Job Information
New York State Energy Research and Development Aut Associate Counsel, Associate Counsel II or Sr. Counsel in Albany, New York
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
NYSERDA is seeking a motivated, dynamic and resourceful attorney in its Office of the General Counsel to manage a portfolio of programmatic matters. In this role, the attorney will be exposed to a wide range of issues across various NYSERDA programs, state policy initiatives and regulatory processes. The attorney will be a core team member on a number of high-profile programs.
The ideal candidate should have experience in energy, regulatory and/or procurement matters related to New York State, including renewable energy and energy efficiency market dynamics 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. The attorney should be comfortable with foreseeing and controlling for potential legal risks while still achieving business goals. The attorney will be an integral advisor to business leads and should be able to communicate legal requirements concisely and strategically to a non-legal audience in simple and clear language.
This role is a dynamic position using the attorney’s knowledge and experience to both advise clients and to propose and execute upon creative strategies in line with the policy goals of NYSERDA and the State of New York.
Primary Responsibilities
Serve as lead procurement counsel assisting internal clients in developing, planning and executing NYSERDA and State policy initiatives related to programs and strategies within the attorney’s portfolio
Ensure solicitations, selection processes and contracts are compliant with State procurement law as well as internal operations and procedures
Provide risk-management counsel to program staff, such as identifying the likelihood and consequences of legal risks and effectuating solutions
Preempt legal issues by providing trainings, regular check-ins and identifying key issues for internal clients while being mindful of priority deadlines
Work closely with other attorneys on a range of matters to ensure coordination among attorneys and with respect to the programs they advise
Draft, edit and coordinate contracts, regulatory filings, memoranda of understanding, and other documents needed to implement programs and initiatives within the attorney’s portfolio and advise and assist with respect to such matters
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
Appropriately handle confidential and sensitive matters
Assist and advise on any of the legal affairs, including but not limited to: compliance with federal and state environmental and energy law and regulations, and all other applicable state laws; interactions with federal, state, and private sector stakeholders, partners, regulators and other interested parties; litigation involving the Authority
Manage expectations, timelines and priorities among competing demands from internal clients
Adapt communication styles for internal clients, regulators and external stakeholders that are passionate about achieving NYSERDA’s aggressive clean energy goals
Develop new governance protocols when required by a new or innovative program
Perform other responsibilities as assigned
For supervisory roles: Ability to perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with demonstrated experience fostering respect, diversity, equity and inclusion across the workforce.
For staff roles: Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of New York State
Salary ranges:
Associate Counsel: $88,283-$123,761
Associate Counsel II: $108,665-$137,319
Sr. Counsel: $120,187-$151,674
Targeting between approximately 3 to 5-years’ experience for Associate Counsel, at least 5 years for Associate Counsel II and between approximately 6- and 8-years’ experience for Senior Counsel, in each case as legal counsel in one or more of the following subject areas:
Procurement negotiations in the design phase with internal clients as well as in the execution phase with external contractors
Renewable energy and energy efficiency project development, finance or legal affairs
Complex regulatory proceedings involving energy- and environment-related matters, such as those involving the NYS Department of Public Service, the New York Independent System Operator and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Business and commercial law
Government or commercial contracting involving sophisticated technologies, energy-related initiatives and data handling and rights
Demonstrated interest and expertise in energy or environmental law including implementation of statutory requirements or experience with public rulemaking
An articulate and persuasive communicator, in both verbal and written form, who expresses ideas effectively and fluently and recognizes the importance of listening
Resourceful problem-solver focused on pragmatic and effective solutions to complex issues, maintaining focus on the big picture while paying attention to detail
Strong diplomatic and discretion skills to navigate sensitive projects and negotiations among both NYSERDA and inter-agency teams with varied interests
Possession of a deep appreciation for the inter-relationship of the needs and perspectives of internal and external stakeholders
Resolute integrity
Able to handle highly sensitive matters with absolute integrity and discretion
Able to handle stressful situations with measured calmness and decisiveness
Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume.
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