Senior Energy Policy Advisor – Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency

City and County of Denver•Denver, CO

1d•$90,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency’s (CASR) vision is to build a carbon pollution-free, sustainable, and resilient Denver for all. Guided by science and shaped by community input, CASR delivers bold solutions through policies, programs, and capital projects that reduce emissions, advance environmental justice, and strengthen climate resilience. The Energy Policy Team is focused on advancing meaningful decarbonization policies through advocacy before state regulatory authorities and partnership with the city’s energy utility provider. Success requires active coordination across CASR, other city agencies, and city leadership — in addition to engagement with partner organizations and an array of stakeholder groups. This position will be a key member of the Energy Policy Team, reporting to the Lead Energy Policy Administrator. The role involves contributing to the team’s advocacy at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), supporting engagement on state and local legislative matters, and representing the city across a range of stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and innovative individual with expertise in PUC advocacy and decarbonization policy, including energy efficiency, electrification, and energy systems planning. This role requires thought-leadership and clear communication when representing the city before utilities, government staff, advocacy organizations, industry associations, and community organizations. Equity is a strong focus, ensuring the transition to clean energy services is affordable, equitable, and inclusive of under-resourced communities, low-income households, and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
Five (5) years’ experience performing full performance professional level duties within a specialized, functional area (excluding clerical experience).
Experience in energy policy with a focus on utility regulation and state utility regulatory commission practices and procedures.
Depth of technical knowledge and data analysis related to utility energy infrastructure, utility regulatory structures, and building & transportation electrification systems.
Strong project management experience with ability to push through barriers to deliver exceptional results on time.
Empathy, tact, and political savvy to identify and respond according to the internal and external politics and unique issues that impact Denver’s energy policy objectives.
An ability to influence, persuade, and negotiate with representatives from a variety of City agencies and external organizations in a collaborative manner to find mutually acceptable solutions to complex problems.
Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including under-represented communities and historically marginalized groups in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process.
Willingness to grow professionally, develop innovative solutions to problems, and change processes or procedures to accomplish objectives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present to diverse audiences.
Results-oriented, self-driven to contribute to a high performing team.
Willingness to take on additional responsibilities or volunteer for special projects.
Valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education.
Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.

Responsibilities

Provide thought-leadership, technical expertise, and analysis on matters related to energy-, building-, and transportation-system decarbonization to develop short- and long-term energy policy initiatives and priorities.
Serve as a key contributor to Denver’s engagement in relevant regulatory proceedings at the PUC, which includes reviewing filings, drafting testimony, appearing as an expert witness, and participating in settlement negotiations with relevant parties.
Coordinate with staff from CASR and other city agencies to solicit input and incorporate feedback into CASR’s advocacy.
Serve as an expert resource across CASR disciplines by performing legislative and/or policy analysis of emerging issues or proposed policies, such as those that arise in PUC proceedings, Xcel Energy programs, state regulation, and legislation.
Develop resources and memos to brief management and leadership, including the identification of concerns, solutions to address concerns, and strategy recommendations to guide thoughtful decision-making.
Develop and deliver presentations on relevant topics across a variety of settings.
Identify opportunities to supplement Energy Program capacity with external resources, develop requests for proposals, and manage certain contracts.
Communicate and engage regularly with internal and external stakeholders, including representatives of various city agencies, community and business groups, the public, media organizations, and other stakeholders in a professional and clear manner.
Ensure that the transition to clean energy services is affordable, equitable, and inclusive of under-resourced communities, low-income households, and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.
Perform other duties that may arise.

Benefits

Competitive pay
Great benefits
A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
457B Retirement Plan
140 hours of PTO earned within first year
12 paid holidays
1 personal holiday
1 Wellness Day
1 volunteer day per year
Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date