Compliance Standards Analyst - Senior/Lead

Southwest Power Pool • Little Rock, AR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

SPP is seeking a Compliance Standards Analyst to join their Reliability Standards Team. This role is responsible for influencing and supporting the development, implementation, and maintenance of NERC Reliability Standards and NAESB Business Practices. The position promotes reliability excellence by ensuring standards are clear, effective, measurable, and support a reliable Bulk Electric System. The analyst will partner with internal subject matter experts to evaluate the impacts of emerging standards and policy changes, and collaborate with SPP members, NERC, MRO, WECC, NAESB, and other industry organizations to influence standards development and implementation. This role offers the opportunity to represent SPP in regional and national industry initiatives, develop strategic recommendations, deliver stakeholder presentations, and help shape the future of reliability policy. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys translating complex industry issues into actionable strategies, building relationships across the industry, and helping shape the future of electric reliability standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a business or technically oriented field of study from an accredited college or university; Two (2) years of additional experience beyond experience requirements may be considered in lieu of degree requirements
• Lead Compliance Standards Analyst: Eight (8) years of experience working with NERC Reliability Standards, NAESB, or similar standards organizations; or Ten (10) or more years of electric utility experience related to transmission operations, system dispatch, system operations, cybersecurity, or other applicable reliability functions; or Eight (8) years of experience within SPP Operations, Planning, or Engineering, combined with a Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Senior Compliance Standards Analyst: Six (6) years of experience in compliance, audit, risk management, or related regulatory functions.
• Experience with NERC Reliability Standards compliance, regional reliability standards, criteria, or variances.
• Six (6) years of professional writing experience, including the development of reports, executive summaries, white papers, research documents, or other technical and regulatory communications.
• In-depth knowledge of FERC, NERC, and electrical industry regulation
• Fluency in English and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of compliance staff, senior management, and industry stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent presentation skills in both large (over 100) and small (up to 50) group settings
• Excellent organizational skills
• Motivation to take appropriate action when required and flexibility to work with changing priorities
• Ability to work with a broad spectrum of stakeholders with diverse interests when resolving problems
• Proficiency with computers, to include the Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited university preferred. Preferred disciplines include calculus-based engineering programs such as Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.
• Working knowledge of SPP Criteria, the SPP Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT), and FERC regulatory orders impacting regional operations and reliability strongly preferred.
• Experience with NERC Reliability Standards compliance, regional reliability standards, criteria, or variances.
• Strong technical and professional writing skills, including experience preparing reports, executive summaries, white papers, research documents, and other formal written communications.
• Experience within the electric utility, reliability, compliance, transmission operations, planning, or regulatory environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate emerging NERC, regional, and NAESB standards, business practices, and industry initiatives that impact SPP and its stakeholders.
• Analyze proposed reliability standards and communicate potential operational, compliance, and business impacts across the organization.
• Partner with internal subject matter experts to develop positions, strategies, and recommendations related to reliability standards and policy changes.
• Represent SPP in industry forums, working groups, and committees, including interactions with regional entities, industry organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Lead discussions with external stakeholders to influence standards development and advocate for outcomes that support SPP and its members.
• Develop strategic recommendations and engagement opportunities that strengthen SPP’s influence in reliability and policy initiatives.
• Support the development, refinement, implementation, and communication of reliability standards and related business practices.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and stakeholder communications related to standards activities, emerging issues, and strategic initiatives.
• Promote awareness and engagement among SPP staff and stakeholders regarding reliability standards development activities.
• Identify industry best practices and recommend policy, procedural, and process improvements that support reliability excellence.
• Monitor emerging reliability and compliance trends and recommend proactive implementation strategies.
• Provide oversight and support for SPP’s Events Analysis Program, including event reviews, trend analysis, and coordination with industry organizations.
• Coordinate responses to information requests from NERC and regional entities and support related analysis activities.
• Develop performance metrics and reporting that demonstrate the value and impact of the team’s reliability standards efforts.

Benefits

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior