Director, Regulatory & State Agency Affairs

VEIC•Winooski, VT

5d•$150,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Efficiency Vermont is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Director, Regulatory & State Agency Affairs to lead the organization's regulatory strategy and strengthen relationships with state policymakers, regulators, and key stakeholders. This leader will play a critical role in advancing Efficiency Vermon's mission by shaping regulatory outcomes, influencing energy policy, and ensuring alignment between organizational priorities and Vermon's evolving energy landscape. As a trusted advisor to leadership, the Director will help position Efficiency Vermont for long-term success by translating complex regulatory and legislative developments into strategic opportunities, fostering strong external partnerships, and representing the organization in proceedings that support innovative, equitable, and cost-effective energy solutions for Vermonters. While this role offers hybrid flexibility, Vermont is the preferred location, as the majority of Efficiency Vermont's team is based here. We would welcome a leader who values in-person collaboration and can connect with and support the team on the ground as needed. The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $165,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Requirements

Strong personal commitment to the mission, vision, goals and values of VEIC.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of ten years of energy planning, evaluation and/or regulatory experience, including experience with energy efficiency programs, contract management and negotiation, budget management, communications and technical and policy issues associated with energy efficiency program,
Proven people leadership experience, including the ability to lead, develop, mentor, and inspire teams of regulatory professionals; establish clear goals and accountability; foster collaboration and professional growth; and build a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged team culture.
Demonstrated expertise working with state regulatory agencies, public utility commissions (PUCs), energy offices, legislative bodies, and other governmental stakeholders.
Deep knowledge of energy policy, utility regulation, ratemaking principles, performance-based regulation, and distributed energy resource policy.
Proven experience leading regulatory strategies and representing organizations in regulatory proceedings, technical working groups, stakeholder forums, and public hearings.
Experience developing regulatory filings, testimony, comments, briefs, and other formal submissions to state and federal agencies.
Strong understanding of evolving energy industry trends, including decarbonization, electrification, grid modernization, distributed energy resources, demand-side management, and beneficial electrification.
Experience in monitoring and interpreting legislative, regulatory, and policy developments and translating implications into organizational strategy and business planning.
Proven ability to identify regulatory risks and opportunities and develop proactive strategies that advance organizational objectives.
All positions at VEIC are subject to criminal background checks. This screening is conducted in compliance with applicable laws and is a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the safety and security of our employees, clients, and contractual obligations.

Responsibilities

Leads Efficiency Vermont division planning for achieving energy savings goals.
Plays a key role in a variety of regulatory affairs proceedings including: Supporting the Order of Appointment and EEU structure; Demand Resource Planning as defined under the EEU structure; Representing VEIC’s position in proceedings that establish budgets and goals for Efficiency Vermont; and Other regulatory proceedings as needed, including establishing new avoided costs, reporting changes, rulemaking, policy implementation, and external funding issues.
Oversees and coordinates the contracting, negotiating, and strategic planning with the Agencies and Administration of the State of Vermont. These responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, instances where Efficiency Vermont serves as a grantee to State agencies for the use of Federal or VT General Fund dollars.
Oversees the management of all VEIC demand-side resources within the ISO-NE energy markets, with responsibilities for representing the interests of these resources at NEPOOL and other ISO or Vermont stakeholder meetings for the benefit of Vermont ratepayers.
Oversees and manages the identification of all Federal and State rulemaking proceedings that may impact the operations, management, or future strategies of Efficiency Vermont as a leader of efficiency and decarbonization.
Actively participates as a member of the Efficiency Vermont Leadership Team and supports strategic initiatives.
Leads, develops, mentors, and inspires a team of regulatory professionals; establishes clear goals and accountability; fosters collaboration and professional growth; and builds a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged team culture.
Contributes to the ongoing matters of State Government, the VT Climate Council, and law-making to affect the strategic positioning of VEIC and Efficiency Vermont, such that the existing resources and infrastructure of the Statewide Efficiency Utility can be effectively utilized for further and future long-term energy efficiency activities within the State.
Responsible for fostering and maintaining relationships with State, Local, and Federal agencies to ensure VEIC and Efficiency Vermont’s interests are represented and incorporated into policies and strategic opportunities.
Serves as a mentor and guides VEIC staff and others on program planning and budgeting, FCM participation, program evaluation, savings verification, the new technology review process, and regulatory affairs.
Assumes leadership of projects or other responsibilities as may be mutually agreed upon with the Managing Director, Efficiency Vermont.
Responsible for regular and effective communications with internal stakeholder groups regarding the above activities.
Collaborates with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure alignment of EVT strategic direction with VEIC strategic direction.
Leadership and dedicated commitment to the pursuit of VEIC's mission, vision, and core values.
Provides support to the activities of VEIC as necessary to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
Other duties as assigned.