Deputy Director, National Affordable Housing Retrofit Initiative

Do you have experience with affordable housing, an innovative mindset, a passion for climate action, and a commitment to supporting marginalized communities? If yes, then join our growing team and help us launch an exciting national initiative.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a leading national research organization based in Washington, DC, seeks a manager for a new initiative designed to scale up low- and moderate-income (LMI) building retrofits. The initiative will drive policy and program innovation among eligible cities, counties, and/or states and their critical private-sector stakeholders.

ACEEE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1980, develops transformative policies to reduce energy waste and combat climate change. With our independent analysis, we aim to build a vibrant and equitable economy that uses energy more productively, reduces costs, protects the environment, and promotes the health, safety, and well-being of everyone.

ACEEE’s organizational culture is team-oriented with a strong dedication to its mission. Staff work at an energetic pace in an entrepreneurial environment that emphasizes professional growth and development. There is a high degree of workplace flexibility, with an emphasis on results, making ACEEE a fun and fulfilling place to work. ACEEE is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion while weaving equity into our research and policy work.

ACEEE seeks a deputy director for a national project to scale up clean energy retrofits in the LMI housing market. Capacity-building will be aimed at states and localities to help ensure state, local, and federal resources are effectively deployed to accelerate LMI retrofits in ways that address climate change, economic development, and racial equity goals.

The deputy director will work closely with the initiative director, helping lead a team to develop national and region-specific curricula and trainings to assist jurisdictions in convening key stakeholders to implement best practice models for delivering and scaling LMI retrofits. In collaboration with nonprofit and consulting partners, the deputy director will enlist key stakeholders from multiple sectors: housing, health, workforce development, energy policy, utilities, housing providers, community development financial institutions, Green Banks, community-based organizations and leaders, and private industry. The curricula and trainings will also address new funding opportunities at the federal level and best practices for growing inclusive, community-based workforces.

The deputy director will oversee a project team that (1) provides one-on-one technical assistance geared toward jurisdiction-specific challenges, (2) develops and refines strategies and implementation models, and (3) creates a hub of technical resources that all cities and states can use to scale their retrofit programs. This position is an exciting opportunity for a candidate with experience working on affordable housing, a passion for addressing climate change and developing equitable solutions that center the needs of marginalized communities, and an interest in furthering their career in a dynamic and growing sector. The deputy director is part of a cross-cutting team and reports to the director of the initiative.

·      Manages aspects of the buildings retrofit capacity-building initiative

·      Engages with funders and government agencies

·      Develops project schedules and milestones

·      Engages with partners on competition design and develops competition materials

·      Assists director in management of project schedules and milestones

·      Manages key elements of capacity-building initiative including retrofit workshops and a national convening to launch the initiative

·      Works with the initiative director, providing oversight of the technical assistance team serving competition participants

·      Oversees research and resource development, including the development of an LMI retrofit playbook

·      Project-manages ACEEE staff; may supervise employees

·      Ability to manage a complex, fast-paced, multi-partner project

·      Superb organizational and project management skills including facilitation and attention to detail

·      Excellent oral communication skills

·      Excellent written communication skills

·      Highly analytical and detail-oriented

·      Ability to meet project deadlines with limited supervision

·      Tech-savvy and quick learner

·      Strong interpersonal skills

·      Articulate and thoughtful

·      Creative and innovative problem-solver

·      Teamwork oriented

·      Familiarity with regulatory and legislative frameworks

·      Professionalism, poise, and the ability to work as part of a team, maintain a sense of humor, and interact with a diverse array of people, including high-level stakeholders

·      Deep familiarity with affordable housing, building retrofits, and the related policy and regulatory environment

·      Proven track record of implementing big ideas

·      Experience serving in a role supervising or project-managing multi-disciplinary, cross-functional, complex projects simultaneously

·      An advanced degree in a relevant field such as public policy, environmental studies, or urban studies; or equivalent experience

·      At least five years of relevant experience

·      Experience engaging with grassroots groups involved in community organizing, environmental justice, housing justice, and/or tenant rights

·      Experience providing technical assistance to government agencies

Preferred start date: On or about March 1, 2022. The position is located in Washington, DC or can be remote.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range is $76,375 - $95,469 and includes ACEEE’s generous benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan; transportation and bike share benefits; three weeks of vacation in the first year and four weeks thereafter.

To apply: Send cover letter and resume to job_openings@aceee.org and use “Affordable Housing Retrofit Initiative Deputy Director” in the subject line. We do not accept phone calls or emails about the position.

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