Regional Clean Energy Hub Director – East Meadow, NY

The Regional Clean Energy Hub (Hub) provides education and outreach to residents and small businesses in the Long Island Region (Nassau and Suffolk Counties) – with a focus on disadvantaged communities – helping people learn about ways to reduce their energy use, and transition to clean energy for heating, cooling and powering their homes, buildings, and transportation. In addition, the Hub helps elicit input from community members on state energy programs and policy, as well as support workforce development efforts in the region focused on clean energy jobs.

The Hub Program Manager will lead a team of 20 – 25 staff working out of several organizations across the region, including directly supervising the community educators based at CCE-Nassau.

This position will facilitate communication among all staff and sub-teams; represent the Hub in meetings with funders and partners; serve on a leadership team and help provide direction to Hub staff; coordinate quarterly plan development, and monthly reporting and budgeting needs; ensure program staff have the required materials and training needed to carry out their jobs; and ensure compliance with all related requirements. The Hub Program Leader will also spend time directly engaging residents and businesses to develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the work of the Hub, the key partners and contractors, and the related energy programs and concepts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience relevant to the role of the position.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively support and manage a team
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read and write proficiently) in English, and to do so effectively and with tact
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity
• Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders
• Ability to support staff who are learning a new skill through clear instructions, accompaniment, and periodic follow up
• Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information
• Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to utilize computer technologies for educational, management and communication purposes, including Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to work creatively in an environment with a degree of ambiguity, and adapt to changing circumstances
• Ability to reflect on experience, derive insights, and refine program based on a process of action-reflection
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in energy-related field, or experience with energy efficiency, renewable heating, solar, electric vehicles, as well as home construction, etc.
• Experience with team management software (such as Microsoft Teams) and customer relationship management software.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with local and state agencies, government, nonprofit organizations, community resources, partners, and community stakeholders, especially those with limited income.
• Experience implementing strategies and educational programs that influence community change.
• Experience assessing population level changes.
• Experience in planning, environmental science, public health, community development and mitigation of lead and/or other environmental toxins.
• Strong understanding and commitment to addressing environmental and economic inequities through solution-based approaches.
• Experience in fund development or fundraising; experience writing/implementing grants and proposals.
• Foreign language fluency (especially Spanish), with deep experience living in and/working in disadvantaged communities abroad or in the United States.
• Ability to recruit, train, and support diverse volunteers.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities:

Program Development – 5%

• In collaboration with Supervisor assist in making programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes and to meet changing local and/or statewide priorities or needs.
• Structure programs to meet the diverse needs of the community and program participants.
• May research, identify and select existing program resources necessary to implement energy-related programming, including printed brochures and handouts, and web-based resources as well as Hub initiatives and projects to address identified needs.

Program Delivery – 20%

• Utilize existing program materials and educational framework for energy program delivery, and apply in-depth subject matter knowledge to create innovative lesson plans and deliver educational programs.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource in the area of clean energy programs to staff, other educators, participants, community organizations and the general public.
• Assist in implementing the Hub program work plan.
• Implement programs that address audience needs and that consider the diversity of the community.
• Represent CCE before the public, participants, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.
• Work to foster acceptance of Hub program initiatives, methods and policies while addressing community and individual needs and considering diverse audiences.
• Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and program staff to achieve Hub grant delivery goals as well as overall Association goals.
• Serve as subject-matter resource to the staff and clientele and other groups, as they are identified.
• Deliver innovative, high quality energy programs that address identified programming priorities utilizing a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning.
• Participate in team efforts within the Association or regionally to deliver programming.

Program Evaluation – 5%

• Interact with program participants and collaborators, volunteers, Association staff, and other key stakeholders to collect evaluation data for improving programs.
• Participate in team that analyzes and interprets evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure and methods.
• Assist with recommending program changes to strengthen and improve programs.
• Communicate evaluation results and findings.
• Implement program evaluation as designed.

