OVERVIEWThrough its Climate Programs, the Trust for Governors Island is advancing climate action in New York City through efforts to position the Island as an premier example of sustainable and resilient urban development and operations; making Governors Island available as a site to test and demonstrate urban climate solutions for cities and their diverse communities; offering field trips that inspire NYC students with hopeful solutions to the global climate crisis; and providing an inclusive convening space to engage in meaningful dialogue about climate change.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Seasonal Associate will support the Director of Climate Programs on two key initiatives:

1)      Climate Action Planning and Annual Emissions Inventory Update: The Trust for Governors Island is implementing a Climate Action Framework to guide the Island’s development as a public, physical example of a sustainable and adaptive urban environment – a beacon in New York Harbor inspiring cities around the world. The Associate will support this effort through (i) an annual update of the Trust’s emissions inventory, (ii) supporting independent verification efforts with third-party consultants, and (iii) research, case studies, and project support to continue to refine the framework and advance priority actions.

2)     Climate Piloting Opportunities: The Governors Island Climate Piloting Program offers early-stage companies and innovators the opportunity to test and scale climate products and services in a real-world environment, supporting 24 pilots to date since its launch in 2023. The 2026 pilots will include the winners of its Adaptation Challenge and additional climate solutions focused on circular economy, buildings, energy, urban agriculture, water, and more. The Associate will support day-to-day program operations, including installations, public events, founder workshops, marketing, case studies, and more.

Responsibilities will include: 

Research and Analysis to Support Climate Action Planning at Governors Island

·         Conduct annual updates to the Trust’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory and deliver dataset and key findings to the Trust’s Climate Action Working Group.

·         Research and develop a database for the Trust’s annual climate KPIs, including on energy, waste and water, nature, adaptation, and public education and engagement. 

·         Support research, planning, and implementation of ongoing mitigation actions, including decarbonization and zero waste projects.

Program Operations, Events, and Marketing for Climate Tech Companies 

·         Serve as project manager for a subset of 2026 climate pilots, including coordinating installations, day-to-day operations, onboarding, and closeout. 

·         Develop case studies and support data collection for completed and ongoing pilots for publication on the Trust’s website and other platforms.

·         Support event planning and logistics, including two founder workshops, a Climate Solutions Showcase in early June, and an annual Climate Week event. 

·         Other research, operations, planning, and coordination tasks as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

·         Bachelor’s degree and partial completion of a master’s degree in business, environmental science, public policy, architecture, engineering, or related field are required.

Experience:

·         Minimum 2 years of experience in urban planning, sustainable development, economic development, business development, public administration, or related field is required. 

·         Experience in managing emissions inventories and/or sustainability projects in the built environment is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

·         Success in supporting inter-departmental teams on collaborative, place-based projects

·         Strong attention to detail in managing a project portfolio

·         Creative, optimistic problem-solver who anticipates challenges and is successful in navigating uncertainty

·         Keen to work with diverse stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem, including in business and government as well as community-based and nonprofit organizations 

·         Effective communicator in oral, written, analytical, and visual formats

·         Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Suite

·         Entrepreneurial and results-oriented

·         Valid driver’s license

‍TO APPLY(*No phone calls please.)

We realize that not all applicants match 100% of the qualifications for a role. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for this role, we encourage you to apply. https://governorsisland.applytojob.com/apply/Gjf2F72Y9n/Seasonal-Associate-Climate-Programs?source=Green+Jobs+BoardThe Trust for Governors Island values the importance of inclusion, accessibility and a diverse pool of applicants. The Trust for Governors Island does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, genetic information, marital status, membership in an employee organization, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, or other non-merit factor.

‍ABOUT THE TRUST FOR GOVERNORS ISLANDThe Trust for Governors Island (The Trust) is a nonprofit corporation created by the City of New York. It is responsible for the redevelopment and operation of 150 acres of Governors Island. The Trust's mission is to realize the full potential of Governors Island for the inspiration and enjoyment of all New Yorkers, demonstrating a bold vision for public space. For more information, visit www.govisland.org