Organization: National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
Closing Date:
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Center for Partnerships & Innovation (CPI) supports NARUC’s membership of U.S. state and territory utility commissioners and commission staff. CPI projects support improvements in the quality and effectiveness of public utility regulation through research, dialogue, collaboration, and information sharing. Through cooperative agreements (grants) with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and other funding sources, we develop technical assistance resources that prepare state utility regulators as they tackle current and emerging challenges in energy regulation. CPI-developed resources can include white papers, virtual and in-person workshops and trainings, expert discussions, site visits, educational webinars, templates, toolkits, and more. CPI also facilitates peer sharing among NARUC members, connects state utility regulators and subject matter experts (e.g., from DOE, national laboratories, industry), and creates other opportunities to assist NARUC members.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Technical Advisor is responsible for supporting work on a portfolio of ongoing domestic grant projects awarded to NARUC by the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies. The Advisor will undertake specific activities across a range of funded projects that focus on regulatory and policy issues relevant to electricity, natural gas, and other energy-related sectors. Topics may include, but are not limited to, electric distribution system planning, distributed energy resources (DERs), virtual power plants (VPPs), renewable energy, microgrids, energy storage, performance-based regulation, electrification, energy efficiency, and energy customers. Over time, the Advisor is expected to further develop and expand their subject matter expertise in one or more topics relevant to NARUC members and CPI’s portfolio of projects.
The position reports to a Technical Director in the Center for Partnerships & Innovation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Convene and facilitate topical webinars, conferences, meetings, site visits, and other ways of supporting knowledge exchange between and among Federal, state, and private sector stakeholders, and prepares meeting and event summaries.
- Produce technical assistance resources, including workshops, trainings, partnership exchanges, and other activities.
- Conduct research and analysis, and author/co-author materials (e.g., reports, papers, and presentations) on technical, regulatory, and policy issues.
- Contribute to the creation and execution of project-specific work plans and schedules to complete deliverables on time and within budget.
- Collaborate with the CPI team and external partners, including organizations similar to NARUC that represent state energy officials, consumer advocates, legislatures, governors’ offices, and air agencies (collectively, the ‘N-groups’ that participate in the National Council on Electricity Policy).
- Work closely with consultants and contractors, as required, to ensure on-time deliverables that meet project specifications.
- Stay informed about issues and developments in assigned subject matter(s). Coordinate with existing and potential partners (e.g., state associations, industry associations) and other stakeholders on foundational concepts, emerging issues, and topical developments related to grant portfolio.
- Analyze emerging issues relevant to energy regulation and help develop project ideas to address them, which may encompass the creation of new reports, tools, or training for state utility regulators and decision makers.
- Assist in creating comprehensive annual project plans, including scope, objectives, deliverables, milestones, and budget.
- Help prepare grant-required status reports and associated documentation.
- Support NARUC member Committee activities.
- Contribute to the development of relevant and unique topical and event ideas in related CPI work areas.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent, with a preference for a degree in energy, environmental, public policy, or related field. Master’s degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum three years of experience in any of the following areas: energy, electricity, gas, telecommunications, utility regulation, government, or public policy.
- Exceptional research and writing skills.
- Excellent verbal communication skills with a proficiency in delivering presentations in virtual and in-person forums.
- Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving abilities, capable of juggling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
- Strong sense of service to members, external partners, and internal teams.
- Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and issues.
- Must travel domestically, approximately 25-30 days per year, including to assist in supporting NARUC’s three national conferences each year.
- U.S citizenship or existing work authorization.
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The position is grant-funded and continued employment is based on federal funding and satisfactory work performance. This is an exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience. NARUC has an excellent benefits package.
This description is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position. Job duties may change over time, based on NARUC’s needs.
Work location is flexible within the United States; NARUC CPI staff are expected to be available during normal Eastern Time Zone work hours.
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Interested individuals must submit cover letter with compensation requirements and a resume to: cpijobs@naruc.org.