Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

To be considered for this position, qualified applicants should email chearne@ceur.virginia.gov with (1) a cover letter; (2) a résumé; (3) at least two writing samples of 2 to 10 pages authored primarily by the applicant; and (4) the name, title, and contact information of three references. Include “Job Application” in the subject line of the email.  

Applications will be reviewed until August 31, 2024.

The Virginia Commission on Electric Utility Regulation (CEUR) is looking for a dynamic, experienced professional to join its team as a policy analyst. The CEUR is a Commission of the Virginia General Assembly, established to monitor the implementation of the Virginia Electric Utility Regulation Act and oversee issuance of ratepayer impact statements for electric utility regulation. The CEUR is led by an executive director and the Commission is made up of fourteen (14) appointed and elected members, including members of the Virginia House of Representatives, Virginia Senate, citizen members, and a representative of the Attorney General’s Office. Members of the Commission are charged with making policy decisions to ensure the advancement of clean, reliable and affordable energy resources for Virginia’s residents, businesses, communities and economy at large.

The CEUR focus includes but is not limited to the following areas:

1. annual new construction and development of utility-owned and operated solar facilities;

2. integration of renewable energy generation into the distribution grid;

3. utility-owned and operated solar facilities in operation since July 1, 2018;

4. the need for additional generation from solar facilities to meet 2028 objectives;

5. aggregate annual new construction or purchase of energy storage facilities.

The CEUR conducts robust, independent, and nonpartisan public policy research and performance evaluation to help guide the Commission’s agenda and to make policy recommendations that inform legislators’ policy decisions. Staff of the CEUR are to be located in or near Richmond, Virginia. Learn more about the CEUR and its body of work by visiting the Commonwealth website for the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation.

The CEUR policy analyst will have the opportunity to:

● conduct or engage in primary research through interviews, fieldwork, surveys, and other qualitative methods;

● perform data analysis, including ratepayer impact analysis;

● engage with stakeholders in a variety of settings including in-person site visits, workgroups and interviews;

● synthesize information from secondary sources (e.g., other states’ research, journals);

● develop actionable recommendations for CEUR members’ consideration;

● support legislative members and Division of Legislative Services staff in drafting legislation and budget language to enact recommendations during the legislative session; and

● represent the agency before legislative audiences and other stakeholders.

Required qualifications

Successful candidates will have the following characteristics:

● a Bachelor’s or advanced degree (preferred) in public policy or administration, energy policy, or a related discipline; or a J.D. with an interest in public policy;

● 5+ years of professional experience, including 2+ years of research and/or legislative analysis in a public policy, program evaluation, energy, regulatory, or legal field;

● ability to conduct research in a non-partisan, neutral, and objective manner;

● excellent critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills;

● ability to synthesize and present complex information in a clear and concise way;

● strong writing and oral communication skills;

● ability to balance multiple workflows and manage tight deadlines;

● intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn;

● high level of attention to detail;

● ability to thrive in a team environment; and

● solid knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Knowledge of the energy system, particularly in Virginia or the PJM region, is preferred. Familiarity with Virginia’s state government and legislative process will be viewed favorably. Candidates are encouraged to research this region and demonstrate their familiarity with Virginia’s energy system prior to an interview. Candidates who are experienced, motivated, and share a passion for energy, policy, regulation and regulatory process, public service, economic and ratepayer analysis, research, law, and program evaluation are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding work experience and a healthy work/life balance, the CEUR offers a competitive salary ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 for this position, based on experience. Employees will be offered a flexible work environment and the opportunity to work remotely at least two days a week. Employment with the Commonwealth of Virginia comes with an excellent benefit package that includes generous and affordable health and life insurance, annual / personal / sick leave plus 12 paid holidays, and a retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings and employer matching.

The CEUR is committed to pursuing increased workforce diversity and ensuring an inclusive work environment.

Special Instructions

To be considered for this position, qualified applicants should email chearne@ceur.virginia.gov with (1) a cover letter; (2) a résumé; (3) at least two writing samples of 2 to 10 pages authored primarily by the applicant; and (4) the name, title, and contact information of three references. Include “Job Application” in the subject line of the email.

Applications will be reviewed until August 31, 2024.

*Please note this position is being posted on behalf of the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation. This is not a DLS position.*