Deputy General Counsel

New York State Energy Research•New York, NY

About The Position

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 to develop, invest, and foster conditions that attract private sector capital investment, advance solutions for using clean energy at a large-scale, and enable 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. This program 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 the Renewable Energy Standard, the Bulk Energy Storage program, New York State’s contract with Hydro-Quebec, programs providing financial support to existing nuclear and hydroelectric power generation facilities, the Offshore Wind program, and certain clean energy supply chain initiatives. The portfolio of contracts already managed by NYSERDA 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, including providing strategic advice 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. 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.

Requirements

Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of New York State
10 years 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: Project development and/or project finance; Permitting and regulatory matters; Long-term commercial contracts that underpin financing (with a preference for experience with power purchase agreements or REC agreements); Competitive procurement, with a preference for government contracting
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)

Nice To Haves

A genuine passion for issues related to energy and the environment.
Effective manager of more junior staff, who adapts and continues to develop management and leadership skills.
Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to quickly aggregate and analyze information.
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.
An articulate & 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 skills and discernment to navigate sensitive projects and negotiations among stakeholders with varied interests.
Self-starter who acts independently, directs one’s own work and can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately.
Ability to perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with demonstrated experience fostering respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion across the workforce.
Relentless work ethic and resolute integrity
Ability to handle stressful situations with measured calmness and decisiveness.

Responsibilities

Manage team of attorneys advising NYSERDA’s LSR programs
Assist senior internal clients in developing, planning, and executing on LSR programs, including through provision of high quality advice on legal and regulatory issues
Strategically prioritize issues and ensure that time-sensitive legal matters are addressed promptly
Review, edit and coordinate contracts, regulatory filings, and other documents needed to implement LSR programs 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
Work closely with and manage outside counsel, including review of complex substantive legal issues as well as law firm engagement and administrative matters
Appropriately handle confidential and sensitive matters
Additional responsibilities, as assigned
Perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with respect, fairness, consistency, and inclusion across the workforce

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