Director, Regulatory & State Agency Affairs

Winooski, Vermont / United StatesEfficiency Vermont – EVT Administration /Hybrid /HybridEfficiency Vermont is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Director, Regulatory & State Agency Affairs to lead the organization's regulatory strategy and strengthen relationships with state policymakers, regulators, and key stakeholders. This leader will play a critical role in advancing Efficiency Vermont's mission by shaping regulatory outcomes, influencing energy policy, and ensuring alignment between organizational priorities and Vermont's evolving energy landscape. As a trusted advisor to leadership, the Director will help position Efficiency Vermont for long-term success by translating complex regulatory and legislative developments into strategic opportunities, fostering strong external partnerships, and representing the organization in proceedings that support innovative, equitable, and cost-effective energy solutions for Vermonters.While this role offers hybrid flexibility, Vermont is the preferred location, as the majority of Efficiency Vermont's team is based here. We would welcome a leader who values in-person collaboration and can connect with and support the team on the ground as needed.The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $165,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.Job Summary:The Director, Regulatory and State Agency Affairs in the Efficiency Vermont division of VEIC is responsible for leading the division’s planning for achieving energy and greenhouse gas savings goals, representation of Efficiency Vermont interests and proposals to Vermont regulators, as well as supporting VEIC’s strategic planning, policy, advocacy, and communications objectives. This requires coordinating and collaborating efforts with various VEIC groups, including Communications, Public Affairs, Consulting, Evaluation Services, Efficiency Vermont, and other divisions as necessary. In support of ongoing government relations, the Director works closely with the Managing Director, Efficiency Vermont and the Efficiency Vermont Leadership Team to assure reasonable and administratively efficient conditions for allocation of such funds under legislation, administrative order, or other such means. Additionally, this role ensures that VEIC’s positions and policy preferences are reflected through participation in federal and state rulemaking that may impact EVT operations. Essential Functions:Leads Efficiency Vermont division planning for achieving energy savings goals.  Plays a key role in a variety of regulatory affairs proceedings including: Supporting the Order of Appointment and EEU structure;  Demand Resource Planning as defined under the EEU structure;  Representing VEIC’s position in proceedings that establish budgets and goals for Efficiency Vermont; and  Other regulatory proceedings as needed, including establishing new avoided costs, reporting changes, rulemaking, policy implementation, and external funding issues.  Oversees and coordinates the contracting, negotiating, and strategic planning with the Agencies and Administration of the State of Vermont.  These responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, instances where Efficiency Vermont serves as a grantee to State agencies for the use of Federal or VT General Fund dollars. Oversees the management of all VEIC demand-side resources within the ISO-NE energy markets, with responsibilities for representing the interests of these resources at NEPOOL and other ISO or Vermont stakeholder meetings for the benefit of Vermont ratepayers. Oversees and manages the identification of all Federal and State rulemaking proceedings that may impact the operations, management, or future strategies of Efficiency Vermont as a leader of efficiency and decarbonization.    Actively participates as a member of the Efficiency Vermont Leadership Team and supports strategic initiatives.Leads, develops, mentors, and inspires a team of regulatory professionals; establishes clear goals and accountability; fosters collaboration and professional growth; and builds a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged team culture.Contributes to the ongoing matters of State Government, the VT Climate Council, and law-making to affect the strategic positioning of VEIC and Efficiency Vermont, such that the existing resources and infrastructure of the Statewide Efficiency Utility can be effectively utilized for further and future long-term energy efficiency activities within the State. Responsible for fostering and maintaining relationships with State, Local, and Federal agencies to ensure VEIC and Efficiency Vermont’s interests are represented and incorporated into policies and strategic opportunities. Serves as a mentor and guides VEIC staff and others on program planning and budgeting, FCM participation, program evaluation, savings verification, the new technology review process, and regulatory affairs. Assumes leadership of projects or other responsibilities as may be mutually agreed upon with the Managing Director, Efficiency Vermont. Responsible for regular and effective communications with internal stakeholder groups regarding the above activities.   Collaborates with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure alignment of EVT strategic direction with VEIC strategic direction. Leadership and dedicated commitment to the pursuit of VEIC's mission, vision, and core values. Provides support to the activities of VEIC as necessary to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.Other duties as assigned. Knowledge & Experience:Strong personal commitment to the mission, vision, goals and values of VEIC. