POSITION SPECIFICATION AUGUST Position: Executive Director, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates

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1 POSITION SPECIFICATION AUGUST 2015 Position: Executive Director, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates ( NASUCA ) NASUCA is an association of 53 consumer advocate offices, including statutorily authorized offices from 41 states and the District of Columbia as well as other non-profit advocates such as AARP and the National Consumer Law Center. NASUCA s members are designated by the laws of their respective jurisdictions to represent the interests of utility consumers before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The offices focus on the electricity, gas, telephone, cable, water, and wastewater industries, reviewing a variety of issues including affordable rates, consumer protection issues, service quality, reliability, price stability, and the interface of regulation and environmental policy. NASUCA assists member offices and coordinates among them to promote an exchange of information relating to these issues and interacts with federal agencies and other national organizations involved in utility regulation. NASUCA holds two Meetings each year for the full membership and regular meetings throughout the year of its Executive Committee, the Heads of Offices, and seven substantive working committees. NASUCA is currently seeking to fill the position of Executive Director. Position Overview The NASUCA Executive Director plays a central role in the strategic and operational success of the organization. The Executive Director must take a proactive leadership role in driving NASUCA s mission to advocate for consumers, provide a forum for members to exchange ideas, improve consumer representation at the state and federal levels, and encourage greater consumer participation in the regulatory process. The Executive Director must maintain an ongoing dialogue and relationship with NASUCA members and member offices via all forms of communication. The Executive Director must also pursue the continual promotion of NASUCA and its members on a national basis. NASUCA is seeking someone with knowledge and/or experience in utility regulation on both the state and federal level. The applicant should have an understanding of the consumer advocate perspective and should be free of conflicts of interest. The 1

2 applicant should be able to work independently and have the ability to take direction from a diverse group. The applicant must demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills. Experience developing consensus among multiple state agency representatives and working with an Executive Committee or Board of Directors is preferred. The Executive Director reports to the NASUCA Executive Committee and President. NASUCA currently operates with a full-time Executive Director and one staff member located in a permanent office in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Executive Committee is open to proposals for the Executive Director to work from another location, but any proposal to do so must take into consideration the need for the Executive Director to maintain a presence in Washington DC with Congress, federal agencies, and other organizations, including attending frequent meetings in Washington, D.C. as well as locations throughout the country. Proposals must also account for the need to supervise staff and oversee NASUCA s administrative and operational activities, coordinate the organization s meetings and conferences, and maintain the website and records. Responsibilities The responsibilities of the Executive Director will include, but not be limited to: Ensure the overall performance and effectiveness of NASUCA activities. Track key regulatory and policy issues, at the Federal and State levels, as well as Con,gressional activities germane to NASUCA; and keep NASUCA s members continually informed of these developments. Build relationships with key stakeholders; represent NASUCA and consumers interests in governmental and industry forums where policy and regulatory discussions are being conducted and positions are being formulated. Plan and execute NASUCA s two annual meetings. Raise NASUCA s profile and promote its brand with consumers, legislators, government officials, regulatory commissioners, partner organizations, the utility industry, and media. Participate in NASUCA committee deliberations and facilitate the planning and coordinating of committee meetings and work as necessary; report the output of committee work to the Executive Committee. 2

3 Help to formulate and facilitate the positions taken by NASUCA; communicate positions taken by NASUCA via traditional and social media, NASUCA s website, NASUCA meetings, and governmental and industry forums. Supervise and ensure the operational effectiveness of the NASUCA office and staff. In collaboration with the President and Treasurer, oversee the NASUCA budget, as required. Maintain NASUCA s website with useful, current and issue-driven information. Identify high-profile meetings, workshops and conferences where NASUCA representatives can participate as panelists and/or speakers; this includes the Executive Director participating, as necessary, as a moderator, panelist or speaker. Follow up on all Executive Committee directives and report progress; timely respond to all requests from NASUCA members and stakeholders. Identify sources of, and secure, grant money to support NASUCA activities and travel. Act as liaison with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners ( NARUC ) and applicable Federal and State regulatory agencies, industry groups, and other organizations, in order to provide timely input into their processes. Act as liaison with non-member state agencies and consumer advocacy organizations to facilitate their participation in NASUCA activities corresponding to their statutory and organizational authorities. Work to promote and increase NASUCA membership. Maintain the financial records of NASUCA, to the extent required, including accounts of receipts and expenditures, subject to audit, and consistent with legal requirements and standard business practice. Attend and represent NASUCA at governmental and industry meetings as directed; monitor the activities of those meetings and provide summaries of outside meetings and events to the Executive Committee. Other duties as assigned. 3

4 Professional Experience and Qualifications The Executive Director position requires knowledge of the utilities industry (electric, gas, telecommunications, water, and wastewater) and experience working on utility issues. Familiarity with the state and federal regulatory environment is required. Knowledge and understanding of the legislative and executive branch arena with access to key contacts is preferred. In addition, experience developing consensus among multiple state agency representatives and working with an Executive Committee or Board of Directors is preferred. A Bachelor s Degree is required. A graduate degree or postgraduate work in an appropriate field (such as economics, law, engineering, or public administration) is desirable. Personal Traits and Qualities The Executive Director position requires strategic planning, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. The Executive Director must be able to effectively coordinate a large body of work through committees and work groups composed of state agency representatives. He/she must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently, while taking direction from a diverse membership. He/she must have strong skills in the areas of coordination, facilitation, consensus building, relationships building, communication and organization. He/she must have the ability to creatively and effectively represent the organization in a positive fashion. The Executive Director position requires a person with high standards of accountability, conscientious work ethic, high integrity and trustworthiness, confidence and credibility, and a passionate commitment to utility consumer causes. COMPENSATION AND WORK REQUIREMENTS: The position offers very competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefit package. The position is currently located in Silver Spring, Maryland. If an applicant seeks to work from a location other than Silver Spring, Maryland, the applicant should explain how the applicant proposes to perform the functions and duties of the position from an alternative location. APPLICATIONS AND REFERRALS: Applicants should send a current resume in Word format and a summary of relevant experience/credentials by September 8, to: Stefanie A. Brand, Director New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel 140 East Front St., 4 th Floor P.O. Box 003 Trenton, N.J Or via with the subject heading NASUCA ED Position. to: 4

5 Questions can also be directed to Ms. Brand at this address. 5