As a leader in advancing New York’s energy transition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a credible, objective and trusted partner in energy planning and in deploying new innovative technologies to build an affordable, abundant, reliable, and clean energy system. NYSERDA works with stakeholders statewide, including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:
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Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy.
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Advance solutions for using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
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Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably in the clean energy transition.
NYSERDA is seeking a motivated, dynamic, and resourceful attorney as Deputy General Counsel in its Office of the General Counsel to lead the legal team that supports NYSERDA’s large-scale resources (LSR) program, which is responsible for administering the Clean Energy Standard and the Bulk Energy Storage programs, which are two of New York State’s highest-profile clean energy initiatives. These programs include:
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The Renewable Energy Standard, under which NYSERDA enables financing and development of large-scale renewable energy generation projects, including new wind and solar facilities, through competitive award of long-term offtake agreements that provide a stable revenue stream.
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The Bulk Energy Storage program, which serves a similar role to the Renewable Energy Standard for large-scale energy storage projects that further support the modernization of New York’s electric grid.
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New York State’s contract with Hydro-Quebec enabling the financing and construction of the transmission line currently being built to deliver hydropower from Quebec directly to New York City.
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The programs under which NYSERDA provides financial support to enable the continued operation of New York’s existing nuclear and hydroelectric power generation facilities.
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The Offshore Wind program, including the State’s contracts with the Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind projects currently under construction, as well as future initiatives.
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Certain clean energy supply chain initiatives, including the administration of $300 million of grant funding to port facility improvements that can serve the offshore wind industry and other purposes.
The portfolio of contracts already managed by NYSERDA to date under the LSR programs comprises more than 9.5 GW worth of clean energy projects and continues to grow rapidly each year.
In this role, the Deputy General Counsel will be responsible for legal matters relating to a wide range of issues, state policy initiatives and regulatory processes in a high-stakes environment. For example, the Deputy General Counsel will provide strategic advice to NYSERDA staff and other stakeholders regarding the impact of federal actions on New York State’s clean energy programs.
The ideal candidate would have experience in energy project development, financing and/or regulatory matters and be committed to NYSERDA’s mission and helping the organization continually improve and execute its work. The attorney should be a self-starter who acts independently, directs one’s own work and can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately within a high-pressure environment.
The Deputy General Counsel is charged with independently foreseeing and controlling potential legal risks while still achieving business goals, in collaboration and partnership with LSR program staff and NYSERDA leadership. The Deputy General Counsel is an integral advisor to the General Counsel, as well as to program and support teams and is charged with analyzing and then concisely and strategically communicating legal requirements to all manner of audiences.
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Manage team of attorneys advising NYSERDA’s LSR programs
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Assist senior internal clients in developing, planning, and executing on LSR programs, including through provision of high quality advice on legal and regulatory issues
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Strategically prioritize issues and ensure that time-sensitive legal matters are addressed promptly
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Review, edit and coordinate contracts, regulatory filings, and other documents needed to implement LSR programs and advise and assist with respect to such matters
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Drive projects forward by gathering and effectively organizing required information, communicating effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, developing, and monitoring plans, and keeping track of responsibilities and commitments of the team members
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Work closely with and manage outside counsel, including review of complex substantive legal issues as well as law firm engagement and administrative matters
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Appropriately handle confidential and sensitive matters
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Additional responsibilities, as assigned
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Perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with respect, fairness, consistency, and inclusion across the workforce
Required:
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Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of New York State
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10years relevant experience in within at least one of the following subject areas, with a preference for such experience to be in the energy and infrastructure sector:
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Project development and/or project finance
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Permitting and regulatory matters
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Long-term commercial contracts that underpin financing (with a preference for experience with power purchase agreements or REC agreements)
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Competitive procurement, with a preference for government contracting
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The experience should include at least 3 years in a supervisory role (for this purpose, management of internal staff as well as supervision of internal or external attorneys’ legal work will be counted).
Preferred:
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A genuine passion for issues related to energy and the environment.
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Effective manager of more junior staff, who adapts and continues to develop management and leadership skills.
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Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to quickly aggregate and analyze information.
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Proven ability to build trust, confidence, respect, and effective working relationships among individuals at all levels of the organization and with stakeholders and business partners.
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An articulate & persuasive communicator, in both verbal and written form, who expresses ideas effectively and fluently and recognizes the importance of listening.
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Resourceful problem-solver focused on pragmatic and effective solutions to complex issues, maintaining focus on the big picture while paying attention to detail.
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Strong diplomatic skills and discernment to navigate sensitive projects and negotiations among stakeholders with varied interests.
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Self-starter who acts independently, directs one’s own work and can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately.
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Ability to perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with demonstrated experience fostering respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion across the workforce.
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Relentless work ethic and resolute integrity
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Ability to handle stressful situations with measured calmness and decisiveness.
Travel Requirements: This position may require some travel (more than a few but typically less than 10% of the time).
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.
For further information on our hiring policies, employment opportunities for people with disabilities and EEO please click on this link and scroll down to the Policies section.
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