Senior Program Manager , Sustainable Buildings & Infrastructure Lead

About the Role

This position is with the Office of Sustainability (OS), the department that leads Agency sustainability policy, target-setting, reporting, and project/program development and implementation. The Port Authority was the first US transportation agency to align with the Paris Climate Agreement in 2018, and to adopt emission reduction targets in 2021 of 50 percent by 2030 and net-zero by 2050, in alignment with the goals of the U.S. federal government.

This position will play an instrumental role in helping the Agency achieve its climate action ambitions by developing and implementing programs and projects that directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to our buildings and facilities.

The Senior Program Manager , Building & Infrastructure Lead will be responsible for working with our five line departments (Aviation; Ports; Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals; PATH; and World Trade Center Department) to transition our portfolio to zero emissions.

Since we need to bring all our tenants, stakeholders, patrons, and customers along to address their emissions (our “scope 3” emissions), the Senior Program Manager (Building & Infrastructure Lead) will also work with and support our partners in their transitions to net zero emissions, primarily making sure the infrastructure is in place to meet their needs.

 Please submit a cover letter with your resume.

Responsibilities

• Lead Agency efforts to electrify and reduce the energy consumption of buildings ranging from small support facilities to large terminal buildings including PA-owned and leased structures, and support the decarbonization of third-party tenant and other stakeholder-operated facilities,
• In cooperation with Engineering, develop internal policies related to building and infrastructure energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization,
• In coordination with Engineering and the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, lead evaluation and development of PA’s current and future infrastructure needs, especially with respect to electrification,
• Lead OS efforts to incorporate sustainability into major Port Authority projects including the Midtown Bus Terminal and airport redevelopments and more,
• Work with operating departments to develop facility decarbonization roadmaps and develop a Zero Emission Buildings and Infrastructure Strategy reports,
• Coordinate with other Office of Sustainability staff to ensure infrastructure planning supports all sustainability goals,
• Monitor building electrification and decarbonization policy, market, and technology developments,
• Explore the appropriate use of geo-exchange (geothermal) technologies,
• Develop/manage clean technology pilot projects and partnerships,
• Perform cost-benefit and other financial analyses for agency decarbonization and energy efficiency projects and develop business case and vet approaches/opportunities with relevant internal stakeholders,
• Support development and negotiation of relevant project agreements including alternate project delivery models,
• Represent the agency externally and collaborate with external partners and foster relationships to achieve the agency’s sustainability goals,
• Support grant proposals and other forms of external funding to fund sustainability priorities, and
• Direct supervision of OS staff and contractors, as well as indirect management of supporting functions in other departments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, environmental science, construction management, or similar from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of ten years of professional experience in engineering, sustainability, clean technology, or energy project development.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including building strategic relationships and partnerships, and the ability to make concise presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Technical expertise including understanding of building energy performance, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and sustainability.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in engineering, architecture, environmental/sustainability policy or management, public administration, business, or related field,
• High level of integrity, trust, and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientated work ethic.
• Strong leadership, presentation, influencing, negotiating and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex topics with senior leadership, line businesses and facility staff, stakeholders, and contractors,
• Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal policies related to energy/environment/climate change including familiarity with NY and NJ policies and incentive regimes,
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and facilitate problem solving and collaboration among various stakeholders,
• In-depth knowledge of energy efficiency projects/programs and demand-side management, and nonresidential end-use technologies and applications, including life-cycle cost analysis,
• Understanding of alternative fuel technologies and applications,
• Demonstrated quantitative and analytical skills, including performance measurement,
• Knowledge about transportation-related technologies and infrastructure, and
• Demonstrated experience with management and large organizations.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.