Senior Policy Advisor, Energy Efficiency-Chicago, IL, US

BACKGROUND: Through a joint initiative, the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) are establishing long-term partnerships with cities across the country to assist them in the design and implementation of ambitious plans that significantly reduce community energy costs and carbon pollution, create local demand for skilled workers, and produce new market opportunities for private-sector investment in the existing building stock. As part of this initiative, IMT will be providing on-site staff assistance to help cities develop and execute their plans.

IMT and NRDC will be partnering with the City of Chicago to help them achieve energy efficiency goals outlined in Mayor Emanuel’s Sustainable Chicago 2015 Action Agendaand the Chicago Climate Action Plan.

JOB DESCRIPTION: IMT seeks a dynamic, impact-oriented Senior Policy Advisor to work with the City of Chicago and other city agencies to assist with the management, implementation, and outreach for a suite of policies designed to advance energy efficiency in large buildings throughout the city. The Senior Policy Advisor will be part of a network of City Energy Project staff members placed in US cities to support building energy efficiency policy initiatives, and will therefore be engaged at the local, regional, and national levels to advance the city’s goals.

The role calls for a balance of leadership, management, analysis, and influencing skills, as the Senior Policy Advisor will interface with key stakeholders and decision-makers within city government, the real estate sector, utility companies, and at other organizations in the community. In addition, this role will require flexibility and strong organizational and communication skills, as the individual will work on a range of projects and initiatives. Successful candidates will have a track record that demonstrates their ability to work independently, to contribute effectively as a member of a team, and to collaborate across organizations.

To accomplish Chicago’s goals, the Senior Policy Advisor will:

• Work in close collaboration with City of Chicago staff, including the Chief Sustainability Officer and other sustainability and policy team members on high-priority energy efficiency initiatives supported by this project, including:

o Launch and deliver upon the Chicago Building Energy Use and Transparency Ordinance to drive awareness, transparency, and action on energy efficiency

o Expand building operator certification training to ensure that large buildings have access to individuals trained in energy benchmarking, efficient operations, and energy technology

o Implement and drive compliance with the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code and related city policies

o Develop and carry out additional programs and policies to facilitate energy efficiency in large buildings, such as challenges and financing programs.

• In partnership with the City, develop implementation strategy and detailed workplans for energy efficiency initiatives, and participate in implementation of those plans.

• Ensure the City makes progress on its building energy efficiency initiatives, which may include leading particular projects or aspects of their plan, managing stakeholder engagement, drafting documents and materials, giving presentations, and performing data analysis.

• Develop and manage strong relationships with city officials, stakeholders, and community partners.

• Maintain appropriate bi-directional communication and information flow with IMT and its identified partners to ensure the organization’s capabilities are fully leveraged on the ground.

• Manage IMT’s efforts with stakeholders and partners at the local, regional, and national levels, as needed. Stakeholders may include academic partners, regional energy efficiency organizations, nonprofits or other companies, and federal agencies.

• Ensure appropriate reporting to IMT and NRDC leadership.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Clear commitment to public service in the field of environmental and economic sustainability.

• Compelling work ethic and self-motivation, with a strong sense of urgency, confidence, and humility.

• Exceptional program management, strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence decision-making processes collaboratively and effectively.

• Ability to identify, structure, and deliver effective solutions to emerging energy efficiency challenges.

• Direct experience managing project teams, including developing project plans and managing timelines.

• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative relationships to achieve measurable results.

• Experience with negotiations or inter-organizational cooperation.

• Comfort with public speaking and facilitation in varied settings, from small groups to large conferences.

• Excellent writing skills and ability to tailor messages and materials to different audiences.

• Credible understanding of the environmental, technical, and political context for Chicago’s sustainability efforts, including the Sustainable Chicago 2015 Action Agenda and Chicago Climate Action Plan.

• Five or more years of post-college work experience.

PLUSES:

• Advanced degree in relevant discipline (ex: MBA, MPP, MPA, Urban Planning and Design)

• Knowledge and experience related to building sciences, real estate, or energy efficiency in buildings.

• Experience working as a management consultant to private or public clients.

• Experience working within municipal government on environmental policy issues.

• Experience living and working in the City of Chicago.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience. Please include salary requirements with your application.

TRAVEL: This position requires travel outside of the Chicago metro area less than 10% of the time.

TO APPLY: To submit an application for this position, email a resume, brief cover letter, and salary requirements with “Senior Policy Advisor – Chicago” in the subject line to:[email protected].

This position is funded and employed directly by the Institute for Market Transformation and located in the Chicago Mayor’s Office in City Hall. The position is full-time and has guaranteed funding for 18 months, which will commence when the position is filled, with funding in place for renewal based on overall project progress and employee performance. Salary is commensurate with experience.

IMT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Washington, DC. IMT’s mission is to promote energy efficiency, green building and environmental protection in the United States and abroad. The focus of IMT’s work is energy efficiency in buildings. The organization’s activities include technical and market research, educational outreach, and the crafting of energy efficiency policy and program initiatives. IMT is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, please visit www.imt.org

TO APPLY: To submit an application for this position, email a resume, brief cover letter, and salary requirements with “Senior Policy Advisor – Chicago” in the subject line to:[email protected].