Program Manager, Business Incentives & Energy Cost Savings Program (ECSP)

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS SERV.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Small Business Services seeks a capable Program Manager to support the Business Incentives Unit in NYC. The role involves processing incentive program applications, vetting eligibility for NYC/NY State programs, and coordinating with the Executive Director to ensure timely compliance and reporting.

You will work with cross‑functional teams to maintain data accuracy, monitor performance metrics, and provide regular updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with related work in community/business services; minimum 2 years for certain pathways.
• Experience with policy compliance and program administration is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with attention to detail and cross‑functional teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Process cases and review applications for multiple SBS incentive programs.
• Provide consultations to determine eligibility for NYC, NYS, and federal programs.
• Verify eligibility and maintain timely communication with ED and stakeholders.

Skills

Business services

Economic development

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

MS Office

CRM tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma

Tools

MS Office Suite

CRM systems

Job description

The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building a fairer economy in neighborhoods across the five boroughs.

The Business Incentives Unit is part of the Agency’s Division of Business Services (DBS). The Unit serves to promote, identify and assist businesses, access and apply for federal, state and municipal incentives to encourage business retention, relocation and expansion within NYC neighborhoods.

The Program Manager’s primary responsibility will be supporting the Business Incentives Unit with processing Energy Cost Savings Program (ECSP), Polystyrene Foam Hardship Waiver Program, and relocation grant initiatives applications while ensuring compliance with policies and rules in place, maintaining strong stakeholder engagement, and coordinating technical assistance/direct customer service to small businesses to meet set goals.

The Program Manager will report to the Executive Director (ED) of Business Incentives & ECSP.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Process cases, review applications and support documentation for applicants to SBS Business Incentives programs including and not limited to the Energy Cost Savings Program, Polystyrene Foam Hardship Waiver Program, and relocation grant initiatives
• Provide businesses with consultations including vetting for potential eligibility for NYC, NYS, federal business incentives programs
• Verify applicant eligibility and follow up on required document(s) submission for application processing and completion; and provide status update twice a week to ED and timelines as directed by ED
• Respond to all general applicant/representative inquiries timely (initial response within 48 hours) in accordance with agency best practices of written and verbal correspondence
• Ensure compliance with program rules and operating guidelines, including assisting the Executive Director with annual compliance projects and monitoring ongoing business activity of benefit recipients
• Ensure all documents/records are entered accurately in the respective Unit Program Data Base and Program Trackers.
• Data entered into ECSP data base and program tracker(s) to support unit process flow and record receipt of support documentation within week of receipt
• Work towards key performance metrics as set by Unit/Division and strategic plans; track against targets for projects and assignments
• Collect and analyze data, ensure its integrity/accuracy, and prepare regular and periodic reports on project/program activity
• Complete special projects as directed by the Executive Director; collaborate with cross functional teams to implement emerging initiatives, identify and elevate issues

Minimum Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Preferred Skills

• 5+ years of experience in business services and/or economic and project development and implementation- Proven track record of delivering results in a fast-paced, demanding work environment- Strong written and oral communications skills and excellent attention to detail- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, strategic thinking and quantitative/qualitative skills- Experience in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)- Ability to work independently and across various teams to solve project problems, including identifying and documenting options and recommendations to overcome obstacles.- Experience using customer relationship management tools or other database systems to track/manage data- Excellent organizational, strategic and time management skills

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.