Project Manager - ESB Initiative

World Resources Institute; Washington; Remote; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative organization is seeking a Project Manager for the Electric School Bus Initiative, focusing on integrating equity into electric bus transitions. This remote position involves project management, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing to enhance community resilience through electric school buses. You will coordinate with partners, manage budgets, and oversee project transitions, while also leading outreach activities and representing the organization externally. If you are passionate about sustainable transportation and community impact, this role offers a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change.

Qualifications

• 5+ years managing projects with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in EV charging infrastructure deployment and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Center equity in all project aspects to benefit underserved communities.
• Lead external events and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy

Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

EV Charging Infrastructure

Job description

Project Manager - ESB Initiative

This is a remote position based in Colorado. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application, as WRI cannot sponsor visas for this role.

About the program:

As part of the Electric School Bus Initiative, funded through a utility transportation electrification plan, this position aims to:

1. Create a resilience center with backup power via bi-directional electric school buses (ESBs).
2. Develop dispatch processes for ESBs during emergencies.
3. Document solutions for replication in other communities affected by PSPS events.

During PSPS events, establishing emergency evacuation centers with reliable backup power is crucial, especially for disadvantaged communities. Electric school buses, with bi-directional charging capabilities, offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution. This project will develop an ESB backup power system serving critical loads, creating a blueprint for at-risk communities. Additionally, the project will ensure ESBs can be recharged during outages through a resilient charging depot.

WRI's focus areas include supporting school districts and utilities in electric bus transition, collaborating with manufacturers, improving infrastructure interconnection, expanding funding options, engaging policymakers, and centering community needs. More about the initiative here.

Job highlight:

You will integrate equity into your work and support the implementation of an equitable national electric school bus fleet transition. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Utility Engagement and Transportation Electrification, you will lead project management, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing activities, scaling lessons learned across projects.

You will work with the Electric School Bus Initiative’s Utility Engagement team and external partners, coordinating facility design, troubleshooting infrastructure issues, and developing best practices. Your role includes writing articles, policy memos, technical analyses, and representing WRI externally through events and workshops.

What you will do:

Project Management (50%)

• Center equity in all project aspects to benefit underserved communities.
• Coordinate with partners to ensure goal achievement.
• Manage budgets, proposals, and project schedules.
• Analyze data for reporting.
• Oversee project transitions from construction to operation.
• Resolve infrastructure issues with stakeholders.
• Develop knowledge of EV charging protocols and train stakeholders.

Outreach and Communication (30%)

• Lead external events and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage outreach activities and represent WRI externally.
• Collaborate across teams and external partners.

Administrative (20%)

• Coordinate with the initiative team.
• Handle project documentation and data management.
• Perform additional tasks as needed and guide junior staff.

What you will need:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years managing projects with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in EV charging infrastructure deployment, operation, and maintenance.
• Desirable: experience with root cause analysis and lean six sigma.
• Strong teamwork, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Proven ability to lead initiatives from start-up to scale.
• English proficiency.
• Work authorization in the role's location; visa sponsorship is not available.