Program Director

GridLab is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing expertise for grid transformation. GridLab sits at the intersection of policy and technology, helping to eliminate barriers to the clean energy transition while supporting comprehensive and credible technical grid expertise.

In just over four years since its inception, GridLab has developed a reputation as a leading technical partner in supporting decarbonization efforts across the country. As GridLab embarks on ambitious organizational growth and expansion of our mission, scope, and breadth of engagement across the country, we are seeking a Program Director to help expand our impact.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Program Director reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for leading GridLab’s technical assistance work, authoring reports, and building GridLab’s credibility as a thought leader. Our technical assistance includes expert testimony in Integrated Resource Planning and Grid Modernization dockets; engagement in NERC, FERC and selected RTO activities in support of clean energy and grid transformation; and work on power systems modeling, market design and grid operating practices. We engage in industry-transforming initiatives with partners such as ESIG, RMI and AEE. GridLab supports national, regional, and local clean energy advocates, as well as regulators and policymakers. GridLab’s technical assistance platform is supported by a network of over 60 independent consultants and firms with recognized power systems knowledge.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Director is responsible for leading GridLab’s technical assistance work, cultivating and managing the network of experts, and leading broader GridLab initiatives.

Core responsibilities include:

• Lead and direct GridLab technical assistance projects, engaging with our expert network and leveraging their own technical expertise
• Conceptualize and initiate new projects that help expand our efforts to decarbonize the electricity system, spanning targeted state/utility interventions to national-scale policy initiatives
• Grow GridLab’s RTO, FERC and NERC engagements
• Address areas where GridLab can reduce technical barriers to clean energy deployment
• Develop and assist with deployment of training webinars and in person events, either by GridLab experts or staff
• Assist and lead efforts to generate education and outreach materials, such as issue briefers, academic papers and industry blogs
• Manage, grow and maintain the relationship with GridLab’s “network of experts”
• Grow the organization in collaboration with the Executive Director and Staff

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Deep expertise in energy technology, markets, and policy
• Experience analyzing or managing power system analysis
• Experience scoping and managing engineers and other experts
• Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills
• Self-starter who can work with Executive Director and rest of the GridLab team to set and execute priorities
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to plan, organize and prioritize workload and handle several tasks simultaneously
• Passion for clean energy with an appreciation for linking technical knowledge with policy and advocacy efforts

BONUS POINTS:

• Engineering or other technical background with advanced degrees
• Experience with project-based work or consulting roles, specifically with direct client interaction
• Experience in bulk power system modeling tools, transmission planning, or market design
• Policy training and/or experience
• Experience working with clean energy advocacy groups, policymakers, or regulators
• Experience with expert testimony and PUC processes, ideally IRP cases
• Experience with NERC reliability standards
• Experience with one or more ISO/RTOs
• Experience with publications and technical reports, conference presentations/proceedings

POSITION DETAILS

LOCATION AND COMPENSATION:

GridLab is based in Berkeley, CA with our new office located in the David Brower Center. Staff is currently working in a hybrid mode during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to do so going forward. While our preference is for this position to be based in our Berkeley office, remote candidates will be considered.

GridLab offers full benefits, a fun and engaging work environment, and a flexible vacation policy. Some travel is anticipated, although we fully support leveraging virtual venues where feasible. Start date is flexible, earlier is preferred. This is a full-time salaried position with an expected salary range of $150,000 – $185,000, depending on skills, experience, and geographic location.

TO APPLY

• Interested and qualified candidates should apply by click "Apply" below to upload a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements.
• Candidates who are selected for interviews will be asked to provide writing and work product samples.
• Please direct any questions to Taylor McNair.  

GridLab is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages leaders of color, women and those who identify as LGBTQ to apply.

GridLab is a national non-profit that provides technical grid expertise to enhance policy decision-making and ensure a rapid transition to a reliable, cost-effective, and low-carbon energy future. Our technical assistance supports advocates in integrated resource planning, grid modernization, distributed energy resource planning, and industry thought leadership on a range of clean energy issues. More information about our work can be found at www.gridlab.org.