Improve a million buildings at NYCʼs most impactful environmental nonprofit.
Urban Green Council, the local affiliate of the U.S. Green Building Council, is looking for a policy maven to develop and drive green building change in New York City.
Urban Green is NYCʼs go-to nonprofit organization on sustainable building policy, twice managing blue ribbon commissions on behalf of the city, most recently following Superstorm Sandy. Annually, the organization passes an average of 20 code reforms, with about half of the 138 combined task force recommendations implemented to date.
With the rise of a progressive new Mayor and City Council, Urban Green is playing a central role in re-envisioning sustainability in NYC, including partnering in the management of the Technical Working Group developing the cityʼs 80 x 50 energy efficiency policies. In order to expand its capacity to take on a broader range of critical initiatives, Urban Green is adding the position of Policy Manager to its leading edge policy team. Working in concert with experts from the worldʼs most sophisticated real estate industry, the Policy Manager will assist the Director of Policy on big picture efforts and lead Urban Greenʼs work on a range of specific strategic initiatives.
About the Position
The Policy Manager will contribute to Urban Greenʼs advocacy work with the City of New York, New York City Council, the State of New York, and professional associations including the Real Estate Board of New York. The Policy Manager will work closely with Policy Director Laurie Kerr, a leader in the development of green building and urban sustainability policy with a considerable track record of driving leading edge strategy in New York City and nationally. Core responsibilities will include assisting the Policy Director on sustainability planning and large projects for New York City, including coordinating with New York State, and spearheading a variety of strategic initiatives. The Policy Manager reports to the Director of Policy and may oversee an intern, consultants, and/or research fellows. As part of the Policy team, the Policy Manager will participate in setting the teamʼs strategic direction and in coordinating with the Research and Programs teams.
Nimble and rapidly growing, the Urban Green Council requires a Policy Manager who understands green building strategies and technologies and has experience working in green building policy at the state or city level. This position will provide the qualified candidate broad exposure to leading thinkers in urban sustainability and the opportunity to positively impact the future of New York City.
Key Responsibilities
Policy
- Assist Director of Policy on various large scale policy initiatives including:
o Advising and assisting the City on its 80 x 50 initiative
o Advising and assisting the City Council on local laws
o Advising and assisting the city on energy code development
o Maintaining strong relationships with government, non-profits, and industry leaders
o Advising the Director on the development of new policy initiatives
o Coordinating with NYS, including the Governorʼs Energy Office, NYSERDA, NYPA, and the PSC
- Lead specific policy initiatives with guidance from the Director of Policy. Such initiatives may include:
o Strategies for reducing energy use in tenant spaces
o Special projects, such as catalyzing the development of new technologies
o Clarifying landmarks requirements to better facilitate energy efficient upgrades
o Specific green code development
Interdepartmental
- Advise research and education departments on priorities related to policy
- Coordinate with programs department on content related to policy
Departmental Management
- Advise Director of Policy on annual departmental goal-setting
- Supervise interns, consultants, and volunteer committees
- Assist with professional staff development and maintaining an engaging and satisfying workplace
Required Qualifications/Skills:
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field; Masterʼs degree or professional license a plus
- At least 5 years work experience in green building, including construction, retrofits, and building operations
- Experience in urban sustainability policy at the state or city level
- Familiarity with building codes, particularly the energy code
- Excellent writing, editing, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Understanding of current environmental issues, green building, and the real estate industry
- Ability to work well in groups, including volunteer committees
- Ability to juggle several projects, including those that may involve consultants
- Attention to detail and ability to multi-task
- Creativity, energy, confidence, integrity, initiative, and independence
Compensation
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid health insurance and 401(k) plan with match after 90 days and a generous vacation policy.
How to Apply
Please email resume and cover letter including salary requirements (single PDF titled PM_[NAME]) with “PM/Your Name” in the subject line to jobs@urbangreencouncil.org.
About Urban Green Council
Urban Green Councilʼs mission is to transform the NYC building industry for a sustainable future.
Our work is based on core expertise in policy, research and education. We believe a sustainable future requires energy-efficient, green, resilient, healthy, and affordable buildings.
A non-profit organization established in 2002, and the largest urban chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Urban Green has quickly grown to a full-time staff of over 20. Our in-house experts and a dedicated network of volunteers are helping to transform the built environment in New York City with models that can be replicated in urban centers nationwide. We are acknowledged as the premier forum for the development of environmentally sound building practices in the greater New York area, and our input is sought on major policy issues and regulatory initiatives in New York City and New York State. More information can be found at www.urbangreencouncil.org.
