Sr Manager - State Policy and PUC Relations

Detailed Job Description:

Job Description

Hybrid - min. of 2 times per week

-----DIRECT HIRE Role-----

Job Summary:

• Manages and directs a team responsible for coordinating policy initiatives, working with internal subject matter experts (SMEs) to provide ongoing communication and advisory support on state policy matters before the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Texas Legislature.
• Supports the General Counsel organization and the Director of State Policy in maintaining and coordinating relationship with the PUC. Directs team workflows and resource allocation to ensure internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies have access to well-organized, data-driven information on the context, details, and implications of key state policy matters. Oversees analysis and monitoring of relevant Texas legislation, PUC rulemakings, stakeholder activities, and market protocol and procedure changes.
• Effectively communicates and manages project milestones and quality standards, coordinating closely with leadership and state policy attorneys within the General Counsel department. Leads team development through mentorship, coaching, and performance management, and serves as the primary escalation point for complex or sensitive assignments.
• Exercises broad independent judgment in managing day-to-day team operations, while proactively keeping leadership informed of matters requiring executive direction or decision-making.

JOB DUTIES

• Manages and directs team efforts to research, analyze, and synthesize state policy matters, ensuring deliverables are accurate, timely, and aligned with General Counsel and organizational priorities.
• Exhibits strong verbal and written communication skills to oversee development of executive-facing briefings, presentations, and analytical materials, ensuring content is data-driven and clearly articulates the costs, benefits, and implications of potential Board, PUC, and stakeholder actions.
• Directs team coordination with the General Counsel organization, Executive Team, and external stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive, well-informed market view supports comprehensive policy development.
• Leads planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs, projects, and processes supporting deliberation on key policy issues, decision sequencing, and effective governance.
• Reviews materials prepared for Board, Executive Team, and PUC consideration to ensure alignment with data-driven decision-making standards; escalates concerns to General Counsel as appropriate.
• Oversees team monitoring of PUC Open Meetings, work sessions, legislative hearings, and relevant state policy dockets, ensuring timely, accurate updates to General Counsel and Legal department.
• Partners with Legal department to direct tracking and reviewing of state policy projects and PUC filings, assigning team workload and escalating matters requiring General Counsel attention.
• Coordinates across the Executive Team and staff to ensure delivery of sound impact analysis and implementation guidance in support of key policy development issues.
• Manages team participation in internal meetings and oversees special assignments, ensuring appropriate staffing and successful delivery of outcomes.

EXPERIENCE

• Requires minimum 10 years job-related work experience and 3 years in a management or leadership role in excess of degree requirements. Minimum years of job-related experience can include time in leadership roles.
• Prefer progressively responsible experience in the Texas electric utility market and experience interacting with the Texas PUC.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree: Economics, Political Science, Journalism, Legal Studies, Business Administration, Communications (Required)
• Master's Degree: Economics, Political Science, Journalism, Legal Studies, Business Administration, Communications (Preferred)
• or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required.

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment. Both client and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time.