Department:
Location: CUNY Central
Issue Date: Thursday, August 29, 2013
PVN Number: REA-1630
General Description:
Position Description: NYS Solar Coordinator
Over the last seven years, CUNY has been working to identify and
remove barriers to solar photovoltaics (PV) in the New York City (NYC)
and New York State (NYS) markets. Supported by the New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York
Power Authority (NYPA), CUNY is leading NYC and NYS efforts to reduce
non-hardware balance of system costs for PV.
To achieve these goals, CUNY is leading NYSolar Smart, a state-wide
collaborative effort designed to reduce the non-hardware soft costs of
installing solar throughout New York with support in part from the
Governor's NY-Sun Initiative. NYSolar Smart will make available to
interested NYS jurisdictions the tools and support to reduce
administrative costs associated with solar, which can increase the
expense of a PV system by up to 40%. CUNY is seeking a NYS Solar
Coordinator to oversee program strategy and implementation and manage
program staff (three NYS Solar Ombudsmen).
For more information on the CUNY program and past and present
partnered efforts, please see:
www.nycsolarcity.org
http://ny-sun.ny.gov/
www.nyserda.ny.gov
http://www.nypa.gov/
The Coordinator will sit at a partner location, preferably in Buffalo,
Syracuse, Albany, or Kingston. Travel throughout upstate New York is
required.
Other Duties:
The New York State Solar Coordinator will be tasked with ensuring that
all program deliverables are met on time and on budget. The
Coordinator will be responsible for managing all aspects of the
statewide components of the NYSolar Smart program, and will work
directly with the NYC Solar Coordinator to ensure transfer of best
practices and lessons learned between NYC and NYS markets.
Responsibilities will include:
• Creating and maintaining high-level NYS partner relationships with
state agencies, NYS jurisdictions, utilities, industry
representatives, advocates, and others
• Providing guidance and direction to staff on NYSolar Smart
strategy, programs, and implementation
• Responding to program sponsor requests and communications in a
timely and professional manner
• Managing three full-time staff in various locations
• Overseeing program budget
• Presenting on NYSolar Smart efforts to internal CUNY staff and
external partners
• Assisting with statewide event coordination and trainings
• Writing and editing NYSolar Smart communications, including
reports, articles, outreach materials, and grant applications
• Special project assistance as needed
The NYS Solar Coordinator will work closely with the New York City
Solar Coordinator, the Communications Director, and the University
Director for Sustainability. The Coordinator will report directly to
the CUNY Director of Sustainability.
Salary:Commensurate with experience Core Competencies/Qualifications:
Applicants must have proven experience with or knowledge of the
following:
• Basic technical background in and/or understanding of solar PV
• Strong understanding of solar and other renewable energy policy
• New York State energy policy, programs, and incentives
• High-level stakeholder engagement
• Management experience
The following experience and/or knowledge base is preferred but not
required:
• Solar thermal experience
• Budget management experience
• Grant management experience
• Existing relationships with NYS solar stakeholders (e.g.,
utilities, NYSERDA, NYPA, etc)
The NYS Solar coordinator must have excellent writing skills, public
speaking ability in both large and small settings, and project
management experience. It is likely that the applicant will work
remotely from NYSolar Smart team members and must be able to self-
motivate and work independently.
Two to five years’ experience in a relevant field is required.
Graduate degree required. Applicants must be able and willing to
travel across the State on a regular basis.
This is a grant-funded position and employees will be hired through
the CUNY Research Foundation.
Position will remain open until 10/29/2013 or until filled