PROJECT MANAGER, SCHOOL DISTRICT FLEET TRANSITION, ESB INITIATIVE, CONNECTIVE MOBILITY

World Resources Institute (WRI)
retirement plan
United States, D.C., Washington
10 G Street NE (Show on map)
Mar 21, 2025
This is a remote position and will be based in New York. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. About the Program: ESB Program Overview: School bus electrification represents a unique opportunity to accelerate decarbonization while bringing direct, tangible benefits to every community in the United States. This transition can help make electric mobility the new normal for an entire generation and help to address historic under investments in communities of color, low income and rural communities. Through the U.S. Electric School Bus Initiative, created in partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund, WRI's aim is to create unstoppable momentum toward equitably electrifying the entire fleet of U.S. school buses. Overcoming the cost, infrastructure, policy and other barriers to mass adoption will require a systemic approach that engages an entire ecosystem of actors and prioritizes inclusive planning with impacted communities. Together with partners, WRI is working in five areas of focus: * Support school districts in accelerating the equitable transition to electric school buses * Collaborate with manufacturers across the electric school bus supply chain in preparing for an equitable and sustainable transition * Work with electric utilities to improve interconnection and investments for electric school bus charging infrastructure, including supportive rates and tariffs * Engage policymakers to drive policies that grow demand and reduce barriers, and to increase electric school bus public funding * Partner with communities pursuing school bus electrification, and provide the tools and resources to make it happen The ESB program is part of the broader U.S. Connective Mobility team which aims to increase access to safe, affordable and low carbon transport systems for all. This includes equitably expanding access to zero emissions buses, freight and port equipment, advancing battery circularity as well as improving road safety. This team also supports work internationally on electric buses, freight and 2-3 wheelers. Job Highlight: You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work. This position is fully remote; however, the candidate must be located in NY state. You will support a grant from NYSERDA, among other activities, to help ensure successful implementation of electric school buses in NY state. You will play a major role in supporting an equitable electric school bus fleet transition in NY State (NYS). You will lead project management and engagement activities with partners on a major grant. You will also manage external relationships with stakeholders to drive the project and align all entities in its development and execution. Main responsibilities in this role will include managing technical assistance for two districts in NYS, setting up peer-to-peer learning programs, project management support to the grant lead and coordinating internally and externally to ensure successful policy implementation of the electric school bus transition mandate. You will be supported by the Electric School Bus Initiative's technical assistance team alongside a cross-section of experts in bus-manufacturing, utilities, policy, and community engagement. You will commit to the Electric School Bus Initiative's equity-centered mission. You will report to the Senior Manager, School Bus Electrification and Battery Circularity. What will you do: Project Management (50%): Lead coordination of the grant partners and organizations to ensure alignment and achievement of goals. Track and manage project-wide budget. Lead the grant monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan for a major grant in cooperation with internal and external colleagues. Identify, collect, and analyze data to inform project reporting activities. Support the development and implementation of the NY State strategy. Outreach and stakeholder engagement (30%): Build school district relationships to meet the goals of the project. Develop materials and capacity to provide technical assistance to school districts. Lead planning and execution efforts for a NY State-wide peer-learning program. Coordinate a curriculum development and video production plan with partners. Research and write case studies, blog articles, publications, etc. to share learnings, insights, and best-case practices. Support the grant lead with reporting of activities. General management (20%): Be an active team member of our Electric School Bus Initiative and ensure coordination with the other areas of the initiative. Manage and mentor junior staff. Manage contractors and partner organizations. Attend various internal and external functions and events, as relevant, to serve as a representative of WRI's Electric School Bus initiative. Organize internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences, and other dissemination activities. What will you need: Education: You have completed a Bachelor's degree in public policy, environmental studies, engineering, construction administration, renewable energy planning, transportation, real estate management, or a related field Experience: You have a minimum of 5 years full-time relevant work experience in managing projects with multiple cross-functional stakeholders and workstreams, such as infrastructure planning, outreach campaigns, community engagement, etc. You have demonstrated an ability to work well in cross-functional teams, manage complex projects well, juggle multiple priorities. You have been in a past role that required project management, consistent communication, creative problem-solving, and engagement with diverse stakeholders. You have managed some degree of planning, execution, staff oversight, and status reporting for significant initiatives. You have an ability to make independent, data-driven decisions in complex situations. You have managed projects and programs from initiation to scale. Languages:Fluent in English. Additionallanguage a plus Requirements:Existing work authorization is required where this positionis based.WRI is unable to authorize visa workauthorization Preferred Qualifications: Managed or worked on federal or state grant funded project. Previous experience with schools in New York State. Previous experience on electric buses including procurement or technical/operational aspects, or experience with electrification of other types of vehicle fleets. Potential Salary:US salary range is between84,000 and95,000 USD.Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. How to Apply:Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by March 28, 2025. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications. We are unable to consider your application without a coverletterin addition to your resume. You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. What we offer: Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, LatinAmericaand theUS The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission drivenorganizationwith access to varied learning and training opportunities. A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of ourwork The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future ofWRI Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible workinghours Generous leavedays that increase with tenure Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution About us: World Resources Institute works to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations. Our mission and values: WRI's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency,Independenceand Respect. Our Culture: WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.