The City of Providence, in partnership with the City Energy Project, seeks to retain a Building Energy Advisor to work in the Office of Sustainability. The City Energy Project is a joint initiative of the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to create healthier and more prosperous American cities by improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Working in partnership, the City Energy Project and participating cities will create innovative, practical solutions that cut energy waste, boost local economies, and reduce harmful pollution.
The City of Providence has a citywide goal to become a carbon neutral by 2050. Buildings account for almost 70% of the City’s greenhouse gas emissions. With support from the City Energy Project, this new position will help Providence create and execute a strategy to increase the energy efficiency of its building stock. The full job listing can be found here.
Position Summary:
The Building Energy Advisor will work within the Office of Sustainability and across other key City agencies including the Department of Public Property, Department of Planning and Development, and the Department of Inspections and Standards to assist with the execution of initiatives designed to advance energy efficiency in large existing buildings, both public and private sector. The Building Energy Advisor will be part of a network of similar positions located in cities across the country to support building energy efficiency policy initiatives, and will therefore be engaged at the local, regional, and national levels to advance the City’s goals.
The position calls for a balance of leadership and negotiating skills, as the Building Energy Advisor will regularly meet and confer with key influencers and decision-makers within City government, the real estate sector, utility companies, industry, and other organizations in the community. In addition, this role will require flexibility and strong organizational, written, and communication skills. Successful candidates will have a track record that demonstrates their ability to work independently, to contribute effectively as a member of a team, and to collaborate across organizations.
Duties &Responsibilities
1. Develops and executes detailed work plan to implement Providence’s plan for energy efficiency in large existing buildings.
2. Leads various work streams including but not limited to outreach and education of stakeholders, engagement with local utilities, drafting internal and public-facing documents, and navigating internal City processes.
3. Develops and manages strong relationships with City officials, key stakeholders, and partners in the community.
4. Maintains appropriate bi-directional communication and information flow with City Energy Project staff and other partners.
5. Conducts basic analysis of large data sets related to real estate and energy metrics.
6. Conducts administrative tasks such as taking meeting minutes and drafting summary reports.
7. Ensures appropriate reporting to IMT and NRDC leadership.
Requisite Knowledge, Skills & Experience
1. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and at least three years of experience in a professional position involving responsibility for planning, energy conservation, and related project management; or a combination of substantially equivalent education and experience.
2. Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and interpersonal skills are required.
3. Ability to problem-solve and influence decision-making processes in a diplomatic and collaborative manner.
4. Experience managing projects in a team setting, including developing project plans and managing timelines.
5. Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve goals.
6. Ability to speak publicly and effectively in varied settings, ranging from working groups to conferences.
7. Excellent writing skills and ability to tailor messages and materials to different audiences.
8. Effective team player and communicator in a dispersed team.
9. Ability to travel locally or nationally to complete work or attend meetings and conferences.
Preferred Skills & Experience
1. A Master’s degree in a related discipline.
2. Experience living and working in Providence.
3. Experience working within municipal government on policy, particularly related to the environment, equity, or public health.
4. Knowledge and experience related to building sciences, commercial real estate, or energy efficiency in buildings.
5. Experience working with utilities on energy efficiency programming, rate design, or other related issues.
6. Experience with negotiations, advocacy, politics, and/or inter-organizational cooperation.
7. Experience working as a consultant to private or public entities.
Funding: This position is partially funded by the City Energy Project grant. Funding is available for renewal through December of 2018.
Application Instructions: To submit an application for this position, email a resume and a brief cover letter with “Building Energy Advisor” in the subject line to: jobs@providenceri.gov.
Human Resources
25 Dorrance Street
Providence, RI 02903
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