Director, Innovation

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 Director of the Innovation business unit, develops and maintains a diversified portfolio of investments including a prioritized set of technology focus areas into which NYSERDA will direct its funding and support resources. The Director manages the development of new competitive grants, prizes and other investment programs to optimize the portfolio pipeline. The Director will report to the VP of Innovation & Research.

Primary Responsibilities

• Actively manage the >$100 million existing portfolio of R&D contracts including substantial focal areas of transportation, renewable energy optimization, energy storage, net zero buildings, and smart grid technologies
• Effectively use scarce internal resources and leverage external capital and partnerships to maximize the impact of NYSERDA funds
• Maintain best practices in tracking and reporting the portfolio’s financial and climate impacts, including by tracking patents, follow-on funding, expected greenhouse gas mitigation, and impact on embedded carbon in the economy
• Lead a high-impact, entrepreneurial team
• Cultivate and maintain strong connections with the investment community, corporate/strategic partners, policy experts, and other stakeholders to continuously inform program focus and design, identify partners in the ecosystem, and act as an ambassador for NYSERDA to these communities
• Stay current with developments in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization
• Serve as a thought leader within NYSERDA and the State; communicate research and development strategy and updates to executive management and State energy and climate leadership
• Support the State in its utilization and expectations of R&D as part of the State’s broader strategy to meet its decarbonization goals
• Drive organizational change, accountability, consistency, quality, and process standardization across all phases of research and development
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned
• Ability to perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with demonstrated experience fostering respect, diversity, equity and inclusion across the workforce.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of relevant experience in leadership positions related to climate technology research and development, technology commercialization and innovation best practices and policies
• Ability to perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with demonstrated experience fostering respect, diversity, equity and inclusion across the workforce.
• A strong existing network of climate-related researchers, funding organizations, businesses, universities, and policymakers
• Knowledge of and insight into the investment landscape, commercialization processes and scalability for climate-related technologies including both hardware and software innovations and others
• A demonstrated record of success in driving improvements in service operations and successfully delivering services within complex business or government operating environments.
• Genuine passion for matters relating to workforce training, energy, and the environment and an interest in developing and supporting a dynamic and talented team
• Project management and leadership skills including the ability to work as a team leader and team member, maintain project timelines, budgets, and deliver on commitments
• Highest level of communication and interpersonal skills involving the ability to work cross-functionally to understand requirements, present alternatives and recommendations
• Self-starter who acts independently, directs one’s own work and can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately within a high-performance environment
• Exceptional manager, coach, mentor, and developer of talent; an ability to lead and develop a team to achieve their potential, innovate and uncover new possibilities, and deliver impactful and market-relevant outcomes
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability, resourcefulness, adaptability, and an instinct for surfacing value and pragmatic solutions
• Top-notch presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of diverse backgrounds
• Relentless work ethic and resolute integrity
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to quickly aggregate and analyze information
• Travel Requirements: 25%

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 8 years experience

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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