Senior Policy Analyst, Research & Industry Strategy

About SEPA

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the electric power system to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy for all. Operating at the intersection of technology, policy, and programs, SEPA convenes, educates, and collaborates with a diverse community of utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology providers, and advocates to address the most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition.

Through its thought leadership, convenings, and trusted analysis, SEPA helps its members navigate change and implement solutions that advance the energy system of the future. Guided by its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, SEPA’s work focuses on three core priorities:

- Grid – Strengthening and modernizing the distribution grid to make it more flexible, resilient, and equitable.

- Growth – Enabling utilities and partners to meet rising demand cleanly, efficiently, and affordably.

- Globe – Sharing best practices and innovations from across the nation and around the world to accelerate progress.

With more than 1,000 member organizations, SEPA serves as a neutral, collaborative platform that drives progress through education, connection, and shared action—helping the energy industry realize a future that works for everyone.

Position

The Senior Policy Analyst, Research & Industry Strategy (RIS) will research emerging power sector regulatory and legislative issues, identify best practices, and communicate findings and recommendations to internal and external audiences. In alignment with SEPA’s mission and Grid, Growth, and Globe strategic priorities, the Senior Policy Analyst will primarily support the RIS Growth workstream and play a key role in evaluating commission proceedings, legislation, state energy and Governor’s office initiatives, and broader policy trends. This role will enhance SEPA’s research and policy expertise, relevance, and responsiveness to more effectively shape industry debates and solutions. The Senior Policy Analyst will also help deliver timely research and analysis, support policy engagement and external communications, strengthen SEPA’s position as a trusted industry resource, and contribute to member-focused working groups and collaborative initiatives.

Responsibilities

Policy Research and Analysis

- With a primary focus at the state level, monitor and synthesize legislative, regulatory, and executive policy activities related to SEPA’s mission.

- Specific energy policy areas of focus will include distribution system planning, resilience and utility wildfire mitigation, flexible interconnection, managed charging, virtual power plants (VPPs), large-load integration, and related topics.

- Over time, develop policy subject matter expertise in a subset of the topics identified above.

- Analyze regulatory dockets, legislation, and proceedings and evaluate potential policy outcomes using qualitative and quantitative data where possible. Translate findings into clear, succinct insights and recommendations for both industry and policymaker audiences, and identify opportunities for SEPA membership engagement.

- Support and contribute to SEPA’s Working Groups by identifying relevant policy trends, preparing substantive content, shaping agendas and deliverables, and driving high-quality member discussions and engagement strategies.

Writing and Editing

- For external publication, write and edit member newsletter or email communications, blogs, briefs, white papers, reports, and presentations that communicate complex regulatory and policy topics in accessible language for both technical and non-technical audiences.

- Write and edit internal talking points, memos, discussion questions, agendas, and other communications to inform SEPA staff and leadership of key policy topics and trends.

- Contribute policy input and subject matter expertise for webinars, public events, panel discussions, online learning courses, and other forms of education.

Project Delivery

- Lead assigned tasks and independently manage small projects from scoping to delivery, including the use of project management and internal communication tools.

- Support departmental tracking of tasks, milestones, outputs, and outcomes.

- Represent SEPA in select conferences and meetings with utilities, regulators, policymakers, and industry partners, which may also include presenting research findings and gathering stakeholder input.

- Minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in energy policy, public policy, economics, environmental policy, or a related field preferred.

- Two to four years of work experience in an energy policy role at a utility, state regulatory commission, relevant government agency, or related consulting or nonprofit policy analyst roles, with experience working with or following state utility dockets and legislative processes, and engaging with commissions, utilities, or energy agencies on policy topics.

- Required demonstrated knowledge of energy regulatory and legislative processes; preferred familiarity with topics such as customer program design, distribution system planning, load forecasting, grid modernization, resilience and utility wildfire mitigation, or electrification.

- Excellent writing, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

- Proficiency with policy research, policy-relevant analytical tools, data gathering, and presentation of data and research findings for diverse audiences.

- Ability to design and facilitate stakeholder meetings, workshops, or convenings across policy, regulatory, and technical audiences.

- Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to manage multiple assignments and operate independently and flexibly in a fast-paced, changing information environment

- Willingness to learn and strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Our Culture

At SEPA, culture isn’t something we declare—it’s something we live. We are building a Culture for Everyone: a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, grow, and contribute to a mission that matters. SEPA prioritizes diversity within its workforce and across the energy industry. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. SEPA aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or ability.

ADA Requirements and Disclaimer

This position description generally indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act expected of an incumbent. This role requires the ability to use standard office equipment and learn new software applications as necessary. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some traveling may be required. This position description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.