Sr Advisor, Clean Transportation

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. Enable New York's communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy. Job Overview NYSERDA seeks an industry-experienced, collaborative, and knowledgeable individual to join its Clean Transportation team to provide leadership, technical insights, and market engagement around school bus electrification in New York State, working in close partnership with both public and private sectors. The State of New York has committed, through legislation, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85% below 1990 levels by 2050. The transportation sector is one of the two largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the State, and reducing emissions from this sector is critical to meeting the State's broader goals. The activities of the Clean Transportation team will be a major contributor to developing markets for clean transportation technologies that can decarbonize the transportation sector. More specifically, the State of New York has also committed, through legislation, to rapidly transitioning the approximately 45,000 school buses in 700 school districts across the State to zero-emission buses, with all new school buses purchased being zero-emission starting in 2027 and all school buses being zero-emission starting in 2035. The successful candidate will lead programmatic and policy efforts and provide advice to internal team members and external partners related to innovative school bus electrification topics. This will include daily involvement with policymakers and industry participants to guide projects and initiatives that advance the state of the electric school bus (ESB) market. This position requires someone with a strong practical and technical background in transportation electrification and proven interpersonal skills. Experience with pupil transportation would be a plus. Experience leading teams of colleagues and/or consultants in complex undertakings is critical. A successful candidate should be able to identify current and future market and technical barriers to ESB adoption based on previous experience and future research. The ability to establish relationships and forge new ones when needed is a must. A successful candidate must be able to constructively collaborate and interact with counterparts in other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry participants. Independent thought leadership and having the ability to simultaneously manage a wide range of projects is a must. An ideal candidate will be a strong presenter and have the range and ability to successfully work with a wide range of stakeholders such as market players, regulators, sister agencies, State officials and local governments. The Senior Advisor will be expected to travel approximately 10% of professionally committed time to meet with team members, stakeholders, and potential partners. The position will report to the Program Manager for Clean Transportation. Primary Responsibilities Lead the Clean Transportation teams' efforts to remove market barriers to ESB adoption by working with fleets, industry partners, electric utilities, state agencies and other stakeholders to identify challenges, brainstorm solutions, make policy recommendations and/or implement changes, and inform all necessary parties about best practices Participate in stakeholder discussions and speak at conferences with school bus fleets, the school bus industry, school districts, and other stakeholders regarding NYSERDA's ESB efforts Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with leading ESB market stakeholders including industry participants, end users, trade organizations, utilities, and government and represent NYSERDA in collaborative initiatives with other NYS agencies and public and private entities Participate in state policy development on topics critical to the State's ESB rollout Work with the Clean Transportation team to actively manage a broad range of projects led by outside contractors with a clear focus on market adoption of ESBs Advise other members of the Clean Transportation team on issues surrounding ESBs Identify and pursue opportunities for program improvement, including ways NYSERDA can better address equity in transportation Perform other tasks as assigned Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree with 10 years of relevant experience with a demonstrated record of success managing complex initiatives in the transportation, electrification, or other related space Subject matter expertise in transportation electrification, with a preference for a strong understanding of medium- or heavy-duty vehicle electrification and/or pupil transportation and a passion for issues related to clean transportation and equity Demonstrated experience managing junior personnel, supervising contractors, and interacting with senior leadership in one's own organization and in other organizations Demonstrated ability to independently and simultaneously manage and follow through on a broad portfolio of innovative initiatives, including setting workplans, delegating tasks, managing budgets, and overseeing internal and consultant work products Strong written and oral communication skills; excellent strategic planning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills Experience representing organizations in public settings and participating in public speaking engagements Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment Additional Qualifications Proficiency with MS Office Suite required; familiarity with Salesforce preferred Master's/ Advanced degree with 8 years of relevant experience with a demonstrated record of success managing complex initiatives in the transportation, electrification, or other related space Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume. 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Created: 2024-11-02