Investment Specialist, Retrofit Accelerator

Date

2024-04-10

JOB TITLE: Investment Specialist, Retrofit Accelerator

LOCATION: Edmonton or Calgary

Alberta Ecotrust Foundation

Alberta Ecotrust is a registered charity created in 1991 as a pioneering force and game-changing partnership between the corporate sector and the environmental community. Leading boldly and collaboratively for more than 30 years, Alberta Ecotrust is seen as an environmental changemaker and solutions provider. 

Our programs continue to build bridges across sectors, communities and cultures by supporting hundreds of impactful environmental organizations and investing millions of dollars in programs and projects across Alberta, with proven results. As relentless collaborators, we strive to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact on the world around us. 

Beyond grants, we mobilize and finance pathways to a sustainable, low carbon future. Our focus areas are:

  • Nature-based Solutions & Conservation

  • Climate Resilience & Emissions Reduction

  • Circular Economy

 We are committed to creating a safe, warm and welcoming environment for all people interested in our mission and applying for our positions.

Alberta Ecotrust also respectfully acknowledges that our programs are delivered across the province of Alberta, comprising Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 territory, the traditional lands of First Nations and Métis Peoples. We know our health and well-being are connected to the land and the environment that surrounds us. With this, we offer respect for those who traditionally lived on this land, and welcome those who have made this place their home. 

Investment Specialist, Retrofit Accelerator

The Investment Specialist plays a pivotal role within the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation’s Investment Team, spearheading the financial support services of the Retrofit Accelerator (RA). The primary objective of this position is to facilitate the implementation of the RA by devising and communicating financing strategies aimed at executing retrofit projects in MUSH (Municipalities, Universities, Schools and Hospitals), MURB (Multi-Unit Residential Buildings), and commercial building sectors. Leveraging financial expertise, in-depth knowledge of urban climate solutions, and proficiency in retrofit financing and grants, the Investment Specialist contributes significantly to fulfilling the mandate of both the retrofit accelerator and the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation.

Working within a collaborative and flexible team environment, the Investment Specialist embodies the charitable purpose and values of Alberta Ecotrust while directly reporting to the Investment Director and actively supporting the Investment Team’s objectives.

This position is responsible for the following:

Market Research and Analysis

  • Conduct market research to identify potential financing and grant opportunities for retrofits.

  • Analyze trends, regulations, and technologies in the retrofitting sector.

  • Keep abreast of industry trends, policy changes, emerging technologies, and financing mechanisms in retrofitting.

Financial Strategy and Modeling

  • Develop and document strategies for financing building retrofit projects, aligning them with the organization's sustainability goals.

  • Work closely with energy services companies, project developers, and stakeholders to structure financing solutions for building retrofit initiatives.

  • Identify and evaluate various financing options, including debt, equity, grants, and incentives, to optimize project financial structures and cost of capital.

  • Create detailed financial models to assess the economic feasibility of retrofit projects, considering factors such as ROI, payback periods, and cash flow projections.

  • Identify and analyze financial risks associated with building retrofit projects.

  • Develop risk mitigation strategies and work closely with project teams to ensure effective implementation.

  • Create a cheat sheet of financing considerations and options for various stakeholders, including construction partners.

  • Contribute ideas and expertise to strategic discussions.

Partnership and Investment Facilitation

  • Conduct thorough due diligence on potential investment opportunities.

  • Engage with investors, financial institutions, and funding partners to secure partnerships for financing building retrofit projects.

  • Prepare investment proposals, pitch decks, and other materials to attract and negotiate terms with potential investors.

  • Maintain accurate and complete files to facilitate reporting and audit-readiness.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess the following expertise and skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA, CFA, etc.) is a plus.

  • 3-5 years of experience (post-MBA, CFA etc.) or 5+ years of experience (post bachelor’s degree) in financial modeling, deal structuring, capital budgeting and energy financing solutions, preferably in the real estate or sustainable development sector or sell-side investment banking.

  • Strong understanding of building retrofit technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainable finance. Familiarity with governmental incentives, grants, and subsidy programs related to retrofit financing and/ or sustainable development is a big plus.

  • Excellent negotiation and communication skills to liaise with diverse stakeholders, investors, and financial institutions. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex financial concepts verbally and in writing. Proven track record of translating intricate financial information into easily understandable cheat sheets or summaries.

  • Experience and proficiency in utilizing various software and technologies relevant to financial analysis, data reduction, and presentation.

  • Excellent administrative skills including organization, meeting logistics, and effective communication within committees or teams.

  • Knowledge and understanding of social innovation approaches and their application to improve outcomes, particularly within the context of sustainable development and retrofit initiatives.

Workplace Culture 

Alberta Ecotrust provides a flexible schedule and a friendly, positive, and collaborative team culture. Our staff are extremely motivated to make a difference, and you’ll be part of an innovative team that gets to do interesting, meaningful work aligned with their shared values and desire to improve the world.

We currently offer a hybrid work arrangement, with a mix of remote, home based work, combined with a minimum of one day per week in person office hours at either the Calgary head office or Edmonton coworking space.

Alberta Ecotrust’s head office is in Calgary, however, the successful candidate can be located in either Calgary or Edmonton.

Remuneration

This is a full-time, 37.5-hour work week with every third Friday as an earned day off. We offer a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $85,000 annually, commensurate with skills and experience, plus paid health benefits, three weeks vacation, a Christmas break, and day off for your birthday.

This is a term position that will conclude on March 31, 2027, with an option to renew or transition to a permanent position if additional funding is secured. 


How to Apply

  1. Submit your application to Alberta Ecotrust via our online recruitment system. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
  2. Please provide a cover letter and resume via the online system.
  3. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed four pages.

Alberta Ecotrust is an equal opportunity employer that strives to build a team that reflects the diversity of the community we work in and encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ2SI, people with disabilities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. If we can make this easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing s.roy@albertaecotrust.com

Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank everyone who applies.