Program Manager, Innovation Partnerships

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

The purpose of this role is to build and manage an Innovation Partnership program comprising the network of universities, research centers, industry and investment groups, business incubators, accelerators, and other entities that engage with NYSERDA to support energy innovation in New York State. This role will also lead and manage some discretionary sponsorship contracts, and discretionary or competitive contracts for services and studies

Primary Responsibilities

Essential functions and duties include but are not limited to:

• Innovation Partnership Team Responsibilities
  • The Program Manager, Innovation Partnerships will lead the planning, launch, and management of program offerings that support partner organizations working to advance energy innovation in New York State.
  • This role will work closely with the Assistant Director, Innovation Partnerships to develop and execute a program strategy to build the most effective partnership network possible, accelerating development and deployment of innovative energy technology by fostering connections between partner organizations, NYSERDA, and other state and federal entities.
  • Key activities for this role are expected to include the design of program solicitations to competitively award sponsorships to prospective NYSERDA Innovation partners.
  • The Program Manager will also be responsible for developing evaluation criteria, budgets, and marketing plans for these solicitations, as well as leading selection committees and negotiating program awards.
  • The Program Manager will manage the resulting contracts along with additional project manager resources assigned to the role.
  • The Program Manager will also work with the Assistant Director to develop effective mechanisms for receiving, packaging, and disseminating business and technical information resulting from funded sponsorships and other partnerships.
• Strategic Leadership and Development
  • Lead a team of NYSERDA staff in developing and implementing interventions and strategies for a Business Unit.
  • Drive a program initiative.
  • Leverage the capabilities of their team to achieve goals.
  • Maintain a network of stakeholders.
• Execution and Ongoing Improvement
• • Evolve and continuously adapt strategies to optimize impact, cost-effectiveness and efficiency based on insights, critical program and research data, timely execution, and risk management.
  • Ensure programs are built such that they: have effective go forward strategies; achieve intended outcomes; meet the expectations/needs of the market; maintain operational flexibility needed to evolve; and minimize administrative cost and unnecessary burdens.
  • Develop strategy for RFP, PON and other solicitations, review all documents to ensure program objectives are likely to be met. Ensure programs align with the requirements from the funding source and have funds available in approved budgets.
  • Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with vendors to ensure NYSERDA's interests are promoted and protected in support of the above, and in accordance with NYSERDA and New York State Procurement Policies.
  • Develop Statements of Work, provide oversight, feedback and review of all tasks and deliverables and approve invoices for assigned contracts.
  • Project program management – balanced, non-duplicative, and high impact
  • Project risk management
  • Manage financial, staff and other resources for efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Coordination and collaboration with NYSERDA’s market development teams.

• People Leadership and Development
  • Foster and contribute to a culture of excellence grounded in people development, learning, problem solving, and teamwork.
  • Develop staff and colleagues to meet NYSERDA's goals and their own professional goals.
  • Serve as a mentor and a role model.
• Core Competencies
• • Cultivating Teamwork & Trusting Partnerships
  • DEI Knowledge, Understanding, & Commitment
  • Policy and Procedure Knowledge and Application

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of relevant experience in managing business partnerships or innovation projects from concept to commercialization. a demonstrated record of success in setting strategy and successfully delivering services or solutions at scale or scope within business or government operating environments including 4 years in a supervisory role
• Ability to perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with demonstrated experience fostering respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion across the workforce.
• Strong computer skills (MS word, excel, and ppt)
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including confidently and clearly presenting in front of different audiences with various backgrounds including executive and C-suite level audiences.
• Strong program management skills including a track record of successfully managing external cross-functional consultants.
• Demonstrated problem solving ability, an entrepreneurial edge, resourcefulness, adaptability, ability to surface insights and solutions.
• Insight and understanding of NYSERDA programs.
• Skill in gaining and using insight to formulate strategy and design and evolve solutions.
• An exceptional manager, coach, mentor, and developer of talent
• Top-notch presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of different backgrounds.
• A relentless work ethic and resolute integrity

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 6 years’ of relevant experience in managing business partnerships or innovation projects from concept to commercialization. a demonstrated record of success in setting strategy and successfully delivering services or solutions at scale or scope within business or government operating environments including 4 years in a supervisory role

Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume.

Please note that during the application process, you may be prompted to opt-in to Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) scoring. This is an automatic request in the ADP system but is not a feature that is used by NYSERDA in its recruiting and hiring process. Your response will have no impact on your application to NYSERDA.

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