At the American Public Power Association (APPA), we serve as 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 54 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. Help us continue to achieve our mission for our members and the communities they serve!

At APPA, we strive to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and feels valued.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Manager, Energy Policy Analysis & Reliability Standards to exercise both technical analysis skills and sound policy analysis, lead APPA’s efforts to advance electric reliability and grid security policies at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other federal regulatory agencies, and industry organizations. The Manager will conduct analysis, including technical assessments, of assigned regulatory and policy issues. This person will assist in formulating APPA positions, develop reasoned arguments in support of APPA member interests, and present APPA positions to NERC, FERC, and other policymakers. The Manager will conduct research and analysis of current and anticipated issues of importance to APPA members and engage in related member outreach.

This is a hybrid position which requires the incumbent to reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and come into the office a minimum of two to three days each week (with Tuesdays being a mandatory day).

• Coordinate NERC policy position development with APPA members, NERC management, and other industry trade associations.
• Review, analyze, and comment on technical documents and reliability standards produced by NERC and FERC.
• Attend and report on meetings of all relevant NERC committees, working groups, and standard drafting teams.
• Participate as an APPA representative in selected NERC committees, working groups, and standard drafting teams.
• Assist 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.
• Communicate with APPA members, including through periodic conference calls, to receive APPA member input on issues within the scope of responsibility.
• Organize and/or participate in meetings with the leadership and staffs of NERC, FERC, and other entities relating to electric reliability, grid security, and other regulatory issues.
• Represent APPA through formal addresses and presentations to government agencies, member and industry groups, and other organizations and coalitions.
• Analyze legislation and regulations and coordinate with appropriate APPA staff, as necessary.
• Conceive, develop, oversee, and participate in technical programs for APPA workshops and conferences, including National Conference, Legal & Regulatory Conference, committee workshops, and utility education courses.
• Manage relevant APPA Engage Communities.
• Undertake assignments as directed by the APPA Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Communications & General Counsel and/or Senior Regulatory Counsel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or related discipline from a four-year college or university. (Graduate degree in public policy or J.D. preferred)
• Five to seven years of experience in engineering, regulatory and/or policy analysis field (or two to five years plus a graduate degree).
• Knowledge of electric reliability issues and familiarity with NERC mandatory electric reliability standards
• General knowledge of electric reliability compliance practices.
• General knowledge of federal regulatory, administrative, and legislative processes.
• Ability to analyze complex regulatory, technical, and economic issues and develop solutions.
• 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.
• Experience participating in NERC committees and/or experience with electric utility compliance programs preferred.
• Knowledge of the organization and operations of the electric utility industry and the unique position of public power within the industry preferred.
• Travels out of town up to 15% of the year to support APPA’s conferences, events, and meetings.

In addition to a highly competitive salary and bonus program, APPA offers a robust benefits package to include a comprehensive health and wellness package, 20 days of PTO accrued in the first year, 401(k) match and additional contributions, and more!

APPA is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion. This commitment pertains to our internal policies and staff expectations, but also extends out to the wider public power community. As part of our strategic plan, we aim to assist members in meeting workforce challenges—including attracting and retaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture—through offering educational programs, developing resources, and serving as a platform for the public power community to exchange ideas and best practices.

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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