporation believes that equity, diversity, 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 NY and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, arrest record or criminal conviction history, or any other category protected by law.

We are happy to provide reasonable religious accommodations during the hiring process for those in need. If you have a disability or special need that requires a reasonable accommodation, please send a request to [email protected] .