Job Title: Renewable Energy Growth Advisor
PVN ID: LA-2504-006818
Category: Instruction and Social Service
Location: LAGUARDIA C. C.

Job Description

General Description

Program Overview

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) PowerUP2030 program at LaGuardia Community College is an NYPA-funded initiative designed to help small businesses in clean-energy-related industries compete for renewable energy contracts. The program provides comprehensive training and support to help businesses navigate procurement processes and successfully deliver renewable energy projects.

Role Description

Reporting to the Program Director, Renewable Energy Growth Advisors provide guidance and support to small business owners throughout the 10-week program. Advisors work with multiple groups of 5-7 entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the curriculum and apply key concepts to successfully compete for NYPA renewable energy contracts. In addition to classroom support, advisors assist with outreach and recruitment, participant selection, and post-program follow-up to ensure businesses are positioned to submit competitive bids. This is a grant-funded, hybrid position through the Research Foundation of CUNY. Appointments are subject to availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

LaGuardia Community College

Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York (CUNY). LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree programs and more than fifty workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 24,000 students. More than one-third of LaGuardia’s degree-seeking students are born outside the United States; they come from 136 countries and speak 43 heritage languages. Sixty percent are first-generation college students.

Virtually all LaGuardia students are ethnic minorities (89 percent), 58 percent are women, 27 percent are over the age of 25. Forty-six percent of associate degree students are Hispanic. Upon graduation most students transfer to four-year colleges, typically in CUNY, to complete their baccalaureate degrees. Graduates of career programs such as Nursing, Computer Technology, and Veterinary Technology enter the workforce. LaGuardia ranked fifth among U.S. community colleges in economic mobility – moving low-income students into the middle class and beyond – in studies by Stanford University (2017) and the Brookings Institution (2020).

Other Duties

Business Advising and Participant Support

  • Conduct 6-8 individual advisory sessions per cohort through a combination of in-person and virtual meetings
  • Guide participants in developing renewable energy growth plans to align with NYPA procurement opportunities
  • Provide in-depth business advising, helping participants integrate renewable energy solutions into their operations
  • Assist participants in applying concepts related to solar, wind, drone, and EV charging technologies, project development cycles, industry safety standards, financial forecasting, and operational management
  • Support participants in developing competitive procurement strategies, understanding contracting requirements, and positioning their businesses for success in NYPA bidding opportunities
  • Provide support during classroom instruction, reinforcing key concepts and facilitating discussions
  • Engage in bi-weekly team meetings to optimize strategies for supporting participants
  • Participate in all program modules, clinics, and events to ensure consistent engagement and learning

Outreach, Recruitment, and Industry Engagement

  • Assist with outreach efforts and recruitment of program participants
  • Participate in the selection and onboarding process for program participants
  • Connect businesses to NYPA resources, industry partners, and relevant contracting opportunities
  • Track participant progress and program outcomes to ensure alignment with program goals
  • Support post-program follow-up to help businesses meet program deliverables, including successful bid submissions

Qualifications

  • Minimum of five years of experience in business advising, consulting, or coaching small businesses, with a strong track record of helping businesses scale and secure contracts
  • At least five years of experience in the renewable energy sector, with familiarity in solar, wind, drone, and EV charging technologies
  • Strong knowledge of industry safety standards, project development, regulatory compliance, and procurement processes
  • Expertise in financial forecasting, budgeting, and contract pricing for renewable energy projects
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet program needs
  • Strong time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in business, engineering, renewable energy, or a related field
  • Experience with government contracting and procurement
  • Knowledge of New York State clean energy regulations and NYPA procurement processes
  • Background in construction, electrical trades, or renewable energy infrastructure
  • Experience working with MWBE/SDVOB certification processes

RFCUNY Benefits

RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

About the Research Foundation

The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) is a nonprofit educational corporation founded in 1963 to provide post-award fiscal and administrative support for CUNY’s research and sponsored programs. RFCUNY’s services allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries, on projects and programs that serve our local and global communities, proposing concrete solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.

RFCUNY serves as a fiscal agent and works closely with all the CUNY campus Grants Offices to perform the core functions of post-award financial management for CUNY research projects and sponsored programs. These functions include legal assessment and signing of agreements where RFCUNY is named as a fiscal agent; setting up award accounts; preparing sub-awards and assisting PIs in monitoring the work of the recipients of sub-awards; supporting project directors with hiring and managing research project and sponsored program staff; supporting the purchasing and paying for goods and services with grant and program funds; managing financial aspects of projects including accounts receivable, financial reporting, invoicing, budget monitoring, and cost compliance with uniform guidance; ensuring that sponsor financial requirements are met; monitoring compliance with applicable project and financial management rules and laws; supporting the management of independent and external audits and financial reviews; and providing data, information, management expertise, and other supports to CUNY’s research and sponsored programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Key Features

Department
Business Services
Status
Full Time
Annual Salary Range
$80,000.00 - $88,000.00
Closing Date
Jun 29, 2025 (Or Until Filled)
Bargaining Unit
Yes

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