Government Affairs/Sustainability (#193) - Albany Office
New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. With the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) 
, New York has codified the most aggressive climate change program in the nation with goals to reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040; install 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035, 10 gigawatts of solar by 2030, and 6 gigawatts of energy storage by 2030. With the recent approval of the Climate Action Council’s final Scoping Plan, we have a strong framework to achieve an 85% reduction in GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 2050, and eventually net zero emissions economy-wide.
- Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy.
- Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
- Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Government Affairs helps to facilitate meetings between management and members of the Legislature, construct the legislative agenda for the authority, and monitor legislative activities at the state and federal level to inform management and the Chamber. Further, the department helps to develop and implement strategies to attain authority goals and advise executive management on policy positions. The Government Affairs team works in tandem with the Governor’s office, state executive agencies, the state legislature, local governments, and the federal government on matters related to NYSERDA’s programs and activities. This work requires collaboration with teams across the authority relating to ongoing efforts to develop and build greater program awareness and outreach.
NYSERDA’s sustainability coordinator is part of the Governmental Affairs Team. The coordinator helps to green agency operations, in accordance with the Climate Act and Governor Hochul’s Executive Order No. 22 , provides education and outreach to staff, leads sustainability reporting for NYSERDA, and assists other agencies with their sustainability efforts.
This is a paid internship for current, full-time college students. The pay rate is from $15 to $17 per hour based on current class year. This internship will begin on June 1st, 2023 and continue through the Summer and academic year.
Interns must be located in New York State while working. It is expected that interns will follow our telework policy, with a combination of in-office and remote work. Interns work up to 37.5 hours per week during the Summer and up to 18.5 hours per week during the semester, when attending classes.
Primary Responsibilities
- Reviewing and tracking legislation and providing verbal or written updates
- Drafting formal business letters
- Creating educational content for staff related to sustainability
- Conducting outreach to staff to prepare briefing documents and other materials
- Tracking legislative responses, agency sustainability projects, etc.
- Conducting and summarizing research on a variety of topics, including legislation
- Preparing reports and proposals
- Performing other responsibilities, as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Current, full-time college student, preferably pursuing a degree in political science, energy, or environmental studies.
- Good writing and communication skills, including excellent attention to detail
- Ability to use a land-line phone and voice mail, including comfort with speaking by phone
- Ability to work remotely, as needed
- Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite of programs and WebEx
- Demonstrated ability to research primary and secondary sources
- Skill in managing multiple activities, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment
- Ability to work solo or in a group and follow through on assigned tasks
- Strong work ethic
To Apply
Please submit one file that includes both your cover letter and resume.