Director, California Regulatory Affairs (Hybrid or Local Remote)

Company Description

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

Under the general direction of the Vice President, manages the day-to-day operations and staff responsible for both external and internal engagement on all California state regulatory matters. For external engagement, manages the ISO’s participation in processes at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Energy Commission (CEC) and other state agencies, as appropriate. Communicates ISO positions to agency policy makers and staff and represents the ISO in a variety of settings including agency meetings and public forums. Coordinates regular, ongoing interaction between the ISO and state regulatory agencies. Engages in key agency proceedings to ensure that the ISO’s objectives are met. For internal engagement, manages the California Regulatory Affairs team’s participation in various ISO processes and fora, including market design and infrastructure policy stakeholder processes.

- Manages the day-to-day for the California Regulatory Affairs group operations and staff. Responsible for providing broad direction and guidance, identifies training needs, coaches and gives feedback on employee performance, develops staff performance plans, makes recommendations with respect to the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion or any other change in the status of direct reports, and performs related activities as appropriate.

- In coordination with and as directed by the VP, develop ISO policy positions to guide interactions between state regulatory agencies and the ISO. Actively coordinates with other members of the Market Design and Analysis division and across the ISO. Escalates to VP of MD&A and other senior management and executives as appropriate to ensure California Regulatory Affairs team and leadership are kept apprised on the most recent developments and ISO teams are aware of regulatory concerns.

- Manages ISO coordination with state regulatory agencies on topics that involve close collaboration with state regulatory agency processes including but not limited to infrastructure and resource planning, long-term demand forecasting, and demand response and distributed energy resource integration. Actively participates and/or monitors agency proceedings and ISO internal processes that have a state regulatory impact; ensures that ISO positions and messages are internally aligned and are communicated effectively to state regulators and staff and vice versa; assigns to direct reports both internal and external engagements to ensure issues are appropriately prioritized and messaging is aligned.

- Educates policy makers and staff of state regulatory agencies on the role and responsibilities of the ISO, as well as its commitment to achieving state and regional energy and environmental goals. Provides briefings, assembles documentation, and hosts discussions on key ISO issues and objectives. Ensures that state agencies are welcomed into ISO stakeholder processes, and that their comments receive due consideration.

- Builds coalitions and alliances with other entities to advance ISO objectives in state regulatory forums. Maintains and enhances relationships with parties as new policy matters are deliberated.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Engineering, Economics, Policy Administration, Business, Law or related field. Master’s Degree preferred.

Equivalent years of education and training, plus ten (10) or more years related experience, including five (5) years at senior advisor or manager level or equivalent.

Experience in the electric utility industry managing strategic relationships with government and/or regulatory agencies. Fundamental knowledge of electric power systems and markets. Experience leading and facilitating team projects. Experience presenting electricity market concepts and initiatives to mixed audiences including industry stakeholders, legislators and other policy makers. Experience interfacing with and managing communication between Executive and Commissioner level stakeholders.

Ability to think strategically and devise solutions to problems in keeping with multiple considerations. Excellent leadership and management abilities with experience coaching and developing others. Must demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking when making decisions. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as team leader, facilitator and team member. Strong analytical and quantitative skills required. Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex materials and concepts. Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work well independently.

The pay range for the Direcctor, California Regulatory Affairs is $196,875 - $328,125 annually.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.