Project Manager

Project Manager for Sun & Soil ProgramSun & Soil Program project management support including Agricultural Technical Working Group and solicitation and contract management for the Program.To adequately resource the newly named and expanded Sun & Soil Program, announced in the 2026 State of the State as an expansion in scope of our agrivoltaics research focus, through dedicated support for the Agricultural-Technical Working Group (A-TWG) that advises the Program and leverages its learnings, as well as assist with solicitation and project management for the Program.Remote with travel across upstate NY - up to 10%.Remote - Preferred candidates will be located in NY and surrounding states. EST timezone.Approximately 10% for project meetings, interested party engagement, and site visits.Contractor must have computer, cell phone, and access to reliable high-speed internet.ASAP2 years30 hours/weekProject Manager3-6 yearsHas well developed understanding of relevant technical principles and their application to a program area. Develops/formulates Deployment issues, problems and needs in at least one technical area. Has acknowledged expertise at conceptual level of technical skills and knowledge in at least one program area. Has basic understanding of State energy/environmental economic development issues.Has developed and managed projects with little specific direction. Develops new projects and co-funding sources with own initiative. Carried out development of several projects through competitive solicitation phase that may or may not result from own initiative. Has provided ideas and rationale for program development in at least one technical area.Has demonstrated ability to implement projects in a timely manner. Demonstrates the capability to manage all aspects of on-going projects with no supervision. Is able to prioritize workload with other responsibilities. Effectively discharges general technical and project management assignments in a timely manner. Demonstrates strategic thinking connected to the organization's goals.Has demonstrated ability to effectively head working groups or program teams. Provides guidance to junior staff when appropriate and can supervise the day-to-day work of interns. Has full confidence of peers and superiors. People skills have developed to show leadership and an ability to motivate others.Has demonstrated ability to produce both written material and verbal presentations that are direct, recognize and focus on issues, are both comprehensive and concise and require editing only in most sensitive and complex areas. Is able to negotiate effectively with contractors and interface effectively with customers and other outside contacts. Has demonstrated ability to prepare and present papers at professional meetings, seminars and conferences.TasksEssential Functions and Duties include but are not limited to:Be the primary NYSERDA point of contact for the NYS Agricultural Technical Working Group and its specialist committees, building relationships with the members and supporting them in meeting their objectives and accomplishing their workplan.Manage planning and execution of A-TWG and associated Specialist Committee and task-specific work group meetings and asynchronous collaboration on workflows for implementing their workplan.Project manage the contracted facilitation, technical, and communications and outreach support for the A-TWG.Work with contracted parties to ensure A-TWG meetings and engagement are effective and valuable; serve as a point of contact at NYSERDA on solar-agricultural issues and attend and represent NYSERDA at meetings and conferences.Organize and collaborate with interdepartmental teams on efforts to advance solar-agricultural research needs, technology innovation, market characterization, and communication and outreach and associated tasks — particularly as those synergistically support or directly advance the A-TWG's workplan.Assist in development and management of program offerings and awarded contracted projects for the Sun & Soil program, including but not limited to agrivoltaics projects and efforts to improve agrivoltaics and on-farm solar and storage opportunities for farmers.Support contractual and collaborative efforts with external parties to identify and advance state policies at the nexus of solar energy development and New York State agriculture.Develop and implement effective strategies to convey information, key findings, and lessons learned to policy makers, agricultural stakeholders, solar energy developers and other key constituencies.Support tracking of metrics and reporting on accomplishments.Maintain a network of stakeholders, market participants, policy experts, and other sources of insight to support the A-TWG and inform Sun & Soil program and project design.Other duties as assigned that may contribute toward the key outcomes of the Sun & Soil Program or the Environmental Research Team.What Skills Are Needed to Be Successful in This Role?Complex project management experience.Relevant experience in agricultural issues (preferred).Demonstrated abilities for problem-solving, resourcefulness, adaptability, and pragmatic solutions.Interested party engagement and coordination.Skill in gaining and using insight from colleagues and external groups to formulate strategy and design solutions.Experience and skills with collaboration and relationship building and management.Strong and diverse communication skills — able to actively listen, communicate accurately, concisely, unambiguously, and with empathy in speech and in writing, and comfortable with public speaking in meeting forums.Meeting/event management; facilitation desired but not required.Are There Any Specialized Skills That Must Be Present for the Position to Be Successful?Requires a working knowledge of, or ability to rapidly gain knowledge of and familiarity with, New York State agricultural policies, practices and key stakeholders, and issues and policies at the intersection of agriculture and energy.Education, Certifications, Degree RequirementsRequired: Bachelor's degree.IT Systems That Will Be Used:Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Word)AsanaNEISSalesforce