Now Hiring: Sustainability Research Assistant

Introduction:

AOBA is the leading membership organization representing owners and managers of commercial and multifamily real estate in the Washington metropolitan area. AOBA represents the owners and managers of over 166 million square feet of commercial office space and nearly 480,000 apartment units throughout the region, as well as those ancillary businesses that serve the industry. AOBA serves its members through effective leadership and advocacy, information exchange and professional development. AOBA is the locally federated affiliate chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International and the National Apartment Association (NAA).  

AOBA’s Sustainability Mission Statement:

To promote, assist and facilitate the industry’s responsible stewardship of its environmental footprint while balancing the economic and practical realities of meeting the region’s rental housing and commercial office space needs. AOBA will advance this mission through leadership and advocacy, information exchange, professional development, and the provision of guidance and resources related to:  

• Consumption, conservation, and efficient use of natural resources, including adaptive reuse
• Carbon footprint, embodied carbon, and other emissions
• Waste minimization
• Environmentally friendly business practices
• Shaping and complying with federal/state/local mandates

Position Summary:       

The Sustainability Research Assistant will work closely with AOBA’s Director of Sustainability Policy and Strategy and in coordination with AOBA’s Government Affairs, Communications, and Operations teams. This position is designed to expose the staff member to a multitude of tasks in support of AOBA’s growing sustainability program, including support of AOBA’s Government Affairs work, development of resources to support member companies, and providing direct assistance to member companies. This position will be expected to perform directed research tasks, conduct analysis of obtained data, provide staffing and technical support for AOBA needs, and work with members directly.

This position reports to the Director of Sustainability Policy and Strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform directed research and information gathering on relevant policies, programs, regulations, and legislation in either the Mid-Atlantic or other regions with similar policies, programs, regulations, or legislation
• Analyze and synthesize public and private data sources to identify key metrics, results, and takeaways.
• Working with AOBA staff, provide technical support for AOBA members and staff on working groups, task forces, and initiatives.
• Assist member companies in interpreting and applying guidance to property specific needs.
• Provide support for AOBA’s Government Affairs team around matters related to proposed legislation, regulation, and administrative guidance.
• Assist in development of educational materials, white papers, and other resources on sustainability policies and best practices in real estate, including emerging trends and technologies.
• Assist in tasks related to the operation of the AOBA Foundation for Sustainable Communities, including support of programs, coordination with program participants, and coordination with program administrators.
• Assist AOBA staff in ensuring active sustainability projects and efforts are on task and on schedule.
• Other administrative tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related engineering or policy field (Preferred).
• Interest in sustainability regulations, issues, regulations, and best practices within the real estate industry.
• Familiarity with the energy sector, including renewable energy.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and trends as they relate to the building industry.
• Proficiency in relevant data analysis tools and techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

This is a full-time position in an office environment. AOBA has a hybrid work environment requiring in-office work. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and one writing sample to Chris Pendley, Director of Sustainability Policy and Strategy, AOBA (cpendley@aoba-metro.org), and Brian Gordon, SVP, Government Affairs, AOBA (bgordon@aoba-metro.org). Please use "Sustainability Research Assistant Position" as the subject line of your e-mail. The writing sample should be a minimum of two pages and a maximum of five. The sample can be on any topic, but real estate industry, existing building sustainability, or related topics are preferred. 

Compensation:

Initial salary range of the position is $65,000 - $75,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Additional information on benefits such as health insurance will be made available to candidates during the interview process. 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.