Application Deadline:  February 26, 2021

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is dedicated to helping electric power stakeholders address the most pressing issues they encounter as they pursue the transition to a clean and modern electric future and a carbon-free energy system by 2050. We are a trusted partner providing education, research, standards, and collaboration to help utilities, electric customers, and other industry players across three pathways: Electrification, Grid Integration, Regulatory and Business Innovation. Through educational activities, working groups, peer-to-peer engagements and advisory services, SEPA convenes interested parties to facilitate information exchange and knowledge transfer to offer the highest value for our members and partner organizations.

Position

SEPA's work is prioritized into three pathways of content: Regulatory and Business Innovation (RBI), Grid Integration and Electrification. The RBI pathway seeks to facilitate sustainable utility business models and the state regulatory processes needed to achieve a carbon-free future. The Principal, Regulatory and Business Innovation, works with the Managing Director in this Pathway and is accountable for demonstrated development in this area through management of all deliverables in this pathway.

The Principal, Regulatory and Business Innovation is a subject matter expert in the fields of utility business strategy, strategic planning, program design and/or evaluation, electricity policy and regulation. The Principal provides focused research, thought leadership, analytic excellence and industry recognition in their field, raising SEPA's profile as a credible source on this topic. 

A successful candidate will be someone who can think strategically and articulate value and can also dive into execution to deliver on the various value propositions. The candidate must be proficient in  research, writing, public speaking, project management, strategic planning and business development. This role involves having foresight and insight to connect dots to address gaps in regulatory and utility business innovation to accelerate the transition to a carbon-free energy system. 

The Principal engages in writing, speaking and consultative engagements that help position SEPA on the leading edge of regulatory and business innovation. As an integral part of the content team, the Principal works collaboratively with colleagues across the organization to leverage team strengths and produce content.  The Principal also interacts with members and the wider stakeholder community to move the industry forward on an array of topics that align with SEPA’s mission.

This Principal will be responsible for:

• Providing leadership under SEPA’s matrixed structure for team members working on Regulatory and Business Innovation projects, identifying critical industry needs and market trends
• Monitoring technical, programmatic, regulatory and policy trends related to utility business model innovation and generating key industry insights from these trends
• Addressing other regulatory and business innovation topics deemed critical by members and staff
• Business development to achieve yearly revenue goals, including pursuing funding through multi-client projects, grants and foundations and consultative engagements. 
• Developing and managing the budget for the pathway

Responsibilities and Key Impact Areas

Pathway Project Leadership

• Pathway Project Leadership
• Champions regulatory and utility business innovation, helping to develop the expertise of SEPA colleagues on the topic
• Supports and develops strategies for regulatory and business innovation to advance SEPA leadership and new business growth
• Leads project teams in support of sponsored research or paid engagements on behalf of SEPA
• Leverages the expertise of SEPA colleagues to develop and promote the pathway
• Serves as project leader and manager for Regulatory and Business Innovation Pathway
• Leads projects as assigned with support from junior staff and input and review from internal and external project stakeholders
• Creates project charter, RACI chart and Gantt chart/project plan for assigned projects
• Keeps assigned projects on schedule and manages process flow, including coordination with marketing, communications and programs teams. 
• Provides input into annual content strategy planning process
• Coordinates project and team meetings
• Responsible for developing the Pathway revenue and expense budget including funding strategy
• Ensures high quality and accuracy of data and writing in each product of the Pathway
• Reviews project status of junior and other SEPA staff and provides support and mentoring as needed 
• Other duties as assigned

Industry Engagement 

• Increases SEPA's share of voice on regulatory and utility business model innovation topics through increased earned media and professional journal publications
• Represents SEPA externally by attending and speaking at relevant industry events to raise SEPA’s visibility and credibility for funded work (business development)
• Cultivates and leverages partnerships and other collaborative external relationships that advance SEPA's work in the area of regulatory innovation and utility business models, support membership and sponsorship recruitment and provide opportunities for funded work
• Serves as subject matter expert and leads, supports and/or advises relevant SEPA Working Groups as appropriate
• Works with SEPA’s programming group to incorporate regulatory and business innovation topics into both SEPA and SETS education programs, including identifying topics, suggesting speakers and participating in program delivery where appropriate
• Works with SEPA’s marketing and communications groups to convert research content into various formats based on target audience and delivery channel, including webinars, podcasts, conference sessions, blogs, infographics, slide decks, industry articles, social media and other formats as requested. 

