Partnerships Manager

Who We Are

The Clean Fight is a not-for-profit dedicated to accelerating the equitable adoption of climate solutions in New York State and beyond. 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, equitably, and at scale. To enable this adoption, The Clean Fight designs and implements different models of adoption to identify and share the actionable strategies that can lead to the rapid deployment of decarbonization solutions, for all. Our programs focus on different parts of the clean energy economy, with practice areas that include buildings, energy storage, and food services.

The Clean Fight currently has three core programs. The accelerator program is New York State’s only accelerator focused on growth-stage companies, supporting innovative climate companies looking to move from initial deployment to broad market adoption. Our program is designed to help them quickly scale by collapsing the sales cycle through high-touch customer and capital partner matchmaking, technical assistance, and non-dilutive investments to help with initial deployments. Our second program, the Empire Technology Prize, is a $10M prize program focused on advancing the development and deployment of easy to adopt clean heating solutions for New York's tall buildings. By focusing the world’s best innovators on this issue, combined with the involvement of New York's leading real estate players as demonstration partners, 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.

Our latest program, the Energy Storage Capital Challenge, is designed to support innovative energy storage projects in need of capital to advance their deployment in New York State. This is a pivotal time for energy storage innovation in New York, with unprecedented Federal and State incentives, policy, and funding to support the deployment of projects. However, significant obstacles exist for innovators and developers to successfully deploy in New York’s unique market. The Energy Storage Capital Challenge is focused on one key need: Aligning capital to accelerate innovative energy storage projects.

We are supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and New Energy New York (NENY). 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 Partnerships Manager will work with the Director of Partnerships and the Partnerships Associate as well as other members of The Clean Fight team to help design and execute our partnerships model across programs. Each practice area focuses on a different part of the clean energy economy - accordingly, a different group of partners needs to be identified and convened for each program to maximize the ability of our cohort companies to secure commercial, funding, and other opportunities. 

The Partnerships Manager will develop and manage a network of customer, capital, and policy partners. The person in this role will lead outreach and manage day-to-day relationships with partners.

The Partnerships Manager reports to the Director of Partnerships and may have direct reports down the road but will not have any initially. We compensate competitively and offer generous medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as a 401(k) contribution. The position is based in New York City. The team has an office near Madison Square Park at Rise New York and works together in-person two days a 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 accelerating the adoption of climate solutions and helping the market meet its decarbonization goals. They have hands-on experience with developing partnerships and/or relationship/account management as well as project management experience. Ideally, the Partnerships Manager has experience in the climate / clean energy business sector. They thrive in a dynamic 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

• Contribute to the design of the partnerships model with a focus on innovating new approaches for value-add and impact
• Execute a world-class partnerships program, in collaboration with the Director of Partnerships and Partnerships Associate, focused on adding real and unique value 
• Lead partner recruitment and fulfillment across multiple programs (e.g., market research, building a lead list, designing outreach strategies, managing contracting, etc.)
• Build day-to-day relationships with key program partners, including customer partners, capital partners, and policymakers
• Evaluate the needs of partners in order to develop and deliver high-quality programming and to identify valuable resources to support their goals
• Assess and monitor best practices in the accelerator and climate worlds to ensure we’re pioneering a best-in-class partner ecosystem
• Establish, maintain, and scale systems and processes for client relationship management, network mapping, and impact tracking

Requirements

• 5+ years experience, particularly in consulting, relationship management, account management, business development, strategic partnerships, investor relations, etc.
• Deeply curious and keen to make meaningful connections that build community, add business value, and create network effects
• Relevant experience managing key relationships and understanding and supporting needs
• Ability to identify and track relevant KPIs and impact metrics; comfortability managing CRM (e.g., HubSpot)
• Detail-oriented, proactive, collaborative, and strives for excellence
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Solutions-oriented and resourceful in an all-hands-on-deck work environment
• Proven project management in lean, complex, fast-paced environments
• Experience and confidence with project planning and relationship management tools, e.g., Google Workspace, HubSpot, Airtable, Notion, etc.
• Experience working in clean energy and/or climate solutions also valued
• Bachelor's degree

Benefits

Competitive compensation ($90,000-125,000 to start) and generous benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid parental leave, unlimited PTO, paid holidays, and 401(k) with company contribution.

How to Apply

We 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 that shows how your background has prepared you for the role. Your cover letter should clearly state why you are interested in working at The Clean Fight and explain how your experience is relevant. All applications must be submitted through Workable: https://apply.workable.com/newenergynexus/j/01EB56F6DB/

Application deadline is April 29, 2024