The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of its employees, and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a hybrid work capacity,

Relocation assistance is available.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Vice President, manages the day-to-day operations and staff responsible for  Under the general direction of the VP, Market Design and Analysis, manages staff and provides expertise on market policy development and design through internal and external stakeholder processes.  Represents ISO on policy related issues at external forums involving State and Federal agencies and electric market participants.  Provides leadership and direction related to ISO policy development, and personally leads teams assigned to key strategic initiatives related to energy market design and resource adequacy requirements. Engages in the strategic planning process, identifies and develops policies and strategies for the ISO as related to the markets.   

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Manages the day-to-day for the Market Policy Design operations and staff.  Responsible for providing broad direction and guidance, identifies training needs, coaches and gives feedback on employee performance, develops staff performance plans, makes recommendations with respect to the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion or any other change in the status of direct reports, and performs related activities as appropriate.
   
• Provides market policy design and development and strategic leadership to key internal stakeholders and ISO leadership team. Provides leadership to create a proactive and responsive ISO in policy position development and communications. Focuses efforts strategically to improve reliability, efficiency and transparency for CAISO on policy issues.  
   
• Advises and represents the organization in policy forums to promote collaboration and information exchange and provide supporting information and education.
   
• Prepares written materials describing policy issues and proposed solutions for presentation to management and Board, and for presentation to outside entities, as appropriate.
   
• Develops inter-departmental teams to develop framework for consistent and effective policy development. Collaborates with ISO colleagues to develop "best practices" policies and procedures, and to identify and resolve issues to help create a flexible and efficient organization.
   
• Acts a subject matter expert in the development of policy positions, creating directional alignment within ISO internal stakeholders and outside entities.

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Economics, Law, Engineering, Computer Science or Business. Master’s Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

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

Type of Experience:

Electric utility industry, regulation and regulatory procedures; fundamental knowledge of electric power systems and markets; experience leading and facilitating team projects; experience presenting electricity market concepts and initiatives to mixed audiences including industry stakeholders, legislators and other policy makers.

Extensive experience managing or directing teams.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Ability to think strategically and devise solutions to problems in keeping with multiple considerations. 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 environment, and work well independently.

The pay range for the Director, Market Policy Development at the CAISO is $200,175 - $333,625 per year.