Energy and Sustainability Manager

Bernstein Management Corporation; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match with immediate vesting

Paid time off

Gym membership contributions

Rent discount at BMC properties

Job summary

Bernstein Management Corporation (BMC) seeks an Energy & Sustainability Manager in Bethesda, MD. This role oversees energy management compliance, vendor relationships, and sustainability strategy across all assets.

The ideal candidate has at least 4 years of relevant experience and a degree in a related field. Responsibilities include managing utility programs and collaborating with teams to optimize energy performance. A competitive salary of $95k - $125k is offered, along with various benefits.

Qualifications

• 4+ years' experience in utility management or energy management in real estate.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Ability to understand and analyze energy and water related metrics.

Responsibilities

• Manage utility management, including data tracking and procurement.
• Lead annual energy benchmark reporting and compliance.
• Analyze building energy usage trends to reduce consumption.

Skills

Utility management

Sustainability

Energy management

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Education

BA/BS in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Business, Real Estate, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Yardi

Energy Star Portfolio Manager

Job description

About Bernstein Management Corporation

Bernstein Management Corporation (BMC) has been a regional leader in real estate management for more than 70 years. BMC's investment affiliate is a fully discretionary, private real estate fund with assets valued at over $2.4 billion, low leverage and significant capacity to make additional investments. Focusing almost exclusively on the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, the portfolio currently includes 100+ investments representing over 5,800 residential units and 4.1 million square feet of commercial space including office, retail and industrial assets. BMC's team of over 250 industry experts manage the portfolio with a hands‑on, vertically integrated approach. For more information, visit www.bmcproperties.com.

The Energy & Sustainability Manager oversees BMC's energy management compliance, utility management program and sustainability strategy across the entire portfolio to include residential, office, industrial and retail. This role drives energy and water performance, leads regulatory compliance, manages vendor relationships, resident satisfaction, and long‑term asset value. The Manager operates with significant autonomy and serves as the internal subject matter expert on energy, water, benchmarking, and utility cost recovery. The Energy and Sustainability Manager reports to the VP, Energy Management and Sustainability.

Primary Responsibilities*

• Manage all aspects of utility management, including data tracking, benchmarking, procurement, financial reporting and forecasting for electricity, gas, and water.
• Communicate energy and water related policies including the sustainability policy and information to managers and onsite teams.
• Lead in the completion of annual residential/commercial energy benchmark reporting and ensure full compliance with deadlines.
• Apply for Energy Efficiency Certifications where appropriate/needed.
• Manage implementation of utility recovery initiatives with Property Managers. Support Property Managers with existing water and electric utility recovery processes via online accounting management, reading building drawings, coordination with onsite team members and operational responsibilities.
• Work closely with Property Management and Lease Administration teams to ensure all recoverable utility expenses are accurately billed back to tenants in accordance with lease provisions and that recovery opportunities are maximized.
• Administer company's gas, water, and electric accounts on distribution utility websites. Coordinate this effort with our existing utility billing partners.
• Review gas, water, electric, and trash bills for accuracy of usage, rate classification, demand charges, taxes, and billing calculations prior to authorizing payment. Identify discrepancies and pursue corrections, refunds, or billing adjustments with utility providers and vendors.
• Analyze building energy usage trends and collaborate with Property Managers and Engineers to develop and implement strategies that reduce overall consumption and peak demand costs.
• Audit existing submetering infrastructure and utility allocation methodologies to ensure accurate tenant billing, identify deficiencies in metering coverage, and recommend improvements or additional submeter installations where appropriate.
• Administer the residential/commercial portfolio of buildings in Energy Star Portfolio Manager including ongoing benchmarking tasks. Oversee energy compliance efforts.
• Manage the transfer of utility accounts directly or with designated third parties.
• Own vendor strategy correspondence and contract negotiations, performance accountability, pricing optimization, long‑term value and partnership opportunities related to building energy performance.
• Oversee waste and recycling compliance sustainability programs.
• Other duties as trained for and are qualified to do.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, as described above.

Qualifications

• BA/BS preferred in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Business, Real Estate, Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years' experience in utility management, sustainability, or energy management in a multifamily real estate context. Experience with commercial utility recovery, tenant bill‑backs, and submetering programs preferred.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel proficiency.
• Proven track record of strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Strong attention to detail, high level of accuracy, sense of urgency and excellent time management skills.
• Ability to review, interpret, and apply government regulations.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Ability to excel in both a team setting and on individual assignments.
• Strong and succinct verbal and writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize, multi‑task and adapt to changing assignments in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to understand and analyze energy and water related metrics and perform related calculations.

Preferences

• Yardi experience (property management accounting software)
• Energy Star portfolio manager experience
• Utilities Recovery Experience

Travel & Work Schedule Requirements

This position requires regular travel throughout the DMV area to support BMC's entire residential and commercial portfolio. The home office for this position will be based out of BMC's Bethesda, MD corporate office.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the successful performance of this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

BMC's People First Commitment

At BMC, we know that work/life balance is not just important, it's necessary. As a member of our team, your experience will be valued, and your hard work will be rewarded with a generous benefits package including paid time off, medical plan options, 401K match with immediate vesting, rent discount at BMC properties, paid volunteer leave, gym membership contributions, and company‑wide social outings.

The market‑based pay range for this role is $95,000 - $125,000 annually (plus additional bonus incentives). The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.

Bernstein Management Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected class, in accordance with applicable law.