Research 

• Conducts research related to regulatory and business innovation topics in support of SEPA’s mission, including 
• Identifying and exploring new business models and regulatory frameworks that provide revenue value streams for utilities aligned with customer and policy objectives
• Relating to innovative partnerships and engagement with customers and technology solution providers
• Writes and publishes research findings and provides thought leadership related to critical issues in regulatory and business innovation 
• Formulates research partnerships with working groups and other thought leadership organizations as needed to better position SEPA as a credible expert on regulatory and business innovation
• Monitors technical, programmatic, regulatory, and policy trends related to regulatory innovation and utility business models and generate key industry insights from these trends
• Develops sponsored research proposals on regulation and business innovation topics to potential funders; negotiates and executes contracts
• Coordinates with business development colleagues on fundraising and revenue generating activities that advance SEPA's mission and objectives
• Coordinates with research colleagues and provides peer review on research content related to other topics
• Defines research methodology for assigned projects including 
• Crafting hypotheses, data collection approach, data evaluation methods and desired learning outcomes.
• Conducting outreach with research targets for primary data collection via web-based survey instruments, face-to-face or phone-based interviews or other formats as required
• Guiding staff in conducting review of submitted data to ensure accuracy and statistical significance
• Authoring, co-leading, managing and/or supporting various outputs / deliverables based on key findings from primary research

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher, preferred with focus in business, economics, public policy, regulation emerging technologies, or equivalent experience
• 10 years of experience working in the electricity industry with a focus on regulation, markets, business models and/or new and emerging technologies
• At least 5 years of direct utility experience,  designing and developing business plans for new utility program, product and service offerings
• At least 5 years of experience actively participating in or supporting state regulatory proceedings
• Accomplished writer and speaker with demonstrated experience authoring publications and presenting findings at industry conferences or public forums
• 2 years of consulting experience preferred

Attributes

• Forward-thinking. You have the technical aptitude and industry experience to notice changes in the external landscape, understand the relevance of emerging technologies, market trends, and policy directions, and help SEPA members to bridge the gap between current needs and future directions—creating value and minimizing risk. 
• Comfort with Ambiguity. You are comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, knowing when to gather more information and when to take committed action. You are strategically flexible, adapting quickly to changing priorities, and effective in a fast-paced environment.
• Skilled communicator. Your communication is clear and direct. You easily adjust your message to your audience and have exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills. You add value by making connections between people and ideas, understanding, documenting, distilling, and synthesizing key points.    
• Influential. You are viewed as credible by key leaders in the energy sector and you are willing to take the lead on emerging issues, shaping other’s thinking and helping to shape the national conversation on key issues. 
• Exceptional Problem-Solving Skills. You are self-reliant and flexible in your thinking. You evaluate issues from many angles and are creative at finding solutions to complex, multi-dimensional problems. 
• Skilled project manager. You show grace under pressure and excel at managing budgets and timelines. You juggle multiple projects and tasks with ease and composure. You are organized, demonstrate superb time management, know how to effectively prioritize work, and wisely allocate and optimize resources. You enjoy creating processes that uphold rigorous standards.
• Results-driven. You see the big picture and take the action necessary to produce bottom-line results. You understand success in this role requires taking full strategic advantage of every opportunity. You have a keen ability to determine what is working and what is not, taking committed action to lead projects in the right direction.
• Strong attention to detail. You take responsibility for every element of your work, honoring your deadlines, understanding the vital importance of delivering high-quality work on time.     
• Proactive and self-motivated. You think ahead and anticipate challenges, taking initiative to drive projects forward and leading projects with minimal supervision. You work effectively on a team and independently and find the resources you need to get the job done.
• Deft political style. You are an adept consensus builder who excels at convening groups of people to reduce barriers. You work effectively with a multitude of stakeholders, volunteers, colleagues, and research partners and build relationships at all career levels. Your diplomacy enables you to de-escalate emotions while driving projects forward.

What’s Attractive to the Right Candidate?

• Our organization thrives on innovation. Your work will help accelerate our nation’s transition to a clean and modern energy future.
• You will enjoy working in a collaborative and highly-supportive work environment with a great team of colleagues. You will be part of a team with a culture driven by these organizational behaviors:

Attitude: exude responsiveness and friendliness

Excellence: deliver high-quality work that members rave about

Ownership: take personal responsibility for SEPA’s success

Growth: seek out and embrace opportunities to grow SEPA and yourself

Balance: always examine all sides of an issue

Comradery: work hard with the team and have fun with the team

Transparency: communicate honestly, frequently, and openly

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

SEPA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based on personal capabilities and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected class as established by applicable law.

ADA Requirements

This position operates in a professional office environment.  The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•  This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing may be required.
•  This role requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, bend or stand as necessary.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
• This role requires the ability to learn new software applications as necessary.
•  Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.
• Must be able to travel 30-40% of time.

Disclaimer

This job description generally indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act expected of an incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an incumbent.  An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.