Director of Research, Policy, and Planning Division

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC):

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is an administrative agency that hears evidence in cases filed before it and makes decisions based on the evidence presented in those cases. An advocate of neither the public nor the utilities, the Commission is required by state statute to make decisions in the public interest to ensure the utilities provide safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates.

The Research, Policy, and Planning Division supports the Commission in achieving its overall mission by monitoring and evaluating regulatory and policy initiatives that affect the utility industry. The Division also advises the Commission on technical, financial, and policy matters.

Role Overview:

The Director supervises a team of technical analysts. You will assign staff to projects and cases, provide your expertise, and guide them in creating comprehensive reports for commissioners so they make informed decisions. Projects include evaluating utility Integrated Resource Plans, reviewing utility performance metrics, transmission and distribution system planning and operations, and special reports as directed by the Indiana General Assembly. Case content includes multi-year rate plans, rate design, evaluating proposals to acquire new generation, demand response, and energy efficiency resources.

Ultimately, the Director ensures that Division responsibilities are performed efficiently while producing a high-quality work product. The Director also does research, drafts reports and advises the Commission on other policy, rulemaking, investigative, and federal issues.

This role entails the application of economic, financial, accounting, and engineering analysis to topics that affect utility companies and retail customers in Indiana. The position requires detailed and efficient review of analyses presented by regulated utilities, consumer advocates, consultants, and other interested parties in resource planning processes and docketed cases before the Commission and makes recommendations to the Commission based on the results of the review.

This is an onsite role with office hours at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $101,226.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure the efficient operation of the Division.
• Develop and achieve overall Division goals.
• Collaborate with Division staff, Executive Directors, Administrative Law Judges, General Counsel attorneys, and Commissioners in resolving complex cases and projects.
• Engage utility industry representatives, OUCC staff, stakeholders, and the public in a professional, honest, and ethical manner to maintain the integrity and collaborative stance of the Division and Agency.
• Remain current on legislation and operational trends in the utility industry.
• Respond to complex issues and cases that require abstract thinking, intellectual curiosity, expert judgment, creative problem solving, and objectivity.
• Solve multifaceted utility regulatory issues, frequently the first of a kind.
• Supervise technical analysts in completing research and report writing.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

Credentials:

• Bachelors degree Power Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Economics, Finance, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline. An advanced degree is desirable, especially for those without an Engineering degree.
• 10 years of regulatory or utility industry experience, or a combination of eight years of experience along with 1) an advanced degree, or 2) professional certification.
• Specialized training in any of the relevant areas such as forecasting, capacity planning, utility operations, transmission planning, and distribution planning and operations is desirable.

Additional qualifications:

• Familiarity with the operations of Regional Transmission Organizations.
• Familiarity with Integrated Resource Planning.
• Familiarity with federal government policy initiatives and with FERC processes and procedures.
• Familiarity with multi-year rate plans and performance metrics.
• The incumbent must be able to perform his or her duties with little or no direction and supervision.
• Must have proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Solid verbal and communication skills.
• Self-motivated.
• Extremely organized and time efficient.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.