Jobs

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.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Vice President, External Affairs acts as a technical expert responsible for supporting the department in the tracking and analysis of federal energy policy initiatives and provides outreach to Congress, the Department of Energy and other federal agencies, the Administration, stakeholder organizations and other ISOs and RTOs to further the interests of the ISO.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Establish alliances with Congress, the Department of Energy and other federal agencies, the Administration, stakeholder representatives and other ISOs and RTOs to further the interests of the ISO.
• Provide the ISO with access to policy- and decision-makers in the legislative and administrative arenas to communicate the ISO’s activities and interests.  Develop and carry out targeted communications strategies for issues of importance to the ISO at the federal level.
• Provide the latest intelligence on politics, substance and “state of play” for legislative and administrative actions affecting the ISO, its stakeholders, and Western consumers.
• Review legislation of interest to the ISO and work with legal and regulatory policy staff and subject matter experts to prepare educational outreach materials to communicate with federal leaders.  Work with congressional staff and other interested parties to ensure that ISO priorities are effectively communicated to federal policymakers as legislation and administrative decisions proceed through the approval process.
• Reach out to professional energy organizations and other advocacy groups at the federal level for the purpose of tracking issues, providing input, and informing decisions for the benefit of the ISO and its stakeholders.
• Coordinate responses to information requests at the federal level about ISO operations, planning, market design, resource adequacy, policy implementation, electricity reliability and other issues.  Draft and/or edit informational materials for congressional and other audiences.
• Act as an internal liaison to other ISO department staff and perform daily responsibilities to ensure they are aware of legislative and administrative actions and other important events at the federal level.
• Maintain updated contact information for Congress, key Administration policymakers, and stakeholders at the federal level to enable effective outreach on ISO initiatives, emergency conditions impacting ISO operations, and other important communications.
• Represent the ISO before key industry and government audiences and act as a liaison to position ISO leaders to communicate with these audiences at the federal level.
• Responsible for managing the business unit budget, including overseeing cost tracking activities.
• Attends business meetings, and 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.
• May perform related duties and activities as assigned.
• Adheres to and supports the Core Values of the ISO.

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) required in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
Amount of Experience:

Ten (10) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience:

Exposure/understanding of energy policy development, energy markets, legislative and administrative processes, and knowledge of the energy industry.
Additional Skills and Abilities:

Ability to think strategically and devise solutions to problems in keeping with multiple considerations. Excellent leadership 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.

High caliber relationship building and organizational skills. Ability to work and communicate with diverse audiences that include federal elected and administrative officials, environmental and energy stakeholder groups, and a variety of internal ISO team members. Skill at writing and editing reports and other documents; ability to translate engineering, legal and regulatory terminology and legislative provisions into plain English. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

The pay range for the Federal Affairs Manager at the CAISO is $134,325 – $223,875 per year.

Learn more here