Director, Regulatory Affairs

New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy.
• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
• Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Job Overview

The Director of Regulatory Affairs will report to the Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs and be responsible for building out and overseeing a newly created Regulatory Affairs team within NYSERDA. Working with the VP, the Director will lead cross-cutting and inter-agency policy advancement activities and spearhead regulatory initiatives to advance NYSERDA’s overall mission and the delivery of programmatic and policy outcomes that support its mission.

NYSERDA seeks a highly self-motivated and team-oriented individual with a strong track record of delivering outcomes, particularly on tight schedules and/or in response to short external deadlines. The successful individual will have experience with and strong understanding of the regulatory environment in which NYSERDA operates, a demonstrated record of success in setting strategy and managing a portfolio of programs or initiatives, a history of leading diverse and complex teams and projects, and proven success in forging productive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including internal NYSERDA teams, government partners, and external stakeholders and advocates.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and oversee the Regulatory Affairs team to advance cross-cutting and inter-agency policy advancement activities, and spearhead regulatory initiatives to advance NYSERDA’s mission and delivery of outcomes.
• Direct the Regulatory Affairs team engagement in NYSERDA or State Agency rulemakings, regulatory proceedings, federal opportunities, and other statewide planning processes:
  • Coordinate with Executive Team on the development of NYS Public Service Commission Petitions and Proceedings and/or other State or federal agency-proposed rule-makings;
  • Coordinate and collaborate with Counsel's office on official procedures;
  • Work with in-house technical experts to develop substantive petitions and proposed rules;
  • Coordinate with appropriate Policy and Program teams for needed resources and technical analysis, performance date, policy assessments and market development information;
  • Engage appropriate staff at interested outside agencies for proposal development and understanding; and
  • Oversee NYSERDA’s participation and coverage in regulatory processes and representing NYSERDA, as needed.
• Oversee or co-chair a cross-NYSERDA Regulatory Affairs information sharing group, including formulating agendas, reporting on regulatory proceedings, and formulating cross-program teams to address opportunities in the regulatory space.
• Assist the VP in developing regulatory strategies and approaches for key areas of NYSERDA interest and expertise, including interdepartmental coordination, stakeholder engagement, and cross-agency interactions.
• Collaborate on high-priority, cross-cutting and inter-agency policy and Regulatory Affairs to advance and deliver outcomes as identified or derived from the Climate Action Council approved Scoping Plan, the State Energy Plan or other statewide planning efforts.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to work well both independently and within broad, diverse teams, building relationships across the organization to more effectively accomplish NYSERDA objectives.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years’ experience working in the clean energy space, with:
  • A strong understanding of New York’s regulatory environment, energy system, and climate policies;
  • A demonstrated record of success in setting strategy, managing a portfolio of programs and initiatives, and successfully delivering solutions within business or government operating environments;
  • Experience leading diverse and complex teams; and
  • Proven success in forging productive and influential relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Track record in leading and motivating teams to achieve their potential including professional staff at remote sites and external consultant teams.
• Track record as an exceptional manager, coach, mentor, and developer of talent.
• Strong diplomatic and discretion skills to navigate sensitive projects and policy negotiations among executive teams with varied interests.
• Strong team builder with an ability to build productive relationships across a diverse organization.
• Top-notch presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of different backgrounds; the ability to communicate persuasively, concisely and unambiguously in speech and in writing for broader audience consumption including policy decision-makers, sister agencies and third-party constituent interests such as industry, environmental organizations, and consumer interests.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to set priorities, develop and execute a workplan, and balance research and analysis with ongoing internal team and external stakeholder engagement.
• Skill in managing multiple diverse activities simultaneously, operating with speed, accuracy and strong judgment.
• Demonstrated abilities for problem-solving, resourcefulness, adaptability, and pragmatic solutions.

• Strong work ethic and resolute integrity.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability and willingness to travel across New York State.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 8 years’ experience preferred.

Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume.

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