Director, Energy Policy & Environmental Justice

NYPA's mission is to lead the transition to a carbon-free, economically vibrant New York through customer partnerships, innovative energy solutions, and the responsible supply of affordable, clean, and reliable electricity.

Position Overview

The Director, Energy Policy & 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, academia, and other policy leaders.
• 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.
• 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.

Program Evaluation

• Review and enhance NYPAs strategic EJ plan to deliver programs and projects to the communities impacted by NYPA operations.
• 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.

External Relations

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

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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.
• Essential working knowledge of the NYS Environmental Justice Community and Advocacy goals. Experience working with community groups.
• Ability to leverage high-level relationships with key internal & external stakeholders. Ability to work with highly sensitive and confidential material and issues.
• Excellent supervisory ability and experience managing diverse inter-disciplinary teams. Interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of management both internally & externally.
• Excellent organization and planning and ability to adjust course to accommodate changes in strategic or political direction.
• Problem solving skills and ability to be creative about leveraging companywide expertise.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelors’ degree in political science, environmental science, engineering, business, public relations, communications, finance, economics, or related field.
• Masters’ degree in environmental policy, public administration, business, or communications is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of related experience. Community organization experience desirable.
• Minimum 5 years in a utility industry.
• Minimum 3 years of people management experience.
• Experience working with government officials, community activists on EJ issues.

Physical Requirements

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

Compensation

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.