EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Summary of the Job

MHET seeks a strategic-minded, seasoned, and passionate Executive Director to lead the organization from program start-up to execution and through to future expansion. The Executive Director serves as the primary spokesperson for the organization and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization, including cultivating partnerships, stakeholder engagement, communications and external relations, financial management, program development, and personnel management.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated history and passion for sustainability, environmental justice, and community building. The candidate should have a broad knowledge of CCA programs and policy, climate action policy, building decarbonization, electrification of transportation, and the renewable energy industry.

Initially, the Executive Director will directly supervise an Office Manager and a group of outreach coordinators. This position reports to the executive leadership team of the Governing Board, composed of the Board President, Treasurer, and Secretary, who make decisions by consensus.

Position Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, a highly organized individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned.

Executive Leadership and Management

• Provide strategic leadership and vision in the development and expansion of an equitable clean energy transition for all residents and small businesses enrolled in MHET Advanced CCA programs, with a focus on disadvantaged communities
• Recruit staff, consultants, and partners who bring a diversity of experience and perspective
• Supervise an Office Manager and three part-time outreach coordinators to include training, guidance, and performance reviews (staff to increase when the organization expands)
• Foster a working environment that encourages employees, contractors, and customers to uphold and promote DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) and ESG (environmental, social, governance) principles
• Engage with staff and external partners to drive and support communication that develops trust and promotes teamwork, mutual cooperation, and proactive information-sharing
• In collaboration with the MHET Board, position the organization as a thought leader for improving climate resiliency in the Hudson Valley by sharing best practices with the sustainability/climate action community and participating in advocacy and policy-making efforts
• Ensure that financial, managerial, and program-related record-keeping is accurate and retrievable for planning, reporting, and response to inquiries, including regulatory reporting in cooperation with MHET’s technical partner PowerMarket
• Provide regular information and updates via MHET working group committees and biannual MHET Board meetings

Program Development

• Oversee the delivery, expansion, and quality of MHET’s Advanced CCA program offerings to towns and cities in the Hudson Valley, in coordination with MHET’s technical advisor PowerMarket
• Develop a project management plan and execute tasks within deadlines and budget to meet program goals and targets
• Assess program progress and impact, and coordinate data collection to inform high-level decision-making
• Standardize program components by creating policies and procedures, systems, and efficiencies
• Lead the development of technical studies and execution of demonstration projects to include program planning, guidance, and technical assistance to ensure various stakeholders are on track with program vision, goals, and milestones
• Coordinate with MHET working group committees to successfully scale and operationalize innovative programs to improve climate resiliency for MHET clients

External Relations and Communications

• Serve as a confident spokesperson and resource for local and regional media
• Create and direct program events and public presentations
• Develop and execute a strategic public outreach and community education campaign as required by the Public Service Commission for legal compliance and to meet program goals
• Oversee social media efforts for consistency of message while assessing the effectiveness of content and digital marketing to meet program communication goals
• Maintain and grow existing stakeholder base while cultivating new partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, advisory boards, and funding partners
• Engage and train staff to engage effectively with people representing all facets of the community, to hear their voices, and respond appropriately
• Coordinate with leaders of CCA clients (municipalities), the Community Council (in formation), partner organizations, CCA Advisory Group, and funding organizations to facilitate communication of program goals and progress updates

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s Degree preferred
• Seasoned professional with a minimum of 10+ years of professional work experience required
• Demonstrated history and passion for sustainability, environmental justice, and community building required
• Strong financial management skills, including oversight of budget preparation, analysis, financial forecasting, decision-making, and reporting is required
• Experience with climate or environmental advocacy campaigns with an understanding of the climate and clean energy landscape, including policy issues, political context, industry and market developments, and cultural environment preferred
• Experience as a senior-level executive for a nonprofit organization, with demonstrated understanding of nonprofit Board governance and organizational function preferred
• Experience in program management or leading campaigns from a start-up position to real-world success preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience with any of the following is preferred: fundraising campaigns, donor relations, grant administration, or grant writing with private and public funding at federal, state, and local levels
• Relevant training and/or certifications as a Nonprofit Executive Director is a plus
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus

Location, Salary, and Benefits

The salary for this position is $120,000 and is negotiable depending on experience and qualifications. MHET offers a full benefits package, including paid vacation and holidays, sick leave; health, dental, and vision packages with employer contribution; employer contributions to 401k retirement accounts; professional development; and paid parental leave.

This position is based in Kingston, NY with hybrid remote work considered up to three days per week. The Executive Director may be expected to travel within the greater Hudson Valley area up to 20% of the time annually with some evening and weekend work as needed.

 

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@mid-hudson.energy listing “Executive Director” in the subject line.

We encourage all candidates to become familiar with our current project, Kingston Community Energy, by watching a recording of our recent public webinar. You can find the recording HERE. Please indicate in your cover letter what skills and experience you could bring to help accomplish our organization’s mission.