NRDC is seeking a Sustainable Finance Strategist with the American Cities Climate Challenge (ACCC) in NRDC’s Resilient Communities program. The ACCC is an unprecedented opportunity for 20 ambitious cities to significantly deepen and accelerate their efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future for their residents. The Sustainable Finance Strategist brings a strong background in city-focused, sustainable financing to build, integrate, implement and support practical and comprehensive financing strategies in cities to ensure ACCC policy and program successes achieve maximum investment uptake and long-term impact. We are looking for individuals with the creativity to use the policy, regulatory and financial tools available to cities to unlock private capital flows in support of clean energy and transportation and other carbon reduction strategies. The Sustainable Finance Strategist will understand the constraints of city government and recognize opportunities to shift those municipal dynamics, within the context of public/private partnerships or markets created by new policy and regulatory opportunities. As an integral part of the ACCC project team, the Sustainable Finance Strategist will coordinate and oversee research and partner with ACCC city advisors to support development and expansion of financing strategies that align with carbon reduction priorities.
- Lead and oversee analysis of effective financing strategies to advance and accelerate the goals of the American Climate Cities Challenge.
- Lead effort to identify best practices for commonly utilized financing tools and strategies at the city level.
- Review and assess the financing landscape and innovative financing strategies being applied by and in cities.
- Identify targeted best practices and models for removing financing barriers based on and that integrate with city policies and programs.
- Partner with NRDC Technical Strategy leads for Renewables, Transportation and Energy Efficiency to integrate policies, programs and financing to achieve streamlined and efficient strategies.
- Coordinate with City Engagement Managers and City Advisors to support financing strategies that align with the cities goals and priorities.
- Ensure effective communication, coordination and information sharing across core team, partners and cities.
- Serve as manager and liaison in support of Financing Technical Bench NGO partners and targeted consultants to support city efforts to accelerate investment in green and equitable energy and transportation solutions.
- Experienced municipal finance professional, e.g. with experience in banking, municipal financial advisor, rating agency or government finance
- At least 3 years of experience with energy and transportation finance. Climate or clean energy/transportation finance a plus.
- Demonstrated experience and success in coordinating with experts across a large, cross-sector, multi-partner initiative.
- Familiarity with alternative financing mechanisms and institutions such as PACE, value capture mechanisms, public-private partnerships, on-bill financing, revolving loan funds, credit enhancement, green banks, etc.
- Strong writing, public speaking, communications and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and to take initiative to problem solve critical. Self-starter that thrives in an entrepreneurial culture.
- Ability to work in collaborative contexts, effectively as a member of a team, regular communication with team members is essential.
- Passion for investments, policies and programs that support cities in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while supporting positive and equitable social and economic outcomes is essential.
- Familiarity with affordable multifamily and small business financing structures is a plus.
- Willingness to travel to participating Challenge cities throughout the United States, as well as to other NRDC offices and U.S. locations as needed