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The American Public Power Association (APPA) is looking for a Director, Policy Analysis & Reliability Standards that represents APPA before the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other federal regulatory agencies, and industry organizations, with a primary focus on matters relating to electric reliability and grid security. Manages assigned regulatory and policy issues, assists in formulating APPA positions, develops reasoned arguments in support of APPA member interests, and presents APPA positions to NERC, FERC, and other policymakers. Conducts research and analysis of current and anticipated issues of importance to APPA members and engages in related member outreach. Supports APPA’s participation in the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC).

Please note: This is not a remote position. Candidates must be in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. APPA offers a flexible work schedule for full-time employees, and the option for telework is available after 3 months of employment (with supervisor approval).  

• Coordinates NERC policy position development with APPA members, NERC management, and other industry trade associations.
• Assists in formulating APPA’s policy positions on FERC-related issues, including, but not limited to, matters involving electric reliability and grid security, and develop and execute strategies to advance those positions.
• Communicates with APPA members, including through periodic conference calls, to receive APPA member input on issues within the scope of responsibility.
• Drafts filings and comments on behalf of APPA for submission to NERC, FERC, and other federal and state agencies/departments.
• Represents APPA at NERC through participation in relevant NERC Board meetings, including standing and Board committee meetings, and other conferences and events.
• Organizes and/or participates in meetings with the leadership and staffs of NERC, FERC, and other entities relating to electric reliability, grid security, and other regulatory issues.
• Represents APPA’s interests by attending or joining relevant NERC standard drafting teams, as appropriate.
• Represents APPA in ESCC meetings and assist with related administration, communications, and document preparation.  
• Represents APPA through formal addresses and presentations to government agencies, member and industry groups, and other organizations and coalitions.
• Analyzes legislation and regulations and coordinate with appropriate APPA staff, as necessary.
• Conceives, develops, oversees, and participate in technical programs for APPA workshops and conferences, including National Conference, Legal & Regulatory Conference, committee workshops, and utility education courses.
• Manages relevant APPA listservs.
• Undertakes assignments as directed by the APPA President & CEO, General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, and/or Senior Regulatory Counsel.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree from a four-year college or university required.
• Graduate degree or J.D. (preferred)
• Seven to ten years of experience in regulatory and/or policy analysis field.
• Knowledge of NERC mandatory electric reliability standards and related rules and guidance, including experience with NERC’s standards development process, and an understanding of NERC’s organizational structure and operations.
• Knowledge of electric reliability compliance practices.
• Experience working on FERC matters, particularly electric reliability-related issues.
• Knowledge of federal electric rate policies and practices.
• General knowledge of federal regulatory, administrative, and legislative processes.
• Ability to analyze complex regulatory, technical, and economic issues and develop solutions.
• Knowledge of the organization and operations of the electric utility industry and the unique position of public power within the industry.
• Ability to present ideas clearly both orally and in written form.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to organize and manage inter-departmental working groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with personnel of member utilities, state and federal agencies, and other trade associations and interest groups.

About American Public Power Association

The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. We represent public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ. We advocate and advise on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations.

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