Administrative Responsibilities

Direction – 25%

• Assist with development of a Hub program work plan ensuring alignment with goals, standards, practices and principles of CCE Nassau and requirements of the funder(s).
• Working with other team members, participate in and prepare quarterly work plans to deliver programming in region.
• Anticipate or project expenses and develop budget to accompany quarterly plans.
• Develop and/or enhance relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries and community leaders for the program.
• Develop program goals to align with program objectives.
• Identify training and other support needs for the Hub staff members and organize trainings when appropriate
• Participate in planning effective internal and external communication efforts.
• Assist in developing shared team vision and mission, and developing appropriate goals and strategies to advance the mission.
• Assist in planning organizational leadership development strategies.
• Make recommendations to staffing plan development process.

Management – 30%

• Monitor progress toward overall program objectives.
• Ensure program work plan aligns with goals, standards, practices and principles of funders, as well as program activities conform to Association Plan of Work.
• Provide oversight of the schedule, resources, budgets, scope, and program outcomes for all key staff including subcontractors and partners.
• Effectively allocate human resources and align appropriate staff skill sets and performance level under established staffing plan to accomplish program objectives.
• Ensure team staff are appropriately trained, attend all required training and conferences as required by program and agreements with funders.
• Provide active supervision to program/ non-program staff, including performance feedback and annual performance reviews per established policies and procedures.
• Manage relationships with sub-contractors, ensuring MOUs, budgets and expectations are current, and in line with Association policies.
• Give guidance to volunteers and staff, including those performing similar work.
• Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the program, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
• Monitor program financial status (income/expense) to ensure compliance with funding requirements, grant specifications and adherence to Association Plan of Work.
• Serve as program liaison and regional point person for statewide Hub efforts.
• Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association and is research knowledge-based.
• Identify, develop, enhance and engage networks of volunteers and volunteer leaders.
• Effectively allocate financial and other program resources to accomplish association program objectives.
• Monitor program income/ expense to ensure the spending is within program budget constraint.
• Provide moderately complex administrative tasks to guide the implementation of communication strategies, including oversight of website(s), social media, newsletters, etc. This includes obtaining different levels of permission and input from other staff and organizations, as required by contracts
• Ensure volunteer recruitment and management adheres to Volunteer Involvement Policy.

Coordination/Operation – 10%

• Assist in the coordination of the Hub’s work plan and implement established program schedule.
• In coordination with the Hub leadership team, lead, convene, facilitate team meetings, and ensure necessary decisions are made, notes are taken, and follow up is conducted.
• Prepare monthly reports and evaluation summaries, actively reporting monthly progress on implementation and status to funders, and sharing these reports with team members. Review all deliverables prepared by other team members before submitting these.
• In coordination with finance, prepare, review and submit information for periodic invoicing to funders as required by agreements, and complete required financial reports to meet the grant or budget requirements.
• Effectively maintain professional relationships with other agencies, Cornell faculty, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
• Maintain appropriate records and make reports to administrators and committees, as requested.
• Coordinate, compile and organize existing program resources and program materials.
• Purchase materials relevant to the functioning of the program in keeping with needs and Association policies.
• Collect evaluation data from program participants based on existing framework.
• Collaborate with community agencies as requested or required to facilitate programming, special events, and activities.
• Submit proposals for grants and contracts that will fund new and existing program activities.
• Maintain extreme confidentiality of information, participant information and data collected.
• Coordinate volunteer enrollment and reporting process and work with the team to ensure all volunteer files, paperwork, and communication has been completed in accordance with established policies and procedures

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

• In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety – Applies to all duties and functions

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applies to all duties and functions

• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Nassau County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

Position Details

This position is a full-time, exempt position, 100% FTE. The annual salary for this position is $95,000.00 to $110,000.00 commensurate with experience. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, NYS retirement, vacation and sick leave.

Pay Rate Type: Salary

How To Apply

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open until close of day on October 7, 2024 and until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Applicants need to attach/upload a resume to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. In the “Experience” section of your application, use the Paperclip icon to search for file(s) or use the “Drop Files Here” box to manually drag document(s) into your application. Once the application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to the Applying for a Job (External Candidate) document for additional guidance.

Internal Applicants: Current employees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting are considered internal applicants; please refer to the Applying for a Job (Internal Candidate) document for additional guidance. Contact Erika at [email protected] with questions.

Sponsorship for employment VISA status is not available for this position.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so that you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Erika at [email protected].

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Job Title

Association Program Manager

Level

003

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Company

Contract College

Contact Name

Jerilynn Cross

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.