Careers Job Description
General Description
NYSolar Smart is a strategic effort led by the City University of New York (CUNY) that supports Federal, State, and City solar initiatives and works in partnership with: the New York Power Authority (NYPA); New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA); municipalities around the state; and more than 30 organizations representing utility companies, installers, government agencies and industry leaders. Since 2006 CUNY has led the implementation of multiple state and federal solar grants. CUNY is a member of the NY-Sun PV Trainers Network and provides training and technical assistance on solar issues to local governments across New York State. CUNY also received funding through the DOE’s SunShot Initiative Solar Market Pathways to implement the Smart DG Hub – Resilient Solar Project, which is creating a pathway to integrating resilient solar+storage systems in NYC. In NYC, CUNY leads the NYC Solar Partnership efforts to reduce market barriers for solar power, attract solar energy companies to New York City, and increase solar energy production capacity to meet the Mayor’s solar goal of 1 GW of solar installed by 2030. Under the Mayor’s One City: Built to Last plan, CUNY leads the implementation of Solarize NYC and the development of the City’s community shared solar program.
For more information on the CUNY program and past and present partnered efforts, please see: nysolarmap.com.
CUNY is seeking a NYS Solar/Distributed Generation Ombudsman to assist with the implementation of these projects, with a particular focus on training, policy research, and program management.
Responsibilities
Under the direction of the University Director for Sustainability and the NYC Solar Partnership Manager, the Ombudsman will be responsible for leading or supporting the following efforts. Additional special project assistance may be required as needed.
Training and Technical Assistance
The Ombudsman will support the NY-Sun PV Trainers Network by presenting at workshops across New York State for local governments, developing and leading webinars and podcasts, and providing one-on-one technical assistance. This training will focus on general solar policy, planning and zoning, and community solar. The Ombudsman will also support the development of other written resources and reports. The Ombudsman will also provide trainings and presentations as needed for Solarize NYC and other NYSolar Smart programs.
Research and Policy Implementation
The Ombudsman will support NYSolar Smart and Smart DG Hub Working Groups focused on policy changes to reduce balance of system costs for solar in NYS and develop a solar+storage market. The Ombudsman will focus on supporting outreach and educational efforts on the NY Solar Smart DG Hub. This role will require the Ombudsman to provide assistance to stakeholders in the NYC energy storage marketplace, coordinate training to NYC energy storage permitting and code officials, and develop educational materials such as presentations and fact sheets in order to help streamline processes for energy storage technologies in NYC. This position will also help ensure coordination with changing NYS policies, as well as write reports, case studies and assist with ongoing grant writing efforts as needed.
Project Management
The Ombudsman will both support and lead, as needed, new NYSolar Smart programs currently being developed. This role will require overall project management, schedule coordination, stakeholder engagement, material development, and on-time completion of deliverables.
Other Duties
Event/Workshop Coordination
Ombudsmen assist in support planning and logistics for CUNY's annual New York Solar Summit and Statewide policy support workshops for jurisdictions as well as other training workshops. Work will include writing outreach materials, coordination of speakers and panels, and logistics.
Qualifications
Applicants must have proven experience with or knowledge of several of the following:
- New York City and State energy policy and solar programs and incentives
- Public speaking and presentation development
- Policy research and writing
- Management of complex, long-term projects
- Knowledge of solar planning, zoning and permitting issues at a local level is preferred
- Knowledge of PV installation processes and financials
- Knowledge of energy storage technologies and policies
Successful applicants will have excellent writing skills, public speaking ability in both large and small settings, and project management experience. Most importantly, successful applicants should be quick and eager learners of new material.
This position will require initiative and the ability to work independently as well as to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. Communication to both the general public and solar industry experts will be required.
Two to five years experience in a relevant field is required. Graduate degree preferred, particularly with a policy or planning background. Applicants must be able and willing to travel across New York State.
RFCUNY Benefits
RFCUNY Employee Benefits and AccrualsAbout the Research Foundation
The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) was established as a not-for-profit educational corporation chartered by the State of New York in 1963. RFCUNY supports CUNY faculty and staff in identifying and obtaining external support (pre-award) from government and private sponsors and is responsible for the administration of all such funded programs (post-award).
RFCUNY stands between CUNY’s principal investigators (PIs) and the sponsors who support them and strives to fulfill its essential responsibilities to both groups. Working closely with individual PIs and Grants Officers on the campuses, RFCUNY oversees employment, accounting, audit, reporting, purchasing, and special responsibilities that include management of a planned giving program; liaison with governmental agencies and foundations; negotiation of agreements; facility construction and renovation; protection and commercialization of intellectual property; and compliance with applicable standards in research involving human subjects, animal care, environmental and radiological safety, and conflicts of interest.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Key Features
Sustainable CUNY
Full Time
Depends on Qualifications
Mar 23, 2017 (Or Until Filled)