Director or Manager of Federal Energy Regulatory Affairs - Winchester, KY (open until filled)

About the role

East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility headquartered in Winchester, KY. We serve over 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties and are dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable energy. We also offer competitive benefits and a flexible hybrid remote schedule.

Key Roles

This position is responsible for leading EKPC's engagement with Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), regulatory bodies, and key stakeholders to influence wholesale market design, transmission policy, and regulatory outcomes that support the company's mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for RTO regulatory, market design, and transmission policy initiatives.

• Analyze proposed and emerging market rules, transmission policies, and regulatory filings to identify business opportunities, risks, and impacts.

• Assess new and evolving regulatory issues and recommend strategic positions and solutions aligned with organizational objectives.

• Support regulatory filings and proceedings before federal agencies and coordinate with internal and external legal counsel.

• Actively participate in RTO stakeholder meetings related to capacity, energy, ancillary service markets, transmission, operations, governance, and reliability.

• Establish credibility as a knowledgeable and objective expert in RTO rules and processes.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with RTO staff, regulators, industry associations, and stakeholder representatives.

• Form and lead coalitions to advance positions favorable to the organization.

• Influence external stakeholders and policymakers through structured engagement and collaboration.

• Support regulatory filings and proceedings before federal agencies and coordinate with internal and external legal counsel.

• Lead internal coordination and communication with EKPC and the RTO.

• Serve as a liaison between EKPC and the RTO.

• Keep leadership and internal subject matter experts informed of potential PJM rule changes and related operational and commercial impacts.

• Consult with internal subject matter experts to evaluate and analyze potential operational and commercial impacts of any potential PJM rule change, and proactively consider potential rule changes to benefit EKPC or mitigate a negative impact of an existing PJM rule.

• Provide guidance on interpretation and implementation of RTO rules.

• Address questions from internal stakeholders regarding compliance and operational impacts of PJM rule changes or regulatory policy changes driven by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

• Lead supervision and coordination of analysts, consultants, or any other external advisors supporting RTO regulatory affairs.

• Prepare communications, policy positions, and presentations for senior leadership, EKPC's board of directors, EKPC member cooperatives, and RTO and other regulatory forums.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support EKPC regulatory and RTO policy objectives.

Requirements

• Education and Certifications / Licenses:

  • Bachelor's degree is required. Master's degree in engineering, economics, finance, mathematics, or business is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of ten (10) years of related experience in RTO regulatory affairs, transmission operations or planning, wholesale market design, tariff analysis, or electric power markets. Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience.
  • Direct experience participating in RTO stakeholder process strongly preferred.

• Skills and Abilities:

  • Familiarity with stakeholder governance procedures and formal meeting protocols.
  • Strong working knowledge of wholesale power markets, transmission policy, and federal regulatory frameworks.
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships, lead coalitions, and influence multi-party decision-making processes.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization, including external contacts.
  • Exceptional relationship-building skills and ability to align internal teams.
  • Excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills.
  • Ability to distill complex regulatory and RTO technical matters to those not steeped in the subject matter.
  • Provides thorough and timely communication to leadership and stakeholders.
  • Adaptable and forward-thinking.
  • Excellent attention to detail, time management, and organization skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Proficiency with business and analytical software tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to utilize data analytics and software tools to support regulatory analysis, reporting, and presentations.
  • High level of discretion with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet critical regulatory deadlines.

• Competencies:

  • Strategic Decision-Making
  • Building Strategic Working Relationships
  • Information Monitoring
  • Planning and Organizing
  • Communication