Director of Regulatory Affairs
The Organization
Grid United is a mission-driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable, resilient and affordable grid by developing new long-haul electric transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven industry leaders, Grid United is developing utility-scale, multi-state electric transmission projects that will provide long-term economic benefits to communities across the country, provide Americans with improved grid resiliency for our homes and businesses, and cost savings for electricity consumers.
More information about the company can be found at www.gridunited.com.
The Position
Grid United has numerous large-scale transmissions projects under development and is currently identifying and studying additional prospective projects across North America. The scope and structure of the projects in our portfolio require an evolution in both interconnection processes and capacity accreditation frameworks across several markets. We are seeking experienced and strategic Directors of Regulatory Affairs to lead Grid United’s regional regulatory engagement and advocacy with external stakeholders. The roles will report to the Sr. Director of Regulatory Affairs and are open to remote candidates based in close proximity to relevant stakeholders.
The Director of Regulatory Affairs will work cross-functionally with a growing team of talented experts as they collaborate closely with project partners to develop frameworks and build broad coalitions to effectuate the timely advancement of market structures that recognize and appropriately assign the value unlocked by interregional transmission. At this time, Grid United is prioritizing candidates with relevant experience in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) regions.
The ideal candidate will be a mid-career professional who is passionate about the energy sector, has deep expertise and relationships with stakeholders in their region, and is looking to play a critical role in creating an ecosystem in which participant-funded transmission is a prudent, scalable solution to address urgent capacity constraints affordably while enhancing the reliability and resiliency of the grid.
Please apply if you possess 70% or more of the required skills described below.
Key Responsibilities
- Regulatory Strategy: Lead regional regulatory strategy for electric transmission projects, aligning with the organization’s goals and regulatory requirements.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Foster trust and relationships with regulatory agencies, government officials, and industry associations. Proactively lead regulatory engagement, collaboration and coalition building.
- Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that support the development of efficient and reliable electric transmission infrastructure. Participate in industry forums to influence regulatory outcomes.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal departments such as commercial, transmission strategy, engineering, commercial analytics, legal, and project development to ensure alignment of regulatory requirements with project plans.
- Regulatory Filings: Create and maintain an internal repository of regulatory filings, reports, and documentation as required by regulatory agencies.
- Public Communication: Lead external communication related to regulatory matters, ensuring transparency and consistent messaging to both internal and external stakeholders. Act as the face of GU in regional forums.
- Market Intelligence: Stay informed about emerging trends, technological advancements, and regulatory developments in the electric transmission sector. Leverage insights to inform the organization’s strategies.
Behaviors – which are essential to success of this team
- Be exemplars of the Grid United values of humility, tenacity, ingenuity and grace.
- Build, maintain, and value broad and deep stakeholder relationships and have a personal commitment to making a difference in the community.
- Proactively work with stakeholders to solve problems, collecting and listening deeply to feedback to build creatively and constructively toward desired outcomes.
Desired Experience and Skills:
- A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Law, Public Policy, or a related field. Advanced degrees are helpful but not required.
- 8+ years of experience in regulatory/government/legislative affairs with a strong track record of success; preferred experience in clean energy, pipeline, or transmission line development sectors.
- Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
- Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task efficiently with constant regard for accuracy and quality.
- A commercial mindset coupled with in-depth knowledge of federal and state regulatory frameworks, policies, and procedures related to electric transmission.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders, including regulators, policymakers, and industry professionals.
- Previous experience or relationships with appropriate RTOs, ISOs, state utility commissions and utilities within region of focus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing regulatory documents and presenting complex information to non-technical audiences.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate regulatory challenges and develop innovative solutions.
- Detail-oriented and analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret and apply complex regulations to business operations.
- Positive, professional, and energetic team-oriented attitude.
- Embodies Grid United’s core values of ingenuity, tenacity, humility, and grace.
What the Right Candidate Will Love about this Opportunity
- An organization dedicated to solving the ever-changing Rubik’s cube of high voltage transmission development in a fast paced, dynamic and innovative culture.
- Working with a core group of dedicated and thoughtful colleagues.
- Working on a day-to-day basis with highly experienced and proven industry leaders.
- Being empowered to play a leading role in delivering a large-scale project that will materially change the energy future of America.
- Working in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and having a positive social impact.
- Excellent financial backing from leading energy investor with long term commitment, passion for energy, and an understanding and appetite to tackle the challenges of transmission development.
Grid United is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.
Grid United offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive base salary and bonus incentive plan, long term incentive plan, health benefits, 401(k), and more.