Senior Policy Analyst

Closes: Mar. 31, 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Salary Range: TBD
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Benefits: Generous Vacation, Sick Time, Health Insurance (medical, dental and vision) and Retirement
Employment Type: Full Time
Department: Executive
Description: The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is a non-profit organization working to encourage the development and adoption of energy-efficient products and services. We develop market transformation initiatives that help consumers, businesses, and communities reap the environmental and cost benefits of using energy more wisely. Come join our team of smart, passionate, and experienced professionals to achieve our mission. If you are looking for a challenging career in an industry with booming potential, you've found the right place!

The three primary objectives of the Senior Policy Analyst position are;
1. To spearhead strategic policy analysis for NEEA by providing the Executive Director and the organization with strategic counsel regarding emerging energy efficiency opportunities embedded in current and planned policy in the states of the Northwest and, nationally, as it impacts the NW.
2. To manage special projects as assigned that may include energy policy analysis and assessment, regulatory testimony, and managing/performing appropriate NEEA representation in national and local policy forums as a technical expert.
3. To keep the organization informed about potential policy change that would impact NEEA, its strategic direction, business planning and success or the success of the region and its stakeholders in achieving desired energy efficiency results.
Duties: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Responsible for developing the strategic policy function at NEEA
• Provide content for technical policy papers suitable across a range of audiences -- policy makers, business executives, academics, policy experts and the energy community - as well as materials tailored to more narrow audiences
• Professionally represent NEEA in a technical expert and advisory capacity in external policy groups such as State Legislature committees.
• Maintain awareness and knowledge of key policy developments at the regional and national level that impact energy efficiency and consistently distribute to NEEA organization
• Provide counsel and expertise to the ED and other NEEA staff on contemporary policy issues and their potential implications for energy efficiency
• Provide functional project management, as needed, and oversee budget of up to $1MM.
• Build and maintain relationships with NW state and federal legislators so NEEA is “top of mind” as an energy efficiency resource.
Qualifications: INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS
Works closely with other functional areas of the organization, as well as key external stakeholders (including electric utilities, state legislatures, state and federal agencies, the Bonneville Power Administration, Public Utility Commissions, and others), to assess and communicate the implications of policy for energy efficiency achievement in the region. Utility contacts are likely to be at the senior manager, director or vice president level and will be periodic. Legislative and policy contacts will be at the staff and legislator level and will be frequent and regular.

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS
• Strategic thinker, anticipating obstacles and opportunities while maintaining a long-term, big picture view.
• Experience forging and sustaining strategic alliances in politically charged environments.
• Direct experience with change management or continuous improvement. Success will depend on the ability to relate to a variety of personalities and get buy-in when introducing new approaches.
• Superb communication and influence management skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to excel working in a large cross-functional/matrix team environment.
• Solid analytical and project management skills, including meeting deadlines within budget.
• Ability to understand implications of complex subject matter for strategic direction of an organization. Ability to translate those implications into straightforward actionable steps.
• Should be skilled as a meeting facilitator, adept at maintaining constructive discussion and assisting consensus, even amidst a wide variety of views and positions.
• Professional presentation skills, excellent extemporaneous speaking ability –clearly presents guidance and technical advice to external and internal parties.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Requires at least 5 years of experience as a policy analyst or policy advisor, preferably in energy policy. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in policy analysis, persuasive writing, quantitative analysis, consensus building and strategic planning are essential. Technical competency in energy and/or engineering fields (specifically electric and/or gas energy fields) is required. Graduate degree in Political Science or Public Policy preferred. A bachelor’s degree in this or a related field is required.

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