Technical Director

Center for Partnerships & Innovation

Position Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) has an opening for a new position of Technical Director in the Center for Partnerships & Innovation (CPI). CPI identifies emerging challenges and connects state commissions with expertise and strategies to navigate their complex decision-making. CPI achieves this vision by building relationships, developing resources, and delivering training that provides answers to state commissions’ questions.

The CPI Technical Director will be responsible for:

• strategic direction
• thought leadership
• connections to experts
• research reports
• activity planning and implementation

Position works closely with CPI leadership and staff to develop electricity-related resources for NARUC members. The position reports to the Director, CPI

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

The Technical Director will work closely with CPI managers and staff, NARUC members, and CPI funders (currently U.S. Department of Energy and National Institute of Standards and Technology) to develop and implement a strategic vision and set of technical assistance and educational activities for NARUC members, in accordance with the terms and conditions of NARUC’s cooperative agreements (grants) and NARUC policies. The current focus of these activities is electricity technology and regulatory policy innovation, such as smart grid / grid modernization, distributed energy resource (DER) integration and compensation, rate design, integrated electricity system planning, and related topics.

The scope of work for this position includes:

Develop and Implement Program Strategy

• Collaboratively develops strategic goals, visions, and work plans for CPI efforts in coordination with CPI leadership and staff, NARUC committee leaders, and funders.
• Liaises with DOE, NIST, FERC, and other federal and state agencies and their national associations (e.g., NASEO, NGA, NCSL). Seeks to leverage and connect others’ efforts in support of public utility commissions.
• Conducts and/or oversees research and co-authors project deliverables (e.g., white papers, reports, guidance documents, websites).
• Serves as an expert technical resource on electricity regulatory issues to NARUC staff, funders, NARUC members, and stakeholders. Supports one or more NARUC standing committees (e.g., Energy Resources and Environment Committee).
• Works closely with other CPI managers to ensure harmonized approach to project design, implementation, and communication for all CPI projects.
• In close collaboration with CPI staff and leadership, articulates objectives for virtual and in person events and activities, develops frameworks and agendas for events, recommends expert speakers, and supports facilitation planning and implementation.
• Ensures high-quality activity implementation through strategic planning and coordination / review of programmatic and project-related materials. Identifies opportunities and approaches to enhance project design, advance strategic goals, and improve performance across CPI.
• Utilizes and/or develops program management tools (e.g., project charters, work breakdown structures, RACI frameworks) to improve planning and workflow.

• Develops and/or supervises budgets and work plans for specific cooperative agreements as well as individual projects/partnerships/subcontracts. Maintains appropriate documentation to support program, budget planning, expense reports, financial audits, and monitoring and reporting plans.

• Leads staff in monitoring and reporting processes. Develops and reviews trip reports, quarterly reports and other documentation to confirm consistency and adherence to required federal reporting and information needs.

• Supports the wider CPI program team with electricity-related program management, resource development, leadership, best practices, and lessons learned in planning and implementation.

• Supervises and/or prepares press releases, project fact sheets, and other outreach materials for projects under supervision.
• Provides backstopping to other programs and/or staff as needed for various activities.

Provide Supervision & Direction

• Has direct supervisory responsibility for one or more staff.
• Reviews and approves timesheets, expense reports, and conducts annual performance evaluations.
• Facilitates training of junior program staff to adopt best practices in program design, implementation, and evaluation. Serves as a mentor to junior staff.
• Participates in the selection process of hiring new staff and onboarding them.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• An advanced degree in public administration, public policy, economics, engineering, or a related field and/or more than 15 years of professional experience. Knowledge of the nonprofit or association environment highly desirable.

• Experience working in or with federal energy or environmental agencies, state public utility commissions, state energy offices, state environmental agencies, consumer advocates, or utilities.

• US citizenship or existing work authorization required. Must be available to travel as needed.

• Requires extensive experience and previous leadership roles in providing strategic, technical, and programmatic guidance; research and writing; coordinating, presenting, and facilitating in-person and virtual events and meetings; and demonstrated communication and collaboration skills.

• Requires prior electricity or energy experience working with states and demonstrated subject matter expertise in electricity system issues, such as state utility regulation, electricity system planning, distributed energy resources, smart grid / grid modernization, distribution grid issues, and related matters.

• Prior experience engaging senior executives, managing funder relationships and complying with federal policies and procedures.

• Understanding and experience with electricity system and regulatory models in both vertically integrated and restructured states. Past work with regional or other multi-state energy-related coordination efforts or organizations.

• Knowledge of federal cooperative agreement and grant regulations and procedures --- particularly related to the U.S. Department of Energy or National Institute of Standards and Technology.

• Strong organizational skills and strong attention to detail. Demonstrated problem-solving abilities. Previous program management experience and oversight of workflow processes. Must be able to multi-task based on fluctuating priorities and requirements.

• Leadership and management skills, with the ability to develop and manage collaborative relationships both internally and externally.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomacy for working with all levels of staff, external entities, funders, and NARUC leadership.

• Excellent proficiency in research, verbal presentation, and writing skills.

• Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and issues.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The position is grant-funded and continued employment is based on client funding and satisfactory work performance. This is an exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience. NARUC has an excellent benefits package. Remote work friendly.

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. The CPI team offers opportunities for supporting and managing additional areas of interest.

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners is an Equal Opportunity

Employer.