Lead, Environmental Policy & Strategy

Summary

Provides supervision and direction for environmental policy and strategy functions in the Environmental Services Department. Must have ability to work in a project manager role and lead multi-department teams in support of environmental policy and strategy goals and objectives. Directs staff and multi-department teams in development, preparation, and implementation of internal and external policy with a focus on air, water, waste and natural resource legislation and regulations that affect SRP’s water and power operations. Conducts quantitative and operational analysis of proposed legislative and regulatory initiatives in crafting policy recommendations and informs SRP leadership of developing trends in local, state, and federal environmental initiatives. Develops and operates SRP programs necessary to support development and communication of policy positions. Provides support as needed to other functional areas at SRP to promote alignment of policy positions and integration with corporate strategies. Directs departmental planning and budgeting. Leads cross-functional teams in the achievement of specific annual departmental objectives.

What You'll Do

• Directs staff in development and implementation of environmental policy initiatives and strategies.
• Performs as a project leader; often leading multi-department teams in development and implementation of policy initiatives and strategies.
• Directs and supports impact analyses of proposed state or federal environmental (air, water, waste, and natural resource) regulations or legislation on SRP’s water or power operations.
• Collaborates with internal or external technical experts, SRP leadership, and utility trade associations to develop and implement responses to regulatory and legislative initiatives. 
• Develops and operates SRP programs necessary to support development and communication of policy positions.
• Develops and manages project and program budgets.
• Represents SRP in professional forums to advance policy development and communication.
• Prepares written and verbal reports related to analysis of policy and strategy options and implementation of policy and strategy. 
• Presents frequently to internal and external audiences, often at a senior leadership level.
• Directs preparation of SRP comments or related responses to new and emerging environmental regulations.
• Collaborates with governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations to advance SRP environmental goals and objectives.  
• Develops corporate strategies to support development and implementation of internal and external environmental programs and policies.
• Manages staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs and in the planning and execution of assigned projects.
• Conducts performance review evaluations, and other administrative duties.

What It Takes To Succeed

Minimum of 7 years’ experience in utility-related planning, environmental affairs, public policy, public affairs, project management or planning. 
 

Education

Additional Information

A Bachelor's degree in Environmental or Applied Science, Sustainability, Economics, Engineering, Political Science or a related field. A Master's degree in Environmental Science or Engineering preferred.

Experience in utility-related environmental compliance and permitting, public affairs, public policy, project management, planning, or equivalent. Desirable candidates will have:
•    Prior project management experience.
•    Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
•    Familiarity and/or expertise in environmental laws and regulations applicable to utility operations.

Other Significant Requirements:

• This position requires exceptional coordination and communication skills. The candidate must have the ability to successfully manage relationships within the department and with its customers.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel.
• Must be able to understand complex and/or highly technical information relevant to development of policy strategies and communications.
• Requires frequent written and verbal communication, including presentations to all levels within the company.