What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility and Energy System Innovation Program Director position at Acadia Center?

Acadia Center seeks an experienced professional to lead its Utility Innovation and Energy System Innovation Program. The position will play a pivotal leadership role in managing, coordinating and developing program goals and advocacy strategy to drive utility innovation and energy system reform priorities. This role involves :

Strategic Planning : shaping and overseeing a comprehensive work plan for utility innovation and energy system reform objectives.
Program Leadership : coordinating and leading a team engaged in multiple cutting-edge projects seeking to align long-term utility and energy system planning and investments with climate, clean energy, and equity goals, to advance business models, rates and incentives that support customer electrification and demand side resources and alleviate high energy burdens for low- and moderate-income (LMI) ratepayers.
Coordinating with Clean Grid and Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Programs : while the position will primarily focus on distribution system / PUC-level engagement and electric utility regulation, it will also be charged with aligning with Acadia Center's transmission-system / RTO-level policy advocacy and work on gas utility reform / future of gas issues as part of the organization's fossil fuel phase-out work.

Key Responsibilities

The Director will represent the organization in external proceedings and discussions on utility innovation and grid reform matters, staying current with utility regulatory policy and technology trends, advise the Senior Director, Climate and Clean Energy Programs and President, and program staff. The position will present technical information to decision-makers, media, and public audiences and help the organization respond to rapid analysis needs. This position reports directly to the Senior Director, Climate and Clean Energy Programs.

Shape and manage a strategic workplan for utility innovation and energy system objectives and projects that support policy priorities and coordinate with related power grid and fossil gas systems

Coordinate and lead staff on project workstreams, milestones and schedules for external engagement

Develop and execute legislative and regulatory engagement strategies

Apply the organization's goals on equity, climate justice and public health to all program workstreams, including technology accessibility, procedural equity, and distribution of costs and benefits

Represent the organization in external proceedings and discussions on utility innovation and grid modernization matters

Seek public engagement opportunities and develop external facing explanatory materials

Play an active role with management and development teams in seeking program resources

Stay apprised of utility regulatory policy and technology trends and advise the Senior Director, Climate and Clean Energy Programs, and CEO

Illustrative matters and topics the Director will be involved in include : utility ratemaking / cost-recovery; integrated distribution system planning; integrated electric-gas planning; electricity rate design; performance-based ratemaking (PBR); utility rate-case and grid modernization plan filings; PUC mandate reform; Future of Gas proceedings; Non-Wire and Non-Pipeline Alternatives (NWA and NPAs); energy burden and consumer affordability; intervenor compensation; wholesale / distribution-level coordination; and beyond.

Requirements

A strong interest in energy, climate, and utility issues and ambition and urgency to address the climate crisis in a manner that will spur economic, consumer, public health and environmental justice benefits.

Excitement connecting with decision makers, communities, public speaking, writing, and media.

5-7 years of experience in advancing work in regulatory and legislative arenas, such as nonprofit, government, utility, industry / clean energy, or other perspectives.

A J.D. or advanced degree is preferred, but other relevant experience will be equally considered.

Familiarity with the policies, processes, and venues in the northeast U.S. is strongly preferred.

Exposure to and fluency with regulatory debates surrounding electric and gas utility regulation and business models

Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communications skills

Enthusiasm to engage with a diverse array of organizations, communities and represent the organization in a professional and respectful manner.

Experience in environmental, energy issues and energy equity / climate justice is highly valued.

Comfort using data to inform advocacy.

The ability to work both independently and with teams, implement and prioritize program goals developed by team leadership and seek direction when needed.

Facility with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is expected.

Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position, though requests for flexible schedules will be considered, along with the possibility of a 1099 / contractor arrangement. Acadia Center currently has a remote work policy that may be subject to revision. While different locations can be considered, accessibility to state offices (CT, MA, ME, RI) is required, and travel within the region is expected.

Acadia Center offers competitive compensation aligned with peer nonprofit organizations, with salary based on experience and skill level. Depending on qualifications, this position may be filled at one of two levels :

Senior Manager : $84,800-$106,000

Director : $105,000-$120,000

Compensation is based on factors such as education, work experience, field knowledge, and skillset. For exempt salaried employees, benefits include healthcare, dental, retirement, disability, and PTO.

Salary : $105,000 - $120,000

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