Research Manager

MANAGER, RESEARCH

Join NYC’s most impactful team working to decarbonize buildings for healthy and resilient communities.

Urban Green Council is seeking an experienced, driven and technically skilled Research Manager to join our Research & Policy team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Research & Policy, the Research Manager will plan and manage a range of innovative research initiatives to help Urban Green tackle the most pressing climate change, energy efficiency and green building challenges in New York.

Urban Green is NYC’s go-to nonprofit for sustainable building research and policy. Our technical, data-forward research and analysis informs New York’s sustainability leaders, guides industry practice, and shapes government policy and programs. We make the technical relatable – with compelling writing, inspiring design and interactive visualizations – and our research findings are widely reported in the mainstream and trade press. Recent examples include Grid Ready: Powering NYC’s All-Electric Buildings, LL97 in Focus: Jumpstarting multifamily building upgrades, and our NYC Buildings Data Hub.

Urban Green Council is a hybrid workplace. Most employees live in the greater NYC area and all employees must periodically attend in-person meetings in New York City. All Urban Green staff are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19.

The person who will best succeed in this role:

• Has strong knowledge of building science, with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture or a related physical science field, and a master’s degree in a relevant field (or equivalent work experience);
• Has technical experience with buildings, including (i) 8-10 years total work experience, some of which is focused on green building, (ii) quantitative understanding of energy and carbon metrics, and (iii) field experience in energy assessments, construction, retrofits, operations and maintenance, or real estate;
• Is a strategic and analytical problem-solver, with strong critical-thinking skills and a resourceful approach to conceiving and executing research projects; and
• Is passionate about building decarbonization and thrives in a dynamic, collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

A few other qualities we are looking for include: 

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, including strong writing and presentation skills to convey complex topics with clarity;
• Management and supervisory experience, including managing research projects and supporting the growth of entry-level team members;
• Experience with statistical methods and data analysis, including familiarity with relevant software like R and Python and the ability to create compelling data visualizations; and
• Experience with large and small residential buildings is a plus, including knowledge of hot water systems in low-rise buildings.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Manager will identify, initiate and execute projects that drive the market for deep energy retrofits and carbon-free, next-generation buildings. Key responsibilities include:

• Manage research initiatives, with guidance from the Senior Director of Research & Policy, including: planning, interviews, advisory group convening, managing consultants, conducting data and technology analysis, and collaborating with the Communications team to produce research briefs and reports.

In 2024, our research focus includes assessing energy, carbon, cost and technology for electrification of hot water systems in New York’s low-rise residential buildings. Future research projects may focus on topics like electrification and heat pumps in other sectors; deep energy retrofit strategies; demand management and energy storage; or heat mitigation and other resiliency challenges in buildings.

• Support policy development and implementation through periodic data analysis and technology assessment, working with the Policy team on time-sensitive policy actions like implementing NYC’s Local Law 97.

• Collaborate on strategic planning and fundraising with the Research & Policy team, keeping abreast of industry trends, ideating new projects, contributing to team goal-setting, and crafting compelling fundraising pitches at the leading edge of building decarbonization.

• Build partnerships with thought-leaders and experts from a range of relevant sectors to enhance Urban Green’s work and impact, including building owners and managers, engineers, architects, energy professionals, environmental and environmental justice advocates, academics, and more.

Benefits and Compensation 

The target salary for this position is $80,000, with some flexibility for qualifications and experience, and offers will be made commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

• 100% employee coverage for medical and dental insurance
• 401k with 4% employer match
• Half days on Fridays year round, full Friday closure in July & August
• 100% employee coverage for Life, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance 
• 15 vacation days in the first year, 8 paid holidays, and 2 personal days
• Office closure between Christmas and New Years 

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please fill out this application form. After submitting your application, you can expect to hear from our hiring team regarding their decision within a few weeks. You may reach out to [email protected] with any questions, but applications received by email will not be reviewed. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

We believe the path to decarbonizing buildings and creating healthy and resilient communities includes a diverse team of people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. At Urban Green Council we are committed to championing diversity, equity and inclusion across all areas of our organization, including our recruitment and hiring practices. We encourage you to apply if you are excited about this position and can see yourself in this role, even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed.

Urban Green Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please email [email protected].

Urban Green’s Organizational Values

• Excellence: We strive for innovative high-quality programs and ideas.
• Inclusion: The diverse voices and backgrounds of our employees, board of directors, members, and partners make us stronger.
• Collaboration: We believe consensus delivers better solutions and teamwork is essential to our success. 
• Engagement: We promote a culture of performance, participation, and curiosity.