Vice President, Climate Resilience

Our Vision: To make New York City the global model for inclusive innovation and economic growth, fueled by the City’s diverse people and businesses. 

Our Mission: To create shared prosperity across New York City’s five boroughs by strengthening neighborhoods and growing good jobs.

Position Overview: Within Neighborhood Strategies, Vice Presidents help to set strategic direction and oversee a portfolio of projects. Their managerial responsibilities include internal and external team coordination, setting workplans, meeting deadlines, giving direction to their project teams, developing project messaging, providing updates to senior staff, interacting with external stakeholders including representing NYCEDC in public forums, and developing overall strategies for effectively advancing projects towards big-picture goals. They also manage one-to-two direct reports and provide mentoring and coaching to junior staff in the department. The role also includes participation in larger EDC- and citywide policy initiatives. Vice Presidents report to the Senior Vice President for Neighborhood Strategies.

In addition to the overall responsibilities described above, the Vice President of Resiliency will play an essential role within the Department as they will be responsible for leading Neighborhood Strategies’ portfolio of resilience and waterfront projects, which include neighborhood-scale resilience projects like Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency and the Financial-District & Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan; resilient waterfront greenway planning and design; and climate risk assessment tools to understand multi-hazard climate impacts across NYCEDC assets and projects and inform future planning priorities.

The Vice President of Resiliency will be the overall lead for these projects, setting strategic direction, managing multi-disciplinary consultant teams, working with interagency partners, and interfacing with external stakeholders including elected officials on behalf of NYCEDC. They will work with a range of city, state, and federal agency stakeholders as well as community organizations, civic advocates, property owners, and others, balancing the needs and views of competing interests throughout the lifecycle of a project. They will be responsible for developing conceptual-level plans that help the city reach its climate adaptation goals as well as helping move projects into implementation in coordination with NYCEDC’s Capital Division and City agencies. They should have an entrepreneurial vision for the role, ensuring that the best ideas are brought to the table and incorporated into each project.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
– Lead NYCEDC’s entire resiliency portfolio, providing overall strategic guidance for both existing projects as well as future efforts
– Provide strategic direction, problem solving, and coordination for multidisciplinary teams engaged in large-scale climate resiliency and adaptation planning efforts
– Establish and oversee interagency working groups on a range of resiliency and climate adaptation projects, meeting frequently to move projects forward and address challenges
– Articulate project visions and integrated design goals informed by technical analyses, climate science, and policy priorities to advance current projects and inform potential future projects
– Identify and pursue funding opportunities at the city, state, and federal level to advance design and implementation of resilience projects
– Craft and manage innovative public outreach processes, representing the organization in professional and public forums
– Engage in public policy dialogues, knowledge-sharing, and best practices conversations city-wide
– Coalition build and maintain relationships with governmental and quasi-governmental entities; civic & community organizations; cultural and professional organizations; and advocacy groups
– Effectively manage interdisciplinary consultant teams to produce quality work products, meet milestones, and communicate across various audiences
– Work with waterfront permitting and regulatory agencies to advance design and project implementation
– Lead team conducting climate risk assessments to internally advise across portfolio of EDC assets and inform future planning priorities
– Coordinate resources and integrate interdepartmental priorities within NYCEDC
– Lead project communication with NYCEDC’s President’s Office, City Hall staff, elected representatives, and agency leadership
– Provide direction and mentorship to junior staff within the department
– Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
– Passionate about climate adaptation, resiliency, and preparedness
– Master’s Degree in urban/city planning or related field, including – but not limited to – public policy, architecture, urban design, engineering, sociology, real estate, or law, is preferred
– 5-6 years of relevant work experience with a particular focus on resiliency and climate adaptation projects and plans at a variety of scales and demonstrated knowledge of resilience planning, strategy identification, risk assessment, climate hazards, federal/state funding mechanisms, federal and state climate resilience policies and programs, and best practices and standards.
– Strong understanding and experience with public planning processes that incorporate a range of views and interests with demonstrated experience in public speaking and presentation, facilitation, and working with diverse communities using equitable approaches to engagement.
– Experience in direct staff management.
– Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and analytical skills
– Strong entrepreneurial, interpersonal, and leadership skills; should be a self-starter and take initiative.
– Occasional travel across the five boroughs of New York City
– Must obtain/maintain New York City residency within 180 days of hire
– As of August 2, 2021, all new hires must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus as defined by the CDC, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability

About Us: NYCEDC is New York City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. Our mission is to create shared prosperity across New York City’s five boroughs by strengthening neighborhoods and growing good jobs. We do this by developing, managing, and implementing expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment and strengthen the city’s competitive position.

NYCEDC is dedicated to the creation of a dynamic, equitable, and sustainable urban economy. We are making sure that whatever happens next, happens right here in New York City—and that all New Yorkers are a part of it.

NYCEDC offers many unique advantages for an exciting and fulfilling career. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:
– The unique opportunity to make an impact on New York City
– Working on diverse, unique, and challenging projects
– Working closely with teams of creative, highly motivated, and passionate people
– Learning opportunities designed to enhance the practical skills and business knowledge of our employees
– Excellent benefits, including company-paid 401(a) pension plan, 457(b) tax-advantaged retirement savings plans, medical, dental and vision benefits, generous paid family leave and paid time off, and other perks

The New York City Economic Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our diversity and inclusion mission is to attract, retain, and engage a diverse workforce comprised of talented people. NYCEDC employees can expect to work as part of a highly engaged, passionate and inclusive workforce where everyone’s contributions are valued, respected and make an impact on one of the best and most diverse cities in the world!

For more information, visit our website at edc.nyc.