Assistant Secretary – Federal/Regional Energy Affairs

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

11d

About The Position

The Assistant Secretary for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs (FREA) reports to the Deputy Secretary for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA). This senior leadership position supports the Secretariat’s regional, interregional, and federal energy strategies to advance the implementation of Massachusetts’ clean energy and climate laws. The Assistant Secretary plays a critical role in enabling EEA agencies to lead and coordinate state policies and programs that advance clean energy generation, transmission, market modernization, and grid reliability at the state, regional, and federal levels. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Accelerating regional and interregional clean energy generation. Planning and advancing regional and interregional transmission projects to support clean energy integration. Promoting regional grid reliability, security, and resiliency. Supporting modernization of regional electricity markets. Advancing Massachusetts’ interests before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other federal agencies. Additional responsibilities include: Managing federal, regional, and multi-state initiatives critical to the Commonwealth’s clean energy transition, including transmission investment and wholesale market reforms that support decarbonization while maintaining system reliability and affordability. Analyzing and developing policy recommendations related to ISO New England (ISO-NE) wholesale market rules, system planning processes, operational reforms, and related studies. Preparing and submitting communications, filings, and comments to FERC, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), ISO-NE, and other relevant agencies and organizations. Developing briefing materials, presentations, and coordinated communications in partnership with the communications team, including responses to press inquiries and drafting press releases. Representing the Commonwealth at conferences, webinars, and other events, and supporting staff participation to advance Massachusetts’ clean energy priorities. Engaging stakeholders and the public on federal, regional, and state energy initiatives.

Requirements

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions: I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience. II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience. III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience. IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in regional transmission planning, including familiarity with mechanisms that enhance multi-state collaboration.
Understanding of Massachusetts’ clean energy procurement mechanisms, including Section 82 of the 2022 Climate Law, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind (as amended).
Prior experience working with state or federal governments, elected officials, or regional organizations such as NESCOE, ISO-NE, and NEPOOL.
Awareness of current events and emerging public policy trends in Massachusetts, New England, and Washington, D.C.
Knowledge of and familiarity with state and federal government administrative, legislative, and political processes
Ability to convey complex energy, climate, markets and transmission-related topics, issues, and data to a wide variety of audiences
Proactive, resourceful, and pragmatic problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative to identify and solve problems using available resources
Ability to prepare clear and concise communications materials for internal and external use (e.g., memos, letters, presentations, e-mail correspondence, press releases)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
Ability to set goals and continuously strive for improvement.
Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze complex information and identify practical solutions.
Ability to organize work effectively in environments with limited precedents or guidelines.
Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing priorities or urgent program needs.
Ability to motivate, influence, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret program data and make sound recommendations.
Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of diversity, respect, and inclusion.
Public speaking experience
An ability to travel, as needed.

Responsibilities

Accelerating regional and interregional clean energy generation.
Planning and advancing regional and interregional transmission projects to support clean energy integration.
Promoting regional grid reliability, security, and resiliency.
Supporting modernization of regional electricity markets.
Advancing Massachusetts’ interests before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other federal agencies.
Managing federal, regional, and multi-state initiatives critical to the Commonwealth’s clean energy transition, including transmission investment and wholesale market reforms that support decarbonization while maintaining system reliability and affordability.
Analyzing and developing policy recommendations related to ISO New England (ISO-NE) wholesale market rules, system planning processes, operational reforms, and related studies.
Preparing and submitting communications, filings, and comments to FERC, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), ISO-NE, and other relevant agencies and organizations.
Developing briefing materials, presentations, and coordinated communications in partnership with the communications team, including responses to press inquiries and drafting press releases.
Representing the Commonwealth at conferences, webinars, and other events, and supporting staff participation to advance Massachusetts’ clean energy priorities.
Engaging stakeholders and the public on federal, regional, and state energy initiatives.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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