Job Description
HOW YOU'LL MAKE AN IMPACT
The State and Local Government Fellow is a one-year, fixed-term position funded through New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)Clean Energy Communities Cohort Track Program, a multi-year initiative that provides cities, towns, and counties with tools, resources, and technical assistance to accelerate local climate action. This is not a permanent position and is expected to conclude at the end of the one-year term, subject to program funding and organizational needs.
Reporting to the Project Manager, State and Local Government, you'll support annual cohorts of participating local governments throughout their journey—from onboarding and readiness assessments to implementation planning and peer learning. Working collaboratively with internal subject matter experts, regional partners, local government officials, and external stakeholders, you'll contribute to program delivery, participant engagement, curriculum development, technical assistance, and continuous program improvement while helping advance USGBC's mission to create more sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of annual cohorts by assisting with participant onboarding, scheduling, communications, milestone tracking, workshops, and cohort logistics throughout the program lifecycle.
- Provide technical assistance and ongoing support to participating local governments, helping jurisdictions navigate program resources, track progress, and implement clean energy and building decarbonization initiatives.
- Develop and maintain program content and educational resources, including agendas, presentations, implementation guides, playbooks, case studies, briefing materials, and participant communications.
- Facilitate participant engagement and peer learning by supporting workshops, cohort meetings, networking sessions, presentations, and collaboration among local governments, regional partners, universities, and subject matter experts.
- Conduct research and analyze best practices related to sustainability, climate policy, building decarbonization, benchmarking, and building performance standards to strengthen program resources and participant support.
- Support program operations and performance reporting by maintaining participant records, collecting feedback, administering surveys, tracking program metrics, and assisting with annual impact reports.
- Collaborate across USGBC teams and external partners to ensure consistent communications, coordinated program delivery, and an exceptional participant experience.
- Represent USGBC professionally when engaging with local government staff, elected officials, partner organizations, and other stakeholders while promoting the organization's mission and sustainability initiatives.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
- Experience supporting building decarbonization, clean energy, sustainability, climate action, resilience, or public sector initiatives through employment, internships, volunteer work, or academic research.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct research, develop written materials, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Experience working with local governments, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, or community organizations is preferred but not required.
Education
- Bachelor's degree (completed or in progress) in Sustainability, Environmental Policy, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Architecture, Geography, Sociology, Communications, Law, History, Climate Leadership, or a related field.
- Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will also be considered.
Technology/System(s)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom
- Familiarity with collaboration and virtual meeting platforms
- Experience using project management tools is a plus
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Research and analytical thinking
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Organization and project coordination
- Collaboration and relationship building
- Attention to detail
- Customer service and stakeholder engagement
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Commitment to continuous learning and process improvement
ABOUT OUR TOTAL REWARDS PACKAGE
Salary
The salary for this position is $56,000 annually. This is a fixed salary established based on the funding available for the NYSERDA program and is not negotiable.
Benefits
We offer you:
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Professional development reimbursement
- We offer a healthcare plan through Cigna that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs. USGBC covers 100% of the premiums and an HRA that will assist you and your dependents in reaching the in-network medical deductible. You will only be responsible for the $300 individual / $600 family up front deductible for medical services before the employer funded HRA will process payments for your in-network claims
- Generous paid time off (12 paid holidays, 9 paid personal sick days and based on career level either 2 to 3 weeks PTO), including operations closed for a full week between Christmas and New Year’s
LOGISTICS
Location: This position is remote in the U.S. with preference for New York state.
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM ET
Travel %: The Fellow will travel periodically for in‑person cohort orientation, regional convenings, and occasional conferences or partner events.
The U.S. Green Building Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
ABOUT US
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to accelerating and scaling the transformation of the built environment. Through LEED—the world’s most widely used green building rating system— and initiatives likes Greenbuild, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy, USGBC empowers professionals to drive market transformation that advances human and environmental health, climate resilience, and equity.
Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)is the world’s leading sustainability and health certification and credentialing body, independently recognizing excellence in performance. GBCI administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates including LEED, PERFORM, SITES, and TRUE Zero Waste.
We are proud to be globally recognized for our leadership in green building, environmental performance, and sustainable development.
Our Global Impact
- Over 120,000 LEED-certified commercial projects worldwide
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Millions of square feet of certified healthy, efficient, low-carbon space
- Recognition in 180+ countries for innovation in green building and business practices
Why Join Us
At USGBC and GBCI, you’ll work alongside passionate, mission-aligned professionals who care deeply about people, the planet, and progress. We offer:
- A purpose-driven, inclusive culture
- Opportunities to grow your career and take ownership of meaningful work
- A chance to make a measurable impact on global sustainability efforts
- We’re seeking team members who thrive in collaborative environments, are committed to excellence, and want to build lasting partnerships that drive change in the built environment.
Meet Our Leaders and Learn More about our Mission:
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U.S. Green Building Council Leaders
- Green Business Certification Inc Leaders
Culture and Values Statement
Working together, each of us advances our mission by respecting all voices, trusting and supporting one another, excelling through collaboration and accountability, and continuously improving ourselves and our organization.
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