LPSC Policy Director / Senior Advisor

The Alliance for Affordable Energy (AAE) is seeking a full-time Technical Policy Advisor focused on the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC).

Who We Are:

Our mission at The Alliance is to safeguard Louisiana’s future by protecting consumers’ right to an affordable, equitable, and environmentally responsible energy system.

Our vision is a future where energy works for everyone.​​

Founded in 1985, the Alliance for Affordable Energy promotes fair, affordable, environmentally responsible energy. From the start, we have advanced a philosophy that there is no conflict between lower energy costs and lower pollution, between good jobs and regulation, or between serving the public interest and making a reasonable profit. Because we are both a consumer advocate and public health advocacy organization, our policy work meets at the crossroads of social justice, sustainable economic development, and environmental protection.

We are the only dedicated consumer advocate for utility customers in Louisiana. In support of our mission, our team at the Alliance is made up of policy experts, organizers, and support staff focused on consumer advocacy in the energy and utility space. Our advocacy takes us across the state where we fight for energy efficiency, clean energy solutions, and to help families keep the lights on. In our work, we monitor, educate, and participate in state and city utility regulation to ensure the public's best interests are always a part of the conversation. The Alliance is committed to promoting a new vision for energy policy in Louisiana and our recent accomplishments demonstrate the importance of bridging technical policy work and community organizing.

AAE adheres to the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing and The Principles of Environmental Justice (EJ)

Our Need:

We are currently looking for a senior level leader with experience with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) and specific technical expertise in energy utility regulation.

The LPSC Policy Director (or Senior Advisor) has primary responsibility for advancing the Alliance’s policy priorities at the LPSC to protect consumers from unfair costs and burdens. This person is responsible for day-to-day management of the technical policy work, education, outreach, and associated activities with protecting consumers. Due to the nature of the Alliance’s work, unconventional work schedules and travel may be required.

This role works closely with the Executive Director, reports to the Director of Staff, and will supervise the work of our LPSC Policy Coordinator as well as interns, fellows, contractors, and expert witnesses as necessary.

Core activities include:

• LPSC Regulatory Advocacy Leadership
  • Lead the Alliance’s legal and policy efforts before the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC).
  • Serve as the Alliance’s primary contact person for Alliance-initiated lawsuits on behalf of the public, collaborating with other Alliance counsel and subject matter experts as needed.
  • Monitor PSC bulletins, flag important dockets that relate to AAE priorities, and recommend to the Executive Director which dockets the Alliance should intervene in.
  • File to intervene or be an Interested Party in appropriate LPSC dockets.
  • Make public comments and give testimony on behalf of AAE when necessary.
  • Support timely development and submission of comments into dockets.
  • Research and stay current on new models of responsible energy policy and technology and recruit national experts to support AAE regulatory policy work.
  • Devise integrated strategies that advance the organization’s formal regulatory work with public relations, grass roots, and stakeholder coordination.
  • Develop strong relationships with Commissioners, LPSC staff, and consultants. Manage relationships with regulators and engage with decision makers and their staff.
  • Educate decision-makers and staff about consumer issues.
  • Develop rapport with other stakeholders including large industrial interests, utility personnel, and others as needed.
  • Represent the Alliance in meetings with government agencies, officials, advisory committees, the press, and other public forums as directed.
  • Initiate, develop, and maintain partnerships with local allied organizations (within Louisiana, outside of New Orleans).
  • Direct the design and implementation of long and short-term strategies to promote the Alliance’s mission with local and national leaders, the media, and the public.
  • Monitor expenditures related to regulatory policy and stay on budget.
• Staff, Intern, & Consultant Management
  • Comply with the Alliance’s non-discriminatory policy.
  • Supervise the LPSC Policy Coordinator and any fellows or interns assigned to support LPSC policy work.
    • Meet weekly with the LPSC Policy Coordinator to align on priorities, support in managing workload, give and receive feedback.
    • Assign intern and/or fellow work that is in line with AAE’s mission. Review work product and provide feedback. Write letters of support for interns that accomplished quality work.
  • Support with interviewing and hiring as needed.
  • Coordinate and support the work of technical experts, additional legal counsel, media/PR, graphic designer, and/or other type of consultant related to LPSC policy work.
    • Make recommendations on best use of consultants for program goals.
    • Manage the time of consultants to ensure time budgets are maintained.
• Communications Contributor
  • Maintain and cultivate relationships with local and national press, including but not limited to initiating ideas for press stories and/or offering background research and general information to various types of media outlets.
  • Work with the Executive Director and Communications Manager to secure earned media hits, tv, radio, online, and print.
  • Write or solicit articles on current energy policy for Alliance blog/newsletter and other publications.
  • Ensure messaging on State Policy is consistent with Alliance mission and brand.
  • Develop written support materials about Alliance position on energy policy and other issues of interest to consumers.
• Community Engagement & Donor Development
  • Help AAE broaden its donor base across Louisiana by leading the planning of at least 1 event per year in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Monroe, or other non-New Orleans location.
  • Use the Alliance’s established contacts to cultivate new contacts.

Who You Are:

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; J.D. or Masters degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Technical expertise in the energy utility industry, preferably in Louisiana.
• At least 5 years of experience working in utility regulation, advocacy, law, organizing, education, or other similar field that has given you the technical expertise to support leading the Alliance’s policy advocacy at the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
• Proven track record of victories developing, executing, and managing policy campaigns.
• At least 3 years of prior program and people management experience.

Required skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to leverage partnerships and volunteers to maximize impact.
• Experience working with regulators, government, and/or policy leaders.
• Established relationships with government, community, and clean energy leaders.
• Ability to work with communities and professionals that are different from you in culture, ethnicity, political viewpoints, age, economic situation, or other difference.
• Excellent research skills, ability to interpret regulatory filings, synthesize information and data, and make legal concepts understandable by a lay audience.
• Self-starter with the ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexible and adaptable; open to feedback and continued growth.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office & Google Suite, Slack, and Zoom. Other software knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Compassion for others.

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Understand the history and impacts of systemic racism, inequity, injustice, oppression, and exclusion in our society.
• Have a passion for progressive energy solutions, environmental justice, civil rights, and climate action.
• Be an analytical thinker with detailed research proficiencies, outstanding problem solving, and project management skills.
• Have exemplary prioritization and time management skills – able to switch gears, handle interruptions, and refocus back on planned work while meeting all deadlines.
• Have experience publishing blogs, newsletter articles, LTEs, OpEds, and/or have been quoted in media (print, online, tv, radio, and/or secured earned media).
• Attend educational courses, read professional publications, build personal networks, and join professional organizations to keep professional and technical knowledge up to date.
• Will grow with the position as the organization changes over time.

AAE’s benefits package includes:

• Fully covered employee health insurance
• Optional vision, dental, and dependent coverage (employee paid)
• Retirement plan with 401K matching
• Earned vacation starting at up to 15 days per year
• Earned sick leave of up to 12 days per year (mental, physical, and family health)
• All national holidays as well as Juneteenth, Lundi Gras, Mardi Gras, and the Friday following Thanksgiving, plus Summer break (entire week off for July 4th) AND Winter break (one to two entire weeks off at year end)
• Compensatory time
• Cell phone stipend
• Hybrid work model (in office and remote)
• Funding for professional development
• Parental and sabbatical leave
• Friendly and caring work environment
• Flexible work hours