Category: Articles

The Hudson River Presbytery is a judicatory of 82 Presbyterian churches spread across eight counties in the Hudson River Valley. Included in this presbytery are NYIPL member congregations White Plains Presbyterian (above), Holmes Presbyterian Camp, and Huguenot Memorial. The Hudson River Presbytery is very active on earth care issues. They have a group called the Food Justice Corps which is five young people who come together regularly who explore food justice issues. The group is not just educational but also a leadership development program: The corps members will develop their own projects to bring back to their congregations next spring.

Welcome, Hudson River Presbytery and White Plains Presbyterian!

Executive Director Job Description

Fall 2015 New York Interfaith Power & Light is a faith-­‐based nonprofit organization working to fight climate change. We believe climate change is the moral issue of our time. We are the New York state chapter of the Interfaith Power & Light movement, with chapters in 40 states. We have 110 member congregations throughout New York.

We help congregations reduce their carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency, explore opportunities to use renewable energy, and educate their members on climate change. We also encourage people of faith to speak to politicians and others in positions of power about global warming, and to collaborate with other faith communities in these efforts.

We are seeking a part-­time (20 hours/week) Executive Director. This is a work-­‐ from-­‐home position, and can be located anywhere in the state of New York.

The Executive Director is responsible for leading, growing, and managing NYIPL, under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is expected to help NYIPL deliver on its mission while achieving financial stability. Major responsibilities include fundraising, board development, public relations, assurance of legal and fiduciary compliance, growing our membership and increasing active participation by current members in the organization.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising – work with the board to ensure the financial health of the organization. Develop and implement fundraising strategies, including major donors, direct mail, and grant writing.
• Board development – coordinate board and committee meetings.
• Program – ensure congregations have access to information about energy audits, energy efficiency in general, and renewable energy options. Within the constraints of our 501(c)(3) status, let politicians and others in power know that people of faith care about climate change.
• Outreach – recruit new member congregations, new donors, and new board members.
• Communications – update website and social media with current news and upcoming events; publish a weekly electronic newsletter.
• Speaking and/or representing the organization at public/private events.
• Administration – process donations, manage membership information and budget.

Qualifications

• Commitment to our interfaith mission, and passionate about climate change
• Proven track record at the executive level of a non-­profit organization or a similar entity
• Three or more years of fundraising experience
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Able to articulate one’s faith commitment in relationship to care for the earth
• Public speaking experience
• Experience with social media
• Four year college degree, graduate degree a plus
• Solid computer skills and accounting experience a plus
• Must have access to high-­‐speed internet, printer, and telephone Salary and Benefits

Salary: $18,000 -­‐ $25,000, based on experience, plus business expense reimbursements as budgeted. This is a salaried, executive position, not considered to be hourly.

Travel: Moderate, including visits to congregations across New York State, attendance at the annual IPL meeting in Washington DC, and attendance at the annual NYIPL meeting. (Travel expenses are reimbursed.)

Benefits: NYIPL is unable to offer benefits (health insurance, paid time off, etc.) at this time. With proper commitment, fundraising and growth, the Board will make available additional salary and benefits for this to become a full-­‐time position.

Termination: On two weeks written notice from the Board of Directors or the Executive Director. There is no minimum length of contract implied in this position.

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to nyipljob@gmail.com.

Governor Cuomo announced that the growth of solar in New York State increased more than 300 percent from 2011 to 2014! This is more than double the rate of U.S. solar growth overall.  A total of 314.48 megawatts of solar electric was installed across the state, equivalent to powering more than 51,000 homes.

The substantial growth is attributed to a combination of factors, including the NY-Sun initiative, a decline in solar electric component prices, and an increase  in the number of installer businesses marketing solar electric directly to consumers.

Also contributing to the increase are the state’s Solarize programs, which allow consumers to take advantage good prices by purchasing in bulk.  Check out New York’s Solarize projects.

Here are five things you can do.

1. Get the right team together. Make sure you have someone with the necessary business acumen on your sustainability team to help assess financial opportunities associated with energy efficiency.
2. Understand your energy use. This could be as simple as a spreadsheet for tracking electricity, gas, oil and/or propane use based on utility bills and invoices.
3. Schedule an energy audit from NYSERDA. This is available at no cost for eligible faith communities.
4. Prioritize your energy reduction plan in this way:
   Low-cost, easy fixes: swap out conventional light bulbs for CFLs or LEDs, upgrading exit signs for LED exit signs, and filling holes that allow warm air out or cold air in
   Upgrades that will cost some money: lighting upgrades and new efficient Energy Star appliances
   Capital improvements: a new boiler, insulation, window replacements
5. Go solar. Energy efficiency upgrades prepare your organization for solar or another renewable energy system. By optimizing your use of electricity through steps 1-4, you are able to choose a smaller, correct size system, responsibly utilizing the treasure of your congregation. If you are interested in solar power, contact only those that are certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Visit the NY-SUN solar website for NY State information on incentives and installers, or simply click here to find a qualified installer.
   Even if you can’t install solar or green power on-site, you can explore opportunities to purchase green power through your energy provider. Look at your organization’s electric bill to determine if you are on a residential or commercial electric rate* then, go here to learn more about your options.

Need help? Call us at (315) 256-0078! And don’t forget to check out the other resources here at nyipl.org!

*Some utilities allow religious organizations to be on a residential rate instead of a small commercial rate. Your bill will describe which rate your building(s) have.