Position summary

NYCHA’s Asset & Capital Management Division is hiring a Vice President for Sustainability to lead the organisation’s efforts in developing and promoting sustainable goals, decarbonisation and resiliency to enhance residents’ quality of life. Reporting directly to the Chief Asset and Capital Management Officer, the VP oversees three teams across grant acquisition, policy development, environmental planning and review, and innovative programs, and leads NYCHA’s Sustainability Agenda and its Local Law 97 greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Why this role matters

NYCHA is the nation’s oldest and largest public housing authority, with more than 177,000 apartments, and runs a $6 billion capital program. The role positions NYCHA’s housing portfolio for the future by incorporating innovative sustainability practices and technologies, improving building performance and residents’ quality of life while meeting the Authority’s climate commitments.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership by developing and executing a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with NYCHA’s Sustainability Agenda, mission and environmental targets.
• Drive green initiatives by identifying, proposing and implementing projects that enhance energy efficiency, reduce waste, promote renewable energy and improve environmental stewardship.
• Build partnerships with government agencies, community organisations, non-profits and private sector entities to leverage resources and maximise impact.
• Advocate on policy by monitoring and influencing sustainability-related policies, regulations and legislation aligned with NYCHA’s objectives.
• Use data-driven decision making to assess initiatives and the environmental impact of NYCHA operations, track progress and optimise sustainability efforts.
• Oversee program areas including climate change and flood resiliency, green infrastructure, disaster recovery, solar leasing, energy efficiency, electrification and decarbonisation, building management systems, waste and recycling, and micro-mobility.

Team and stakeholders

Reporting to the Chief Asset and Capital Management Officer within the SVP for Capital Programs, the VP oversees three teams and partners with government agencies, community organisations, non-profits and private sector entities.

Key details

• Full-time, based in Queens, New York; civil service title “Agency Chief Decarbonization” (Non-Competitive); job level M5; no exam required.
• Benefits include medical coverage, deferred compensation and a NYCERS defined-benefit pension; the role may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Requirements

Essential

• A master’s degree in a relevant field (such as sustainability, environmental science/studies, energy management, engineering, city/urban planning, public policy/administration, or environmental law) plus 2 years of full-time experience in energy, environmental or sustainability-related data analysis, program management or strategic planning, at least 18 months of it in an administrative/managerial/executive/consultative/supervisory capacity; or
• A baccalaureate degree plus 4 years of such experience (at least 18 months in a managerial/supervisory capacity); or
• Equivalent education/experience, with all candidates having at least 18 months in a managerial/supervisory capacity.

Preferred

• A master’s degree (a bachelor’s in a relevant field such as environmental science, sustainability, urban planning, engineering or business is required).
• Minimum of 8 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience in sustainability, with a track record of quantifiable results.
• Knowledge of relevant Federal, New York State and City sustainability regulations; knowledge of HUD and public/affordable housing regulations and prior public/affordable housing experience strongly preferred.
• Strategic vision, program and project management expertise, and strong communication and collaboration skills.