Energy Program Manager (Demand Response) - 25041

Position Summary: New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) provides resources and programs to improve building and resource efficiency, addressing environmental issues and social inequities to support lasting change. The collaborative team manages numerous programs across nearly 1,600 schools and 1,500 buildings that foster stakeholder engagement, climate action, and optimize buildings and operations to reduce environmental impact.

The Office of Energy & Sustainability (OES) works with school-based stakeholders, central NYCPS Offices, other City agencies, School Construction Authority, and numerous partner organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce waste and maximize waste diversion, and support the connection of climate and sustainability leadership and action to staff and students. The mission-focused Office supports a variety of ambitious, City-aligned sustainability and climate goals and Mayoral initiatives.

NYCPS comprises most of the City’s total participation in Demand Response (DR) efforts in partnership with DCAS and local energy utility providers (Con Ed, NYISO, National Grid) to reduce energy consumption during emergency weather events when called by the utilities. Over 450 school buildings are currently enrolled in summer Demand Response Programs to curtail electricity consumption during periods of extreme heat to mitigate the risk of blackouts. In the winter season, 85 buildings are enrolled in Demand Response for Natural Gas (winter) to protect the gas supply for heat for NYC residents during periods of extreme cold. Participation in these programs saves energy, saves money spent on utilities, and helps to protect New Yorkers from the impacts of climate change.

Benefits

The Program Manager will plan, implement, train, coordinate, communicate, and monitor all buildings enrolled in DR programs as well as serve as the primary agency liaison for program expansion, agency performance, and all stages of emergency events (e.g planning, training, communications, and real time data monitoring). Manager oversees Real Time Meter installations and data per Local Law 45, as well as develops reinvestment plans for revenue funds earned through DR performance (e.g. in Fiscal Year 2024, over $5M was earned across DR programs) in conjunction with broader energy management efforts. This program uniquely benefits schools because it enables OES to create such opportunities as the following:

• Annual Sustainability Project Grant: funded entirely by Demand Response
• Decarbonization Projects e.g. lighting upgrades, emergency HVAC repairs, steam system optimization
  
  

Performs related work.

Reports to: Chief Sustainability & Decarbonization Officer

Direct Reports: N/A

Key Relationships: OES leadership, DCAS Division of Energy Management, third-party Demand Response provider, and school-based Custodian Engineers, the Energy Management team within OES, Deputy Directors and Directors of Facilities, Division of School Facilities’ leadership and Maintenance teams, utility providers, school administrators, and a diverse base of broader sustainability partners (e.g. teachers, Sustainability Coordinators, partner nonprofit organizations).

Responsibilities

Demand Response Program Management

• Manages the agency’s participation and performance in the City’s Demand Response Program, including facility enrollment and/or expansion, emergency event performance, custodian training and support, data analyses and management, real time meter monitoring and evaluation, staff communications, revenue management, and continuous improvement.
• Collects and analyzes Demand Response performance data, including energy savings and avoided emissions.
• Oversees the ongoing development of the National Grid Natural Gas Demand Response Program for further City resilience.
• Serves as liaison and subject matter expert for school energy efficiency, particularly the growing importance of energy demand management as building electrification efforts expand.
• Responsible for all program metrics and reporting.
  
  

Real-Time Metering (RTM) Installations

Develops plan and oversees installation of real-time meters (RTMS) across portfolio in compliance with Local Law 45 and to advance Demand Response participation and performance.

• Over 900 RTMS at nearly 700 locations with more expected to be planned and installed (requires work with electrical contractors).
• Manages access and usage of the real time data monitoring tool across all schools, including troubleshooting and training for Custodian Engineers.
• Leverages RTM data platform to identify and monitor energy efficiency trends and opportunities for improvement across the building portfolio as well as individual sites.
• Monitors Demand Response Program performance vs. facility commitments.
• Identifies targeted training needs to improve program performance and energy efficiency.
  
  

Budget Management

• Develops spend plans for Demand Response revenue in conjunction with OES Finance and Energy Management teams; manages all associated projects, data, documentation for reporting, and tracks impacts.
• Evaluates and approves cost estimates, contract specifications, change orders and scopes of work as needed. May authorize payments to contractors and vendors; or perform assignments equivalent to those described.
  
  

Energy Efficiency Outreach and Training

• Provides technical assistance for all participating buildings (Custodian Engineers), Energy Management team, and other facilities staff.
• Manages and facilitates Custodian Engineer trainings for Demand Response, energy efficiency best practices and tips, and Real-Time Metering.
• Supports OES in citywide events and meetings as needed, including presentations.
• Develops a Demand Response toolkit with stakeholder communication templates, data tracking sheets, data analysis tools, slide decks, etc.
• Works with Sustainability Specialists to increase broader program fluency as part of their school outreach work.
• Develops new ideas, resources, tools, and reports to continuously improve the program and broader energy efficiency goals and resources.
  
  

Qualification Requirements

Minimum

• Eight years of full-time experience in construction, repair, alteration and/or rehabilitation of multiple dwellings, commercial, industrial or public buildings in the capacity of general contractor, superintendent of construction, procurement specialist, evaluator responsible for cost estimation, or as a field supervisor or as an inspector, at least 18 months of which must have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity involving responsibility for a large number of buildings; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above. Education in an accredited college leading toward a baccalaureate degree in engineering, architecture, engineering technology or a closely related field will be accepted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years. However, all candidates must possess at least 18 months of the specialized supervisory or administrative experience described in "1" above.
  
  

Preferred

• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong spoken and written communication skills;
• High proficiency with data visualization tools and methods utilizing Microsoft Word and PowerPoint to create professional reports, memos, and presentations.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency, conservation, generation, distribution, metering, utility billing, and emissions accounting.
• Familiarity with RTM, DR and LM concepts.
• City budget/payment management and tracking experience.
  
  

Salary: $92,881 - $105,000

(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.

• New York City Residency is NOT Required *
  
  

We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DOE Non- Discrimination Policy

The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.