Director or Managing Director, Clean Electricity

Fresh Energy seeks a full-time Director or Managing Director of Clean Electricity to lead initiatives for a carbon-free electric system in Minnesota. This role involves managing the Clean Electricity team, engaging in PUC dockets, and advocating for policy changes. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in energy policy, commitment to diversity, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. The position is remote, allowing work from anywhere.
About the position

Fresh Energy is seeking a full-time Director or Managing Director of Clean Electricity to lead significant portions of our Clean Electricity initiatives aimed at steering Minnesota towards a fully carbon-free electric system. This role is pivotal in shaping and driving the focus and priorities of Fresh Energy's electricity work, participating in Public Utilities Commission (PUC) dockets, and managing staff and consultants within the Clean Electricity team. The ideal candidate will be visionary yet pragmatic, with a strong background in energy policy and a results-oriented approach. As part of our mission, Fresh Energy has been at the forefront of accelerating Minnesota's transition to a clean energy economy for over 30 years. Our goal is to ensure that our region enjoys good health, a vibrant economy, and thriving, equitable communities today and for generations to come. The Clean Electricity team plays a crucial role in decarbonizing the electric power sector, which is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating the transition to clean energy in other sectors such as buildings, transportation, and heavy industry. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of PUC dockets and lead Fresh Energy's participation in these critical discussions, while also engaging in legislative policy and advocacy efforts. Key responsibilities include conducting rigorous analysis, developing strategies, and effectively communicating with high-level stakeholders. The Director will also be responsible for managing the workflow of the Clean Electricity team, ensuring that our work is inclusive and considers the needs of under-resourced communities, rural communities, and BIPOC populations. This position requires a commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.

Responsibilities
• Support Fresh Energy's strategic imperative to generate all of Minnesota's electricity with zero-carbon resources, primarily through wind and solar.
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• Shape and drive the planning, execution, and reporting on clean electricity work.
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• Propose and conduct policy, legislative, legal, technical, regulatory, and financial analysis related to policy proposals and changes.
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• Work with the Energy Markets team to develop Public Utility Commission strategy and execute that strategy through advocacy.
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• Manage Clean Electricity staff and expert consultants.
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• Make written and oral presentations to collaborators, community groups, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
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• Create and publish web content, e-newsletters, white papers, and other program information in collaboration with the Communications department.
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• Participate in a culture of collaboration, communicating, and working across teams to achieve Fresh Energy's mission.
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• Ensure the team's work engages under-resourced communities, rural communities, BIPOC communities, and other traditionally under-represented Minnesotans.
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• Support the creation and management of the annual budget for the Clean Electricity team.
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• Regularly assess opportunities for new partners or collaborations that will advance the team's goals.

Requirements
• Demonstrated expertise in the electricity system and clean energy, and/or experience advocating before a Public Utilities Commission.
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• A BS or BA plus at least eight years of experience in energy, environment, policy, economics, technology, or related fields; OR a MS or MA plus at least 6-7 years of experience; OR a JD or PhD plus MS and proven ability to lead a program department team.
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• Ability to conduct rigorous information-gathering and compile findings into easily digestible and compelling formats.
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• Experience engaging, influencing, and working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders across different interests.
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• Experience presenting before regulators, policymakers, utilities, and other key stakeholders.
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• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
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• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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• Solid computer skills in Windows environment, including MS Office.
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• Self-starter who can work independently and as part of a team.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience engaging in regulatory, legislative, and administrative proceedings preferred.
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• Demonstrated ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment.
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• Planful and results-oriented approach.

Benefits
• 24 days of PTO (increases each year of employment) from day one of employment.
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• 15 paid holidays and a flexible, family-friendly schedule.
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• Medical and dental plans, additional voluntary vision, short- and long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance.
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• Fresh Energy contributes 50% toward staff health premium with dependents and 90% for single staff.
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• Cash contribution to employee's FSA and HSA to promote health and wellness.
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• A 5% of annual salary contribution to your 403(b)-retirement plan from day 1 of employment, with an optional 1:1 matching contribution up to 3%.
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• Generous parental and family care leave for up to 12 weeks.
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• A one-time work-from-home stipend of $300.
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• A cell phone purchase allowance and an approved contribution to monthly phone fees.
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• Incentives for transit, biking, and walking, including a dollar-for-dollar bus pass match and indoor bike storage.
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• Professional development activities supported with $1,000 per year for each employee.