Director of Policy

California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is an independent, nonprofit organization based in San Diego that serves as an objective resource on energy issues for individuals, businesses, organizations, public agencies and local governments throughout California. CCSE works to implement energy and climate policy in California through program development and management, technical assistance and education and outreach. With a primary focus on facilitating renewable, sustainable and efficient energy technologies and practices, CCSE operates in 5 focus areas: energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate change, transportation and green building.

This is an active and exciting time for California energy policy.  CCSE is an established organization leading, developing and supporting innovative approaches to the critical issues of energy and environment in our region, state and beyond.

Position Overview:

The Director of Policy will be an integral part of an accomplished team of CCSE executives who develop and implement CCSE's vision for clean energy in California.  The Director of Policy is responsible for identifying and influencing policy matters that support CCSE's core mission and strengthen its long-term development.  S/he will identify and pursue policy opportunities that sustain and expand CCSE's role and impact. S/he will guide CCSE's regulatory and legislative activities, as well as develop strategic policy initiatives and lead advocacy on key topics within CCSE's areas of influence. The Director and his/her staff of 3-5 professionals will support and leverage CCSE programs to enhance CCSE's relevance and position in the marketplace. 

Reports to:  Executive Director

Responsibilities:

• Direct CCSE policy activities: regulatory, legislative, and supporting research & analysis efforts;
• Direct CCSE's representation in local, regional, state and national policy arenas, including public and private interactions with regulatory bodies; and leverage strategic policy support opportunities to enhance relationships with key decision makers;
• Develop and maintain relationships with private and governmental entities, including: CPUC, CEC, ARB, state and federal legislators and legislative staff, SDG&E and other relevant utilities, SANDAG, city and county officials in the San Diego region and elsewhere in the state;
• Conduct new business outreach and development through networking opportunities; guide the decision-making process in the choice of activities to pursue; and manage policy-related targeting of major proposals;
• Raise CCSE's profile through participation in stakeholder workshops and meetings; present CCSE work and policy positions at local and national conferences and meetings; serve as spokesperson for CCSE and its mission-relevant issues;
• Oversee CCSE participation in proceedings and other regulatory matters, including development of comments related to CCSE programs and other action areas;
• Guide CCSE's policy-relevant research and analysis efforts in order to build our reputation as a regional, state and national leader in the clean energy arena;
• Monitor legislative activities in Sacramento and Washington DC, and participate as needed in lobbying efforts;
• Develop policy analysis and strategic planning directions relating to major CCSE programs including CSI, SGIP, PACE, CVRP, Building Performance and others as they emerge;
• Develop alliances aimed at increasing CCSE's long-term role in the energy efficiency, renewables and transportation arenas;
• Manage a team of up to 5 professional team members.
• Ability to travel and to work flexible hours, as needed.

Qualifications:

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The Director of Policy must possess:

• Demonstrated creative and effective leadership skills in the California energy arena.
• Substantial direct experience with energy policy development and advocacy
• In-depth knowledge of and proven success acting within governmental and legislative processes
• Ability to define, organize and lead development of policy activities, with a critical approach and attention to detail
• Strong relationships with key networks in state and federal government on issues related to energy
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies a diverse communities
• Proven ability to communicate clearly, tactfully and persuasively to individuals and groups
• Proven networking abilities and a talent for coalition-building and ideation
• Highly-developed research skills: Direct collection of and synthesize information on specific energy topics, utilizing the widest variety of credible sources
• At least 5 years of policy development experience at the local, state and/or federal level
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all co-workers, stakeholders and clients

Education and/or Experience:

Masters degree in Energy Policy, Public Policy, Political Science or related discipline, or equivalent experience; at least 5 years of relevant policy, legislative and/or regulatory experience.  Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, within fixed time constraints.

Computer and/or Technical Skills:

Demonstrated, highly competent abilities with various computer software programs and fluency in using standard office software packages such as MS Office: Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

License, Certificates or Registrations:

Valid California Drivers License; insurable in the State of California.  Must own a licensed and registered vehicle and be willing to use it for work-related purposes.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employee will work in an office environment and must possess the physical abilities to utilize standard office equipment: computer, telephone, copier etc.
• Travel may occasionally be on short notice. Periodic overnight travel may be required.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Job responsibilities may require the use of personal or CCSE vehicles on CCSE business. Must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license, and have an acceptable driving record.

May work some evenings and weekends or work longer hours to meet deadlines.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Location: San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area or Sacramento.  Some travel is required.

To Apply:

All applicants are required to complete an CCSE Employment Application (42.68 kB). Resumes may be submitted to supplement information provided on the application, but do not serve as a substitute to the application.

Qualified individuals may obtain an employment application by:

• Writing to CCSE, Attn: HR, 8690 Balboa Avenue, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92123
• Calling CCSE
• Emailing CCSE
• Downloading the CCSE Employment Application

To apply for an open position, please specify the position you are interested in and send your resume and a completed employment application by mail, email or fax.

California Center for Sustainable Energy
Attn: HR
8690 Balboa Avenue, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123

NOTE:  Cover letter must detail specific experiences with energy policy in the California context, providing examples of relevant activities the candidate has led and the concrete outcomes achieved.