Economic Development Intern

NYSERDA - New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

and the job listing Expires on March 12, 2026

As a leader in advancing New York’s energy transition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has remained a credible, objective and trusted partner in our state’s energy planning as well as deploying new and innovative technologies to expand New York’s economy. NYSERDA has worked for the past 50 years to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, lower energy costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

NYSERDA engages with stakeholders including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy.
• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large scale in New York.
• Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably in the clean energy transition.

The intern will work alongside Senior Economic Development Manager staff primarily to support market research, business development, project management, data entry and management, metrics tracking, data analysis, written reports, as needed. In addition to working closely with program staff, the intern will have the opportunity to participate in the event organization and planning for external conferences, stakeholder outreach, and present as needed to internal and external stakeholders.

This is a paid internship for current students at an accredited college. The pay rate is from $18 to $20 per hour based on current class year. This internship will begin in the Summer 2026 and continue through the following academic year.

Interns must be located in New York State or an immediately adjacent state while working. It is expected that interns will follow our telework policy, with a combination of in-office and remote work. Interns work up to 18.5 hours per week during the semester, and up to 37.5 hours per week between semesters, when not attending classes.

The intern will work alongside Senior Economic Development Manager staff primarily to support market research, business development, project management, data entry and management, metrics tracking, data analysis, written reports, as needed. In addition to working closely with program staff, the intern will have the opportunity to participate in the event organization and planning for external conferences, stakeholder outreach, and present as needed to internal and external stakeholders.

Specific activities may include:

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on target industries, firms, and regional economic trends
• Assist with business attraction, retention, and expansion (BRE) activities
• Support outreach efforts, events, and stakeholder engagement activities
• Help prepare presentations, reports, and briefing materials
• Enter, maintain, and validate data within the team’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
• Support data organization related to business prospects, projects, and stakeholder engagement
• Assist with data analysis and reporting to support strategic decision-making
• Support the development of data-informed marketing and outreach materials for business attraction and retention efforts
• Assist in drafting content for websites, reports, and media platforms
• Conduct background research to support marketing strategies and sector-focused initiatives

• Current undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college.
• Demonstrated interests in Economic Development, Clean Energy, Supply Chain Analytics and/or Local Government preferred.
• Excellent skills with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• Demonstrated ability to research primary and secondary sources.
• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to work in teams.
• Shows interest and passion in public speaking.
• Skill in managing multiple activities, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• Strong work ethic.
• Additi…