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Minimum of ten years of energy planning, evaluation and/or regulatory experience, including experience with energy efficiency programs, contract management and negotiation, budget management, communications and technical and policy issues associated with energy efficiency program, Proven people leadership experience, including the ability to lead, develop, mentor, and inspire teams of regulatory professionals; establish clear goals and accountability; foster collaboration and professional growth; and build a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged team culture. Demonstrated expertise working with state regulatory agencies, public utility commissions (PUCs), energy offices, legislative bodies, and other governmental stakeholders. Deep knowledge of energy policy, utility regulation, ratemaking principles, performance-based regulation, and distributed energy resource policy. Proven experience leading regulatory strategies and representing organizations in regulatory proceedings, technical working groups, stakeholder forums, and public hearings. Experience developing regulatory filings, testimony, comments, briefs, and other formal submissions to state and federal agencies. Strong understanding of evolving energy industry trends, including decarbonization, electrification, grid modernization, distributed energy resources, demand-side management, and beneficial electrification. Experience in monitoring and interpreting legislative, regulatory, and policy developments and translating implications into organizational strategy and business planning. Proven ability to identify regulatory risks and opportunities and develop proactive strategies that advance organizational objectives. All positions at VEIC are subject to criminal background checks. This screening is conducted in compliance with applicable laws and is a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the safety and security of our employees, clients, and contractual obligations. Work Environment and Physical Requirements: This position primarily involves desk-based work with extensive collaboration and communication responsibilities. Physical requirements include: Ability to remain stationary at a workstation for extended periods (typically 6-8 hours per day with regular breaks) Regular use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and telephone/headset requires fine motor skills and repetitive hand/wrist movements Visual acuity to view digital screens, documents, and presentations for prolonged periods Verbal communication abilities are sufficient for clear articulation during in-person and virtual meetings, presentations, and discussions Auditory capabilities to participate effectively in conversations, conference calls, and virtual collaboration sessions Cognitive focus for simultaneous management of multiple communication streams, projects, and stakeholder relationships Occasional movement between meeting spaces, collaboration areas, and individual workstations Minimal lifting requirements (typically under 15 pounds) for office supplies, equipment, or materials VEIC provides ergonomic assessments and appropriate accommodation to support team members in this collaborative environment, if needed. Our commitment to wellness includes encouraging regular movement breaks and supporting flexible work arrangements that promote sustainable productivity aligned with our core values. Travel Requirements:This position involves occasional to moderate travel (approximately 5–30% of work time, or 2–7 days per month). Travel may include regional site visits, partner meetings, or VEIC gatherings. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel independently within the service region are required. Overnight stays may occasionally be necessary.  $150,000 - $165,000 a yearAt VEIC, we are committed to pay transparency. Based on market data, pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and location. Please discuss your intended work location with the recruiter for more information. The total compensation package for this position also includes a full range of medical benefits, 403(b) eligibility with match, Combined Time Off (CTO), Care and Concern leave, Parental leave, wellbeing benefit, a community service day, and eight paid holidays that are effective as of your first day of employment.Culture Inclusive Workplace statement:We are committed to building a work community that is inclusive and welcoming to all individuals. We value a culture that includes a variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and thoughts. Climate change impacts all of us; however, we are impacted differently based on our identities and experiences. We all deserve a place at the table to make decisions about our collective future – we hope you’ll consider joining us as we work towards our vision for a healthy planet, thriving people, and energy justice. Candidates across all markers of identity (age, race, gender, ability, veteran status, communication style, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply. Any emails from VEIC team members will originate from a @veic.org email address. If you encounter anything that raises suspicions during your interactions, we encourage you to exercise caution and suspend or discontinue communications.