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 Specialist 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 Specialist 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 Specialist is expected to develop 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
- Conduct topical research and perform technical and policy analyses in assigned project areas.
- Track progress toward project milestones and deliverables and provide regular written and verbal updates.
- Assist in developing white papers, issues briefs, webinar content, and similar work products.
- Support development of work plans and project plans identified by the Technical Director.
- Draft/review scopes of work and requests for proposals and consulting agreements. Oversee consultant performance and review consultant-prepared project deliverables.
- Schedule, attend, and support meetings, conference calls, and webinars to implement specific projects.
- 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).
- Coordinate production of program materials (publications, announcements, website content, etc.) with support from NARUC colleagues.
- Contribute project-related content to external outreach and communications efforts related to assigned projects (e-news, social media, etc.).
- Support NARUC Committee and Subcommittee activities, as assigned.
- Stay up to date on current and emerging issues associated with relevant grant projects.
- OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- BS/BA degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent, with a preference for a degree in an energy, environmental, public policy, or related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
- Minimum one year of experience in any of the following areas: energy, electricity, gas, telecommunications, utility regulation, government, or project management.
- Exceptional research and writing skills.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, juggle multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and issues.
- Ability to travel domestically approximately 25-30 days per year, including for 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 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; 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.