Regional Affairs Manager

  • Full-time

Company Description

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) is a nonprofit public-benefit corporation that manages the reliable flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines for 80 percent of California's power grid and part of Nevada.  Overseen by a Board of Governors appointed by the California Governor, the Folsom-based ISO safeguards the economy and well-being of more than 30 million consumers by operating the grid around the clock 365 days a year. Working diligently to meet the electricity needs of all we serve, the ISO is at the forefront of integrating historic amounts of clean, renewable power to the electrical grid under California’s mandate to decarbonize all retail sales of electricity by 2045, as well as supporting the energy goals of our neighboring states and utilities.

As the only independent system operator in the Western United States, the ISO works impartially with a wide array of entities involved in generating and delivering power across California and the West safely and reliably. With no financial interest in any segment of the system, the ISO also ensures fair and transparent access to nearly 26,000 circuit miles on networked transmission lines and market transactions, making sure supply and demand are balanced and that there is enough power to meet customers’ needs.

The ISO also operates day-ahead and real-time energy markets that select the most efficient mix and location of resources to meet electricity demand. To foster greater coordination in the Western U.S., the ISO launched its Western Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) in 2014, providing real-time energy market services to more than two-thirds of the Western interconnected grid. Since its inception, the Western EIM has provided more than $1.4 billion in benefits to market participants and achieved a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.  This evolution has increased the cooperation, relationships and trust across the western utilities and full range of diverse stakeholders.

Job Description

Under general direction of the Vice President of External and Customer Affairs (Vice President), the Regional Affairs Manager leads and provides outreach to stakeholders throughout the West.  They will develop and implement an outreach strategy to facilitate timely and appropriate stakeholder engagement in ISO processes impacting the region and promote the reputation of the ISO. 

This opportunity will have a direct role in:

  • Collaborating with entities across the Interconnection to arrive at solutions for the energy challenges of tomorrow.
  • Working with all divisions of the ISO to drive outcomes that reflect the importance of the regional grid in the West and assists other departments within the ISO with outreach tactics and strategy to stakeholders, commissioners, and policy leaders.
  • Providing proactive leadership on key initiatives to allow the EIM Governing Body and its committees (currently the Body of State Regulators and the Regional Issues Forum) to develop a strong understanding the of the issues and make informed decisions.

What you will be doing:

  • Supports the Vice President in developing, coordinating and implementing strategic outreach and education to western state energy leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Manage the day to day performance of regional outreach.  Responsible for providing direction and guidance, identify training needs, monitor and provide feedback on employee performance, develop performance plans, makes decisions regarding hiring, discipline and advancement of direct reports and performs related duties as appropriate.
  • Educate ISO staff on regional market activities to improve awareness and corporate employee engagement on regional organizational goals.
  • Provides advice and assistance to the EIM Governing Body (Body), and any of its committees and work-groups, as directed; and will work closely with the Corporate Secretary and his/her staff to coordinate operations of the Body and its committee.
  • Monitor and represent the ISO at key regional policy initiatives/forums and provides feedback and recommendations to ISO Management. It also assembles key ISO staff to participate in regional forums to positively represent ISO and its initiatives.
  • Tracks and monitors all western state regulatory and legislative activities, and provides regular updates on issues of key importance to the Vice President, sharing strategic recommendations on any potential ISO action in that regard.
  • In coordination with the Vice President, serves as a liaison to western state regulators and staff.
  • This position may be assigned additional projects to support the External Affairs division on legislative or regulatory matters.

This job will require frequent travel, primarily to locations within the western interconnection. 

Qualifications

Level of Education and Discipline:

  • A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Engineering, Economics, Policy Administration, Business, Law or related field.
  • Master’s Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

  • Equivalent years of education and training, plus ten (10) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience

  • Advanced understanding of energy policy development, regulatory processes and knowledge of the energy industry, with prior experience within the Western Interconnection.
  • Working knowledge of ISO operations, the Western EIM, and related governmental issues.
  • Experience presenting electricity market concepts and initiatives to mixed audiences including industry stakeholders, legislators, and other policy makers.

Additional skills and abilities:

  • Ability to think strategically and devise solutions to problems.
  • Excellent leadership and management abilities with experience coaching and developing others.
  • Must demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking when making decisions. 
  • Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as team leader, facilitator and team member. 
  • Strong analytical and quantitative skills required. 
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex materials and concepts.
  • Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work in a 24/7 operating environment, and work well independently.   

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.