New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:
Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy.
Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Job Overview
As a pioneer and tireless advocate of New York’s environmental justice movement, Cecil Corbin-Mark directly influenced legacy environmental, climate policies adopted by New York State, as well as countless other policies and initiatives that address justice and health in our communities. Moreover, Cecil was an instrumental and influential partner to NYSERDA and many others who joined him in advocating for environmental justice. In memory of Cecil’s work and dedication and to continue to advance the mission of environmental and energy justice, NYSERDA has developed the Cecil Corbin-Mark Environmental Justice Fellowship to promote solutions with and for environmental justice communities and support policy career opportunities for those with lived and work experience in these communities.
The Cecil Corbin-Mark Environmental Justice Fellowship will provide an opportunity for the qualified candidate to contribute to policy and program development, gain professional experience, and advance New York State’s energy and climate equity goals. Based in the Energy and Climate Equity team, Fellows will work in a cross-sector role to advance environmental and energy justice across NYSERDA and in coordination with community partners and other State agencies, advancing recommendations in the NYS Disadvantaged Communities Barriers and Opportunities Report (https://climate.ny.gov/-/media/Project/Climate/Files/21-35-NY-Disadvantaged-Communities-Barriers-and-Opportunities-Report.pdf) . The Fellowship will offer professional development and networking opportunities as well as exposure to public administration of clean energy programs with an emphasis on bringing the voice and perspectives of frontline communities into policy and program planning and implementation.
Primary Responsibilities
Work with NYSERDA climate equity leadership to develop and advance environmental and energy justice policy across NYSERDA
Work with NYSERDA program teams, external stakeholders, and other State agencies to advance environmental and energy justice objectives across NYSERDA’s clean energy portfolio
Conduct research and analysis on issues related to the intersection of energy, environment, and equity
Manage initiatives related to environmental and energy justice
Engage environmental justice communities in state climate and energy justice policy and program planning
Perform other responsibilities as needed
Minimum Qualifications
Associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree and/or 1-3 years of experience in community planning, environmental justice, energy, climate policy, climate justice, or community organizing
Demonstrated experience, including work and/or lived experience, with environmental justice communities or related to energy justice and environmental policy
Genuine passion for addressing issues related to climate change, energy equity, and environmental justice
Ability to work independently and within a team structure
Strong verbal and written communication skills including ability to translate technical information into plain language and help elevate historically marginalized community voices in planning
Strong problem-solving skills involving the ability to work cross-functionally to understand requirements and present alternatives and recommendations
Self-starter who acts independently, directs one’s own work, and can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience or academic background in social justice, policy, science, health, community outreach, and/or other related areas
Experience with organizing events such as informational webinars and community meetings
Fellowship Details
The Cecil Corbin-Mark Environmental Justice Fellowship will have a 2-year term
Fellow will be located in New York State and may work a hybrid in-office and telework schedule from the Albany or New York City office
The Fellow is a full-time NYSERDA employee, paid a competitive salary, and will receive full benefits
The Fellowship is merit-based and selection is from a competitive application process
The NYSERDA Fellowship is conducted in coordination with WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Cecil Corbin-Mark Fellowship program (https://www.weact.org/ccm/) , with opportunities for networking and joint projects in collaboration with Fellows in the WE ACT program
Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume.
NYSERDA is exclusively working with a recruitment partner who will be responsible for the initial screening of the resumes for this position.
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