What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Manager position at Northeast Gas Association?
Program Analyst
THE COMPANY
The Northeast Gas Association (NGA), established in 2003, supports more than 35 local gas distribution companies (LDCs), which collectively serve over 13 million customers across the northeast states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. NGA’s membership includes distribution companies, transmission companies, liquefied natural gas companies, and more than 400 associate member companies.
NYSEARCH, a division of NGA, is a leading Research, Development and Deployment (RD & D) management organization that oversees innovative and impactful research and product development projects for the natural gas distribution industry. NYSEARCH currently serves more than twenty members and has operated in the industry for more than 30 years.
NYSEARCH manages a diverse portfolio of projects, patents and technologies across robotics, drones, RFID, Augmented Reality, Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and advanced sensing technologies. NYSEARCH has developed and commercialized a range of integrity, leak detection, and sensing technologies and is recognized as a premier collaborative research organization within the natural gas industry across North America. NYSEARCH collaborates with universities, energy companies, federal agencies, and commercial products and service providers.
At NGA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected, and supported. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of our customers and the communities in which we live and serve.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Project Manager (PM) is responsible for overseeing a wide range of RD & D activities. The PM will simultaneously manage multiple research initiatives at various stages of completion, from concept to commercialization. This position requires a high level of independence, self-motivation, and critical thinking to proactively drive process, troubleshoot challenges, and deliver value to both internal and external stakeholders. The PM must balance multiple priorities, manage complex technical and contractual interfaces, and serve as a primary liaison among utilities, research partners, and vendors.
The position will have a particular focus on supporting and collaborating with our California members on projects that advance decarbonization, safety, and innovation across the natural gas industry. The PM will serve as a point of contact for members utilities and research partners in California, helping align NYSEARCH’s initiatives with state-specific regulatory, environment, and technology goals.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Project Management
- Manage all aspects of research, development, and deployment (RD&D) projects from initiation through completion
- Responsible for budgetary and long-range project planning for project milestones and deliverables
- Evaluate proposed and ongoing projects in terms of stated objectives, risk, technical methodology, and industry benefits
- Identify and select 3rd party research labs (private, university, and government) to conduct actual research and product development
- Ensure high-quality, on-time deliverables and proactively mitigate issues or risks
- Demonstrate ownership of assigned projects, taking initiative to move work forward without close supervision
- Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret data, evaluate technical reports, and make recommendations
2. Relationship Management & Business Development
- Interact and communicate through verbal and written media at multiple management levels with clients, vendors, research labs, and other 3rd party entities
- Develop and deliver high level presentations as well as technical papers on projects and proposed activities
- Engage with current/potential clients to discuss planned research projects, gain financial buy-in to support these projects, uncover client’s future R&D needs, and present company’s value proposition
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Management (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or Civil majors preferred); PMP designation or coursework strongly considered
- 3 years of experience in an engineering/project management or research management
- Experience working both individually and within a team-focused environment, demonstrating strong self-motivation and active team engagement
- Experience and ease with public presentations
- Experience/exposure to Natural Gas industry (midstream, transmission or distribution sectors) preferred but not required
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
- While Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support productivity, independent analysis, comprehension of technical material, and original thought are essential to this role
- Excellent quantitative skills
- Careful attention to detail and ability to ensure data integrity in a dynamic environment
- Strong oral communication, technical writing, active listening, and presentation skills
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Strong project management skills, including ability to work effectively under deadline pressures
- Effective relationship builder with a range of stakeholders, including executives, managers, and program administrators
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Power BI
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Hard working, solutions oriented
- Flexible and adaptable
- Self-motivated and independent learner
- Comfortable in both team-lead and individual contributor role
- Professional presence and self-confidence
- Curious to learn new skills and expand knowledge
- Willingness to travel as needed
LOCATION
This is a full-time role with a company headquartered in Massachusetts, but the successful candidate will be based in California (or in a hybrid arrangement in California). While you will carry out much of your work remotely, you will be expected to coordinate with MA leadership, align with our MA-based processes, and occasionally travel (or attend in person) as needed to foster alignment, collaboration, and team cohesion.
TRAVEL
25-40% travel commitment to committee meetings, member locations, industry conferences, and workshops.
COMPENSATION
A competitive total compensation and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.