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 Louisianas future by protecting consumers right to an affordable, equitable, and environmentally responsible energy system.

Since 1985, the Alliance for Affordable Energy has been on the frontline demanding lower bills, cleaner energy solutions, more good-paying jobs, and better infrastructure for the people of Louisiana. As 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.

In support of our mission, our team is made up of policy experts, organizers, and support staff focused on consumer advocacy in the energy and utility space. We are the only dedicated consumer advocate for utility customers in Louisiana. 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. Our advocacy takes us across the state where we fight for energy efficiency, clean energy solutions, and to help families keep the lights on.

Our vision is a future where energy works for everyone.

AAE adheres to theJemez Principles for Democratic OrganizingandThe 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 Alliances 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 Alliances 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 Alliances legal and policy efforts before the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC).
  • Serve as the Alliances 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 organizations 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 Alliances 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 Alliances 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 AAEs 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 Alliances established contacts to cultivate new contacts.

Who You Are:

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelors 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 Alliances policy advocacy at the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
• Proven track record of victories developing, ex…