Energy Policy Director (EMS 3)

Energy Policy Director (EMS 3)
At theDepartment of Commerce were reimagining whats possible in government. Were builders thinkers and change-makers working at the intersection of innovation community and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth were turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.

Our agencys strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice which is reflected in how we design programs engage communities and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged bold thinking is welcomed and collaboration drives our impact.

This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If youre ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections we want to meet you.

Lead the Energy Policy Office within the Energy Division in developing communicating negotiating and implementing policies strategies and legislation covering the full range of energy and climate issues affecting the economy residents and businesses of Washington.
Supervise recruit develop and mentor a team of energy policy specialists recognized as energy policy experts in state government and as a national leaders in energy policy.
Work directly and closely with the Governors office on the administrations energy and climate policies and with legislators leaders and staff of other agencies business and environmental stakeholders and the public to communicate and advance sound energy and climate policies.
Lead the development and implementation of the State Energy Strategy in compliance with RCW 43.21F.088 and 43.21F.090.
Provide strategic direction; lead short-term and long-term planning; and develop a road map and work plan related to the complex challenges of transforming the states energy system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions increase energy affordability and increase economic and environmental justice.
Develop and implement collaborative frameworks with other units in the Energy Division to ensure that policy insights inform program design and that feedback from program implementation actively shapes ongoing policy development.
Represent the agency or the state of Washington on standing and temporary committees boards and work groups. Assign and guide the work other staff to such committees and groups including the agency member of the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council.
Contribute to strategic leadership and decision-making as an active member of the Energy Division Management Team collaborating with senior leaders to guide division-wide priorities align cross-functional initiatives and ensure effective implementation of the divisions mission and goals.

Strategic and tactical decisions of this position have a direct impact on the success of the state in identifying and implementing policies and strategies that advance the states statutory climate and energy goals. The complex work of this position involves multi-agency and multi-stakeholder coordination with extensive executive management involvement. This position involves analyses and interpretation of state laws rules policies related to energy use and development oversight of utilities and energy businesses coordination with utility and environmental regulators at other agencies and effective communication with multiple external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Nine (9) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:

Experience must include:
Five (5) or more years of senior level experience in public policy.
Two (2) or more years of leading and managing professional teams
Demonstrating a strong track record of developing employees fostering professional growth and leading through change.
Skilled in managing teams with empathy mediating conflicts in an unbiased manner de-escalating tensions and facilitating constructive dialogueparticularly when navigating differing policy perspectives among staff leadership and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to develop policy and advise on how to effectively implement policy and monitor outcomes.
High level knowledge of the executive and legislative branches of state government.
Knowledge of energy systems utility regulation environmental regulation and energy-related technologies.
Demonstrated ability in creative thinking strategic thinking systems thinking and situational awareness.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-profile projects with cross agency and cross functional teams.
Experience in problem-solving with complex multidisciplinary public policy issues.
Strong research and analytical skills to lead to syntheses and recommendations for decision-makers.
Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative working relationships with a diverse array of external stakeholders including environmental and consumer organizations environmental justice organizations energy producing and consuming businesses governments and utilities.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and with diverse communities on a wide range of topics.
Excellent communication facilitation and public speaking skills including the ability to interpret and explain state and federal laws and rules to a wide range of audiences.
Understanding of and commitment to environmental racial and economic justice principles with the ability to identify and advance opportunities that promote equity and inclusion in energy policy and program development

Education: involving a major study in public policy business administration law energy systems or related field.
*Qualifying post-secondary education (beyond high school or equivalent) may be substituted year-for-year for the required experience.

Examples of Qualifying Combinations:
9 years of experience
8 years of experience and 1 year of education
7 years of experience and 2 years of education
6 years of experience and 3 years of education
5 years of experience and 4 years of education
4 years of experience and 5 years of education
3 years of experience and 6 years of education

Preferred/Desired Education Experience and Competencies.
Masters or higher degree from an accredited college or university in public policy business administration law energy systems or related field.
At least five years of executive level management in federal local state or tribal government to include supervisory experience.
Experience or training managing complex projects involving multiple team members and expert consultants.
Superior communication skills for public and internal audiences including writing speaking and presentation skills public relations and media communication skills.

- This position is exempt fromcivil service rules Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 357.
- This position is overtimeexemptfrom the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The position requires frequent contact and collaborative working relationships with agency staff community groups federal agencies legislative members and staff local government entities state agencies tribal governments the public and other stakeholders.