Program Administrators – Offshore Wind

Company: 

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Location: 

Boston, MA, US

About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.

MassCEC’s mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader while growing the state’s clean energy economy.

MassCEC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone is welcomed, supported, respected, and valued. We are committed to incorporating principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice in all aspects of our work in order to promote the equitable distribution of the health and economic benefits of clean energy and support a diverse and inclusive clean energy industry. MassCEC strives to lead and innovate in equitable clean energy and climate solutions.

Job Overview

MassCEC is seeking two (2) motivated and organized candidates to join the team as Program Administrators.  The Program Administrators will support MassCEC in accelerating the advancement of key decarbonization technologies and actions, furthering economic development in the Massachusetts clean energy industry, and helping to meet the Commonwealth’s climate goals.

These positions are on the Offshore Wind team, supporting efforts to advance the Commonwealth’s goal to responsibly develop cost-effective offshore wind and reduce project risk, increase market confidence, and maximize the associated climate, workforce, and economic benefits of this new industry.  The Program Administrators will support and help manage various elements within the offshore wind division’s portfolio of initiatives including workforce development, business and supply chain; ports and infrastructure; research and innovation; studies and surveys; and stakeholder engagement related to offshore wind development in Massachusetts.

The Program Administrators’ job responsibilities consist of a range of activities to support program objectives, including supporting development of new programs, outreach to industry stakeholders and the public, coordination of and participation in review of applications, support with contracting processes, management of ongoing grants, assisting with stakeholder workshops, and participating in research and analysis for MassCEC programs and other funding solicitations. MassCEC expects the responsibilities of these positions to evolve and expand as MassCEC pursues future endeavors. The Program Administrators will report to the Program Director or the Program Manager and will provide support for other members of the offshore wind team.  The positions may also provide support to other focus areas (such as Net Zero Grid, Transportation, Buildings), depending on the needs of the organization.

As the Program Administrators will serve as a point of contact for the offshore wind team during solicitations, contracting, and project management stages of these programs, the successful candidate must demonstrate excellent communication skills and a strong ability to track the details of complex, ongoing, multi-party projects.

The Program Administrators will contribute to MassCEC’s role as a convener in the Commonwealth’s renewable energy community and will gain a diverse body of knowledge relating to the energy sector and associated industries. This is an opportunity for hardworking and motivated candidates to take ownership of program responsibilities and build on an array of skill sets while developing relationships across the Massachusetts clean energy sector.

Job Duties

The successful Program Administrators identify issues as or before they arise and support efforts to resolve them promptly by working collaboratively with the Program Manager, Program Directors, Managing Director, and other parts of the organization as needed (including Finance, Legal, other team members and senior management) and any external parties as applicable. Specific duties include:

  • Helping to build and expand the offshore wind business sector in the Commonwealth by working with partners to attract new companies to locate in Massachusetts and supporting the growth of existing suppliers and service providers.
  • Developing and maintaining productive working relationships with offshore wind companies and supply chain businesses, Massachusetts economic development entities, industry associations, municipalities, and stakeholders.
  • Developing and maintaining up-to-date knowledge and expertise on key market, technical, and policy factors affecting the growth of the offshore wind industry.
  • Tracking and documenting the status and growth of the Massachusetts offshore wind sector.
  • Providing information on offshore wind in Massachusetts to companies; helping to connect businesses to one another, to state and local resources and entities, and to other stakeholders and participants in the industry.
  • Supporting efforts and initiatives to invest, expand, and redevelop port assets in Massachusetts for roles in offshore wind, including MassCEC’s New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal.
  • Helping to grow partnerships and collaborations with academic and research institutions and grow innovation network to support technology development.
  • Provide support in the development of a Massachusetts offshore wind workforce capable of responding to the needs and opportunities of the Commonwealth’s emerging offshore wind sector.
  • Provide support for marine surveys and studies related to offshore wind development in Massachusetts.
  • Support other MassCEC special projects and initiatives on offshore wind, as directed.  
  • Provide comprehensive support to coordinate the day-to-day activities of MassCEC programs, including:
    • Review applications and proposals for merit, benefits, and compliance with program requirements;
    • Manage application queues and tracking;
    • Provide timely responses to inquiries from applicants, potential applicants, awardees and other program stakeholders;
    • Draft programmatic requirements for grantee and consultant contracts;
    • Alert team members to potential problems and work cooperatively with the program team and relevant stakeholders to ensure prompt resolutions; and
    • Maintain detailed databases and supporting files on specific programs, including tracking files and key business documents, including project and program metrics, and ensure proper processing and archiving.
  • Support the development and modifications of MassCEC programs, funding solicitations, workshops, training series, and related program development work, including:
    • Conducting research; supporting stakeholder outreach; supporting concept development, reviews and revisions; drafting program solicitations and requirements; identifying performance measures and other tracking;
    • Support for program team, including convening meeting, maintaining internal schedules, development steps, and external communications;
    • Proactively review, adjust, and enhance existing program administration workflow and tools in response to program design changes or opportunities for operating efficiency.
  • Record and maintain awards, deliverables and invoices in the award management system, assisting project teams to monitor their contracts and awards, ensure project/contract integrity, and track results.
  • Organize and participate in stakeholder meetings with consultants, developers, manufacturers, skilled trades, and other industry members.
  • Work with the Communications Team to update program information on the website and send emails about program updates to stakeholders.
  • Assist the Program Manager with drafting and formatting content for MassCEC’s offshore wind quarterly newsletter, and social media accounts.
  • Delegate tasks to and assist in the supervision of temporary staff and/or interns.
  • Monitor project schedules and run reports to track project status, results and internal operating efficiency.
  • Perform administrative duties such as copying, filing, scheduling and document distribution when required.
  • Perform additional tasks or engage in applicable research as assigned by the Program Manager and senior management team.

Position Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in energy policy, economics, business management, environmental science/studies, economics, or related field.

Experience:

  • This is an entry level position: 1-3 years of experience in project management and administration preferred.
  • Experience with program management, particularly around effective team communication, prioritization, and management.
  • At least one year of experience using Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
  • Experience in the public sector, renewable energy industry or grant administration a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Analytical mindset with rigorous attention to detail.
  • Well-developed customer service skills and proficient organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects under tight deadlines effectively.
  • Demonstrated ability to get up-to-speed quickly and work independently.
  • Excellent quantitative, research and analytical skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and verbal/written communication skills, including with high volume/customer service assignments.
  • Excellent problem-resolution skills and demonstrated ability to make informed decisions.
  • Team-first attitude and the capacity to be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with internal and external stakeholders and cultivate appropriate relationships.
  • Working knowledge of basic accounting and payment processing (budgets, invoices, etc.) preferred.
  • Ability to read and absorb complex contracts, polices, rules, etc. and extract the information needed to ensure compliance with each.
  • Experience with databases / large data sets.
  • Must be able to comply with MassCEC’s Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination Policy (requiring either full vaccination or the grant of an exemption prior to commencement of employment) developed in response to Executive Order 595 issued by Governor Baker.

To apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter through our Online Career Center.  Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives are encouraged to apply.