Vice President - Regulatory Reform

Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)

7h • Remote

About The Position

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council seeks a visionary leader to advance change at the intersection of clean energy, equity, and inclusion. You will lead IREC’s Regulatory Team and attorneys as they develop and execute a multi-state strategy to advance distributed energy resource (DER) regulatory best practices. The Vice President contributes as a member of IREC’s Executive team, shaping strategies and direction to reach bold clean energy and energy equity goals to mitigate the climate emergency. You will be responsible for partnership and funding development. You should be a self-motivated, passionate thought leader to provide strategic direction and oversight of the organization’s regulatory program.

Requirements

• 8+ years of work experience and familiarity with public utility regulation, distributed energy resource policy and technology, and state policy and advocacy
• Graduate degree in one or more energy/environmental policy-related fields, including public policy, environmental science, sustainability, law, engineering, or other relevant clean energy field
• Deep understanding of the electricity grid and U.S. energy system, including the technical, procedural, and legal challenges and related opportunities to accelerate the grid integration of DERs and a just transition to sustainable energy
• Expertise in DER interconnection policy and an understanding of the range of regulatory frameworks and key stakeholders across different states that impact clean energy adoption
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management as well as experience managing staff
• Strong fundraising and development skills, including proposal preparation and the ability to develop and oversee budgets
• Superb written and spoken communication skills
• Intellectually curious and self-disciplined fast learner with the ability to independently operate in a virtual environment and provide needed self-direction
• Demonstrated passion to mitigate the climate crisis and be part of the clean energy future
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

Nice To Haves

• Experience and expertise in distribution system planning and/or energization of EV charging infrastructure
• Experience leading multi-state regulatory efforts

Responsibilities

• DER Regulatory Policy Expertise – Provide national and state leadership and expertise on IREC’s core regulatory policy issues: interconnection, grid modernization, energy storage, and the integration of EV charging infrastructure onto the grid. Identify new policy issues and opportunities to expand IREC’s expertise and impact.
• Regulatory Strategy – Develop and implement IREC’s regulatory strategy, in coordination with IREC’s executive management, regulatory staff, and attorneys, establishing priorities for state engagement. To support this work, oversee the development of national regulatory policy tools, resources, and reports. Work with the VP of Communications and regulatory staff to develop a communications strategy to ensure IREC’s regulatory activities, successes, impacts, best practices, and insights are clearly articulated to diverse target audiences, including regulators and policymakers.
• Development – Work with IREC’s executive management to identify and engage potential new sources of funding to support activities and expansion of the regulatory program. Lead and support fundraising activities, including identifying and pursuing funding opportunities with foundations and government agencies with the aim to increase the impact of the program.
• Team Management – Supervise and support the professional development of the regulatory team, including staff and attorneys. Mentor staff, conduct annual performance reviews, and deploy team resources effectively to maximize strategic outcomes and professional development.
• Strategic Partnerships – Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with regulatory commissions, government agencies, community-based and energy equity organizations, clean energy industries, utilities, national laboratories, state and regional advocacy organizations, and foundations to advance shared regulatory objectives.
• Public Speaking – Represent IREC in various public forums and events (in-person and virtual) to share insights from IREC’s regulatory efforts and elevate IREC’s position as a thought leader on clean energy regulatory issues, particularly with the philanthropic community. Position IREC to earn speaking positions at target conferences and events, including those with regulators, industry, policymakers, funders, and advocates.
• Organizational Leadership – In partnership with IREC President and CEO, Vice Presidents, and Board of Directors, contribute to organizational leadership to advance IREC’s strategic goals, and maintain and enhance its stellar reputation among partners, funders, government agencies, and regulators. Help inform organizational management and policy decisions in partnership with the rest of the executive team and participate in leadership team calls and other organizational initiatives. Contribute to budget development and provide high-level oversight of Regulatory budgets and funding.

What This Job Offers

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