Director of Community Energy

The Director of Community Energy is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of PUSH’s Community Energy programs and campaigns, including but not limited to: PUSH Green; the WNY Regional Clean Energy Hub; healthy homes programs, e.g., Warm and Dry on the West Side (WDWS) and the Buffalo East Home Improvement Program (BEHIP); and building decarbonization and renewable energy project development, e.g., the Out of Gas Pilot.

The Director of Community Energy works to steward a community-led vision for sustainable development, with a focus on building decarbonization and renewable energy development, in Buffalo and WNY through technical research, relationship building, community engagement, and community-based project and program management. They will work closely with PUSH’s Planning and Community Development team to build on existing projects and programs at PUSH Buffalo and affiliate organizations, working across disciplines to create and manage sustainable, local and equitable models for the development, management, and community ownership of sustainable energy assets.

Responsibilities

Western NY Regional Clean Energy Hub (the Hub)

• Administer and maintain the Regional Clean Energy Hubs contract with NYS Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), including but not limited to reviewing and submitting all reports, invoices, and deliverables.

• Direct and oversee all aspects of the Western NY Regional Clean Energy Hub work, including staffing; sub-contracting; community engagement; project management; strategic and collaborative work planning; program and activity coordination; event prioritization; identification of technical training; accountability structure to track and achieve Hub goals; external marketing and communications.

• Create and implement an Equitable Engagement plan that targets Disadvantaged Communities in Western NY for clean energy and workforce services.

• Create and implement a governance structure and standard operating procedures for sub-contractors and partners. Oversee management of subcontractor workflow, planning, and invoicing.

• Attend applicable meetings and communicate information as needed to department program managers.

• Develop and manage budget and budget modifications.

• Ensure the activities of program work performed under the Hub umbrella, including the activities of sub-contractors and partners, maintain alignment with PUSH mission, vision, and values.

PUSH Green Program & New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA)

• Support Community Energy Program Manager in oversight of one-to-one outreach efforts, which includes initial home prescreening visits, and outreach and education efforts.

• Oversee the development of systems for managing customer lead generation and referrals from subcontractors and partners.

• Collaborate with Community Energy team and PUSH Communications team to create outreach and educational materials with specific program information, monthly customer testimonials, newsletters, and website and social media updates.

• Oversee outreach campaigns and activities for assigned programs including but not limited to directing mailing, flyering, canvassing, and tabling at local events.

• Maintain current and up-to-date knowledge of program components and other related programs and processes.

• Present on PUSH Green and NYSERDA programs at events and workshops.

• Ensure NYSERDA contract goals and deliverables for recruitment are met.

• Collect, organize, and analyze project and customer data to ensure deliverables are met and the needs of area residents are satisfied.

• Attend regular trainings sponsored by NYSERDA and other funders for program information and updates.

• Complete reporting and communications requirements from NYSERDA and other funders.

• Oversee the administration of Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) healthy homes and home improvement programs. Work closely with the Healthy Homes Program Manager to implement these programs in an equitable manner.

Sustainability Campaign Work & Out of Gas Pilot (OOG)

• Direct and oversee design and implementation of sustainability campaigns including the Out of Gas Pilot (OOG) and the PUSH for Clean Heat Campaign.

• Oversee the development of public facing reports on the progress and impacts of sustainability campaigns and pilot projects and complete timely reporting to all campaign and project funders.

• Direct stakeholder and participant engagement, including engagement with contractors and external groups interested in campaigns and pilot projects.

• Support Sustainability Campaign Coordinator in focusing on utility bills and reimbursement, tracking solar installation efficacy, tracking community solar, and bringing in contractors as needed.

• Support Healthy Homes Program Coordinator in engaging and working the pilot participants and air quality monitoring.

• Oversee the Healthy Homes Program Manager with the coordination and hiring of contractors.

Community Planning & Development Work

• Direct PUSH energy management functions for properties owned and/or managed by PUSH Buffalo and its subsidiaries.

• Work with PUSH’s internal Community Planning & Development team to ensure that sustainable features are implemented throughout project development. Aid in planning sustainable measures and their implementation.

• Collaborate with the Director of Community Planning & Development to plan initial training sessions in preparation for the opening of the Sustainability Workforce Training Center (SWTC).

• Create an actionable Sustainability plan for the organization, including PUSH workplaces, with a focus on decarbonization.

• Provide occasional (on request) consulting/facilitation to individuals and organizations on sustainable project development, related policy issues, sustainable planning, implementation organizing, or related areas of expertise.

• Work with PUSH’s Policy & Strategy team and external coalition partners on policy analysis and legislative advocacy which advance PUSH’s long-term goals for renewable energy and a just transition.

• Stay up to date on emerging technologies and issues surrounding sustainability implementation, community energy, climate justice, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in community energy, sustainability, project development, energy policy, green renewable energy, or related field; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience developing green affordable housing and community-scale clean energy projects and/or resource and climate resilience planning highly preferred.

• Experience in energy retrofit work or with energy retrofit partners and/or Building Performance Institute or similar certification preferred.

• Must be comfortable meeting with people in their homes, cold calling, door knocking, presenting at community meetings and providing front end and back end customer service.

• Must reside locally in Buffalo, NY area, able to work on site at least three (3) days per week.

• Team player, creative, innovative, flexible & enthusiastic self-starter who can work independently.

• Experience working with local businesses, developers, consumers, community leaders, and the press.

• Experience working with diverse populations.

• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and familiar web-based social networking and mobile software applications, including Outlook 365 and Google Drive key. Salesforce experience helpful.

• A proactive, creative, and flexible attitude.

• Willing to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary.

• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and shifting work environment and manage the unexpected.

• Strong organization skills, including good attention to detail and follow through necessary.

• Strong written and verbal communicator.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Superior interpersonal, organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Previous direct supervisory experience is preferred.

• A valid driver’s license and access to reliable private transportation is required.

• Bilingual/bicultural a plus.