[Hiring] Head of Regulatory @PowerLines

Role Description

PowerLines is in a period of significant organizational growth and seeks a full-time Head of Regulatory to build and lead the organization’s new Regulatory Team. This is a senior, hands-on role. The Head of Regulatory will lead development and execution of PowerLines’ regulatory strategy, including engagement with state public utilities commissions and on regulatory dockets such as rate cases and rulemakings. The Head of Regulatory will wear many different hats, including:

• Leading a growing team of full-time and part-time regulatory experts
• Building partnerships and coalitions
• Advising stakeholders on technical regulatory issues
• Serving as an external spokesperson for PowerLines

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced utility regulatory leader to shape how the utility regulatory system responds to rising bills and surging electricity demand, at an organization with the visibility and relationships to influence outcomes nationally.

The Head of Regulatory will be one of PowerLines’ senior programmatic leaders and serve on the PowerLines executive leadership team. The Regulatory Team leads the organization’s work before utility regulatory bodies and works alongside the Policy Team and Communications Team to drive impact in regulatory venues and proceedings.

The Head of Regulatory is a remote position, with travel of approximately 10 to 20 percent expected. The Head of Regulatory will report directly to the Founder and Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership
  • Oversee a regulatory team currently consisting of a full-time Program Manager, a full-time Analyst, and part-time Senior Advisors
  • Lead Regulatory Team meetings on a weekly basis
  • Serve on PowerLines’ executive leadership team and provide counsel on regulatory issues, opportunities, developments, and strategy
  • Provide mentorship to junior team members on programmatic and organizational issues
  • Lead talent recruitment and hiring, in partnership with the Chief of Staff and Executive Director
  • Define scopes for and direct the work of Senior Advisors and regulatory consultants
• Regulatory Strategy and Execution
  • Develop PowerLines’ annual regulatory strategy to be updated regularly
  • Execute regulatory engagement strategy for major utility regulatory proceedings
  • Set and direct strategy for engagement in priority proceedings
  • Make final decisions on docket prioritization and engagement strategy
  • Develop strategy for engagement on key utility regulatory rulemaking opportunities
  • Assess opportunities for intervention at federal utility regulatory proceedings
  • Support development of an “expert bench” of regulatory, technical, and legal experts
• Coalition Building
  • Oversee grant-funded projects to support intervention and engagement of partners
  • Conduct landscape assessment of current and target coalition partners
  • Build partnerships with coalition partners reflecting PowerLines’ commitment to bipartisan engagement
  • Lead development of multi-state consumer advocacy engagement
  • Provide direct technical assistance and strategy advising to partners
  • Conduct “utility regulation 101” briefings for partners as needed
• Research, Analysis, and Writing
  • Oversee the tracking and monitoring of key regulatory developments
  • Oversee the tracking and analysis of utility rate increase requests
  • Oversee the development and updating of PowerLines’ key regulatory products
  • Lead drafting and preparation of written communications and thought leadership
• Cross-Team Coordination
  • Participate in select meetings with policymakers
  • Coordinate with Communications Team to equip reporters with key materials
  • Coordinate with Communications Team on regulatory content
  • Partner with the Chief of Staff on cross-team prioritization and capacity planning
• External Representation and Fundraising
  • Serve as PowerLines' primary voice on regulatory issues
  • Serve as a regulatory spokesperson for PowerLines with reporters
  • Support development and reporting of fundraising proposals
  • Regularly update and maintain an internal tracker of major regulatory accomplishments
  • Attend relevant events and conferences

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in utility regulation
• Proven record of developing and executing multi-state policy or regulatory campaigns
• Deep familiarity with utility regulatory processes across multiple state jurisdictions
• Established relationships with consumer advocates and regulatory networks
• Deep knowledge of energy and utility policy
• Fluency in utility ratemaking and resource planning
• Experience managing, mentoring, and developing staff
• Experience working across the political spectrum
• Excellent writer and communicator
• Comfort operating as both a senior strategic leader and a hands-on individual contributor
• Ability to travel approximately 10 to 20 percent of the time
• Comfort building systems and processes in a startup environment

Preferred Qualifications

• JD, or experience serving as an expert witness in utility regulatory proceedings
• Familiarity with FERC and RTO governance and stakeholder processes
• Experience with state siting and permitting
• Experience supporting grant proposals and funder reporting
• Experience building and managing coalitions with diverse partners
• Experience scoping and managing consultants, lobbyists, and budgets

Compensation and Benefits

• The expected salary range for this role is $175,000-$225,000
• Benefits package includes:
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Paid holidays
  • Health insurance
  • 401k employer match
  • Sick leave
  • Health and wellness benefits