Manager, Building Energy Initiative – Chicago, IL

Organization: Environmental Defense Fund

Position Title: Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

Position Dates: Funded through December 2014.

Application Deadline: None posted.

Posted On: May 10, 2013.

Organization Overview:

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

EDF Climate Corps (www.edfclimatecorps.org) taps the talents of tomorrow’s leaders to save energy, money and the environment by placing specially-trained fellows in companies, cities and universities as dedicated energy problem solvers. Each fellow develops a customized, actionable energy investment plan designed to meet the host organization’s unique needs. If improving building energy efficiency were as simple as flipping a switch, organizations could easily cash in on big cost savings and emission reductions. Unfortunately, limited resources, information gaps and regulatory barriers prevent many organizations from taking advantage of smart energy investments. EDF Climate Corps overcomes these barriers. Since the program’s launch in 2008, EDF Climate Corps fellows have uncovered over a billion dollars in energy savings for participating organizations.

EDF is launching a new initiative in Chicago to accelerate investment in energy efficiency and demand response and increase adoption of energy management practices in buildings. Our goals are to create a successful pilot that can be replicated in other cities, and to leverage the results and relationships developed through this initiative to advance EDF’s climate and energy goals.

Description:

The Project Manager will lead the Chicago Buildings Pilot under the direction of EDF Climate Corps’ Senior Manager for Strategy. The Project Manager will contribute to and oversee execution of the strategy for the program, manage local staff and consultants, recruit buildings to participate in this and complementary efforts in Chicago, build a network for building managers and operators to learn leading practices from one another, track progress against success measures, and coordinate with local partners including associations, NGOs, and city offices including the Mayor’s office.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the strategy and success measures for the pilot
• Manage staff and consultants on the ground in Chicago
• Develop relationships with local partners including building owners and operators, associations, NGOs, and City of Chicago officials
• Recruit building owners to participate in EDF Climate Corps
• Manage EDF Climate Corps summer engagements in Chicago, including developing workplans, reviewing and vetting final results, and tracking implementation of fellow recommendations
• Champion energy efficiency project identification and implementation year-round for a subset of influential buildings in Chicago
• Create a learning network for building managers and operators to boost participation in energy efficiency and demand response programs
• Educate building owners and operators about energy efficiency opportunities specific to Chicago by plugging them into local resources and ensuring they have access to local incentives
• Support and track implementation of projects from all participating buildings
• Track and evaluate program results through surveys, project data analysis, and after-action reviews
• Communicate program results to internal and external stakeholders through meetings, reports, media and online outreach, conferences, presentations, and other methods; and
• Work with EDF’s marketing and communications staff to promote EDF Climate Corps, including supporting media outreach and developing marketing materials

Qualifications:

• 4-6 years of professional experience and graduate degree in business, science, policy, economics or law in areas related to the environment and/or energy; bachelor’s degree with sufficient experience will also be considered;
• Demonstrated success in moving diverse stakeholders to agreement and action on complex issues;
• Advanced knowledge of the business and policy implications of energy markets, building energy efficiency, demand response, and smart grid;
• Strong understanding of state policymaking, structure and political processes;
• Solid experience in project management and strategy development;
• Demonstrated management experience, especially supervising consultants and field staff;
• Superior written and oral communication skills, the ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience;
• Strong analytical skills, including graduate level financial analysis, and experience in analysis and documentation in support of highly visible work;
• Exceptional personal organization, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task;
• Results-oriented, self-starter with the ability to think strategically and work on fast-paced, dynamic issues. Ability to recognize and build on political opportunities for progress;
• Ability to work both independently and as a leader or member of teams in a dynamic and creative environment with colleagues and partners of varied background and experience. Able to prioritize, be flexible, and respond quickly to changing opportunities;
• Willingness to travel (up to 20% of the time);
• Strong proficiency in the use of IBM PCs, the Microsoft Office suite of software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint), database programs, and Salesforce.com;
• Sales experience a plus.

How to Apply:

Apply online on the EDF website.

Contact Information: 

Environmental Defense Fund, http://www.edf.org

Job URL: http://www.edf.org/jobs/manager-building-energy-initiative