Who We Are

The Clean Fight is a not-for-profit business accelerator working to significantly speed the growth of the inclusive clean energy economy of New York State and beyond. Our mission is to innovate models of adoption to accelerate the deployment of climate solutions. Given that many of the technologies we need to solve the climate crisis already exist, it’s imperative that we ensure they are adopted quickly, and at scale. To enable this adoption, The Clean Fight creates, runs, and iterates different programs (models of adoption) to identify which can have the greatest impact, at speed.

The Clean Fight currently has two core programs. The accelerator program plays an important role in the New York State innovation ecosystem as the only accelerator focused on growth-stage companies, providing an essential next step for innovative climate companies looking to move from initial deployment to broad market adoption. We help them to quickly scale in NY, by providing tailored support, high-touch customer and capital partner matchmaking, and non-dilutive investments to help with demonstration projects and deployments. Each cohort focuses on a different part of the clean energy economy: our practice areas include buildings and energy storage. Our second program, The Empire Technology Prize, is a $10M prize program focused on the development and deployment of leapfrog decarbonization solutions for New York’s tall buildings. Currently in development, The Empire Technology Prize will look to solve one of New York’s thorniest climate problems - reducing the 70% of NYC and 40% of New York State’s greenhouse gas emissions that come from buildings. By focusing the world’s best innovators on this issue, we hope not only to collapse the time to market for these crucial technologies, but to provide a blueprint for other markets in the US and globally to do the same.

We are supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). We are a chapter of New Energy Nexus, an international not-for-profit that strives to achieve a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population in the shortest time possible by supporting diverse clean energy entrepreneurs with funds, accelerators, and networks, operating programs in the US, China, India, Southeast Asia, and East Africa.

About the Role

The Program Manager will work with the Program Director and other members of The Clean Fight team to design and execute our world-class programs; initially, the Program Manager will help to lead our newest program, the Empire Tech Prize, a $10 million prize competition to encourage the decarbonization of tall buildings.
The Program Manager will help with global outreach, develop and execute a rigorous selection process, program curriculum, support provider identification and management, event planning and execution, and related program services. The person in this role will communicate day-to-day with a variety of stakeholders, including funders, partners, and cohort companies during the program, and proactively seek out commercial, funding, and other opportunities for participants during and after the program.

The Program Manager reports to the Program Director and is supported by a Program Associate. They will work closely with the Partnerships team, whose role is the sourcing and management of corporate and capital partners.

The position is based in New York City. The team has an office near Madison Square Park at Rise NY and typically gathers at the office two or more days per week, with flexible hybrid options on other days. Unfortunately, relocation assistance is not available.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting the innovators leading the clean energy transition. They have relationship development and project management experience. Ideally, the Program Manager has hands-on experience in the buildings sector, helping to scale companies and/or in the clean energy business sector. They thrive in an early-stage environment by being a fast learner willing to roll up their sleeves; they’re self-motivated, solutions-oriented, resourceful, and able to prioritize and multitask.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a world-class global prize program, in collaboration with the Program Director, focused on adding real and unique value
• Develop relationships with key program participants, including funders, program partners, and cohort companies
• Evaluate the needs of participants in order to develop and scale their solutions, and identify and connect them with the necessary resources
• Assess and monitor best practices in the prize and accelerator worlds to understand what is and isn’t working and ensure we’re pioneering a best-in-class program design
• Oversee an inclusive selection process, including the development and management of the selection committee and the direct evaluation of applications
• Lead program execution, including hosting multiple major events per year in collaboration with the marketing team
• Help to oversee and support the development of one or more Associates
• Build a strong network to support the program’s startups
• Elicit and respond to the needs of participants throughout our programs

Qualifications

• Graduate degree preferred; Bachelor's degree required
• Experience working in accelerators, prize programs, or organizations designed to help companies scale, or within startups directly helping them scale (e.g., sales, business development, or other relevant functional experience in a startup; accelerator manager or associate; consultant, etc.)
• Experience in client service and/or business development: managing key client relationships, understanding and supporting client needs
• Work in the buildings sector is particularly relevant
• Experience supporting others as they build great organizations, and/or building community between organizations so they can support each other
• Ability to coordinate and execute large events, in partnership with event production resource
• Ability to identify and track relevant KPIs
• Proven project management in lean, complex, fast-paced environments
• Experience working in clean energy, climate solutions, or similar also valued

Compensation

Competitive compensation ($90,000-125,000 to start) and generous benefits, including health and vision coverage and 401(k) with company contribution.

How to ApplyWe value and celebrate diversity among our employees and in our movement. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, family/marital status, or veteran status. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter expressing why you’re right for the role in Workable.