POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Municipal Light Plant (“MLP”) Assistant Director, the Sustainability Program Coordinator develops, implements, and administers the MLP’s sustainability programs designed to encourage its customers to adopt technological, behavioral, and other measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and electrical demand or use.  These programs include rebate or incentive programs for beneficial electrification, energy efficiency, and solar energy, which are guided by the principles and goals set forth in the Town of Wellesley’s Climate Action Plan and by the Municipal Light Board and MLP senior management.  The Sustainability Program Coordinator coordinates program development and delivery with MLP staff (Customer Service), other Town departments (e.g., Climate Action Office), program vendors, and other stakeholders (citizen, business, and contractor groups) to ensure they are well coordinated and communicated and provide MLP customers a positive experience.  In addition, the Sustainability Program Coordinator continually monitors and evaluates the progress, customer uptake, and performance and effectiveness of these programs to estimate the resulting energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure they produce meaningful benefits.

The Sustainability Program Coordinator also coordinates and oversees the Town’s Energy Coach program, which is staffed by volunteers who provide guidance and resources to residents and building owners on opportunities to reduce their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.  Another key aspect of the position is to remain cognizant of and regularly report and help strategize on the MLP’s progress towards achieving a cleaner power supply portfolio sourced from renewables (hydroelectric, solar, and offshore wind) and reducing its system peak demand.  Finally, the Sustainability Program Coordinator conducts research and attends industry seminars and conferences to help inform and advance the MLP’s existing programs and long-term strategic initiatives. 

KEY JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leads the planning, development, implementation, and administration of the MLP’s sustainability programs including customer rebate or incentive programs for beneficial electrification (heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers), energy efficiency (home energy assessments, weatherization, and smart thermostats), and solar (rooftop installations). Methodically and accurately collects and synthesizes program data and implements customer surveys to track and troubleshoot applicant workflow and processing, evaluate program performance and effectiveness, estimate the resulting energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions, and identify opportunities for improvement.  Will lead the MLP’s likely next initiative, which is a new residential multifamily and commercial customer rebate program for commonly shared heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electric vehicle chargers.

1. Periodically reviews the electrification and energy efficiency offerings, plans, and reports from industry groups, other municipal light plants, and the MassSave® program to identify any lessons learned, market trends, and guidance that may be applicable towards informing, defining, and refining the MLP’s programs. Keeps abreast of relevant federal and state policies and programs and how they may affect the MLP and its stakeholders.

1. Coordinates program development and delivery with MLP staff (Customer Service), other Town departments (e.g., Climate Action Office), program vendors, and other stakeholders (citizen, business, and contractor groups) to ensure they are well coordinated and communicated and provide MLP customers a positive experience.

1. Manages all aspects of the MLP’s sustainability programs including internal, customer, and Town communications, promotions, and publicity; rebate application and payment processes; vendor solicitations, contracts, work progress and performance, and billing; resolution of customer and contractor inquiries and issues; and stakeholder engagement.

1. Coordinates the Town’s Energy Coach program, ensuring timely and effective interactions and follow-up between the energy coaches and MLP customer/clients. Schedules consultations, maintains records of their outcomes, and assesses program effectiveness.  Recruits new and routinely trains energy coaches to ensure consistency in consultation approach and content as well as provide more up-to-date knowledge, tools, and other resources to better inform and guide their client interactions about electrification and energy efficiency.

1. Monitors and regularly reports and helps strategize on the MLP’s progress towards achieving a cleaner power supply portfolio sourced from renewables (hydroelectric, solar, and offshore wind) and reducing its system peak demand through its “Shave the Peak” program and operation of its grid-scale battery storage system. In addition, helps track and strategizes on the MLP’s quarterly purchases of renewable energy certificates (RECs), solar power purchase agreements, and use of WECARE program funds.

1. Represents the MLP in various Town and regional working groups such as those specifically established for electric vehicles and buildings. Provides input, technical guidance, and local perspective; helps formulate Town-wide policies and programs; and may facilitate or lead certain activities or initiatives.

1. Prepares and submits sustainability program-related reports such as greenhouse gas inventory reports for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and Residential Conservation Service reports and Municipal Action Plans for the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.

1. Conducts research and attends industry seminars and conferences to help inform and advance the MLP’s long-term strategic initiatives such as demand response, energy storage, and time-of-use rates. May develop and implement pilot programs to characterize or profile segments of the MLP customer base and test certain offerings (e.g., review customer AMI meter data to characterize their usage towards formulating the appropriate time-of-use rate structure).

1. Researches, explores, and pursues grant and other funding opportunities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental or energy policy, engineering, or sciences, or related field.

• Two (2) to five (5) years of professional experience in the sustainability field such as energy policy and technology, renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrification, and sustainability or greenhouse gas reduction program management.

• Solid working knowledge of sustainability technologies and policy, particularly electrification (heat pumps and electric vehicles), energy efficiency, and solar.

• Ability to methodically and accurately collect, assimilate, and synthesize or analyze data and information to track and troubleshoot applicant workflow and processing, evaluate program performance and effectiveness, and identify trends, problem areas, and opportunities for improvement.

• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills. Good organization skills and attention to detail and professionalism, commitment, and sound judgement when interacting with customers. High level of proficiency in Microsoft® Excel and basic proficiency in Microsoft® Word and Powerpoint.

• Commitment to documenting work and sources for ease of use by others; efficient, inquisitive, and skilled researcher.

• Motivated self-starter who works productively and efficiently on multiple tasks both in a team environment and individually under intermittent supervision.

• Strong interpersonal communication and coordination skills to effectively lead and coordinate program efforts and activities across multiple stakeholders (other MLP staff and Town departments, program vendors, and citizen, business, and contractor groups).

• Valid driver’s license.

• Requires flexibility in work hours (some evenings) that are more convenient to customers for observing their home energy assessment, energy coach, and equipment verification appointments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree, and/or additional education or experience in business, economics, or data analytics

• Experience successfully leading or contributing to the development and delivery of sustainability programs to utility customers from inception of idea to rebate payment to program evaluation.

• Experience working in the electric or other utility industry.

Salary range: $80,000 - $115,000 per year depending on experience.