Director, Policy

Summary

The Director, Policy provides strategic leadership in determining the Power Authority’s position on federal and New York State laws and regulations that may affect NYPA and Canal’s operations and long‑term objectives. The role translates regulatory and legal implications into clear, actionable guidance for NYPA and the Canals, recommending organizational positions on emerging policy issues and driving alignment across business units.
 
The Director builds strong internal and external relationships, collaborating closely with business unit leaders, internal subject matter experts, and state partners such as the Department of Public Service, Department of Environmental Conservation, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). They evaluate policy opportunities, assess operational impacts, and advocate for NYPA’s interests.
 
With deep knowledge of New York’s energy policy landscape, the Director applies pragmatic judgment to determine what policies may mean for NYPA, how they might or could evolve, and how recommended changes should be socialized across the organization. This role ensures NYPA maintains a proactive, informed, and influential presence in advancing NYPA and Canals priorities. #LI-CJ1

Responsibilities

• Act as internal and external liaison on business and policy matters that require external regulatory approvals
• Oversee, mentor, and develop the team,  budgeting, resource allocation, performance management, and staff development
• Strengthen NYPA’s relationships with regulatory bodies and key industry organizations

Regulatory Affairs:

• Lead regulatory affairs team in advising internal NYPA business units of regulatory mandates in adherence of state and federal policy and regulatory activities, such as, for example, Clean Energy Standard (CES) implementation, or Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act (AREGCBA) transmission development
• Serve as liaison to government entities on selected issues [e.g., Public Service Commission (PSC), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Canal Corp, Empire State Development Corp. (ESDC), New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), etc.]
• Provide support for NYPA’s increasing involvement in trade associations and other outside professional organizations, such as the National Hydropower Association (NHA), the Large Public Power Council (LPPC) and American Public Power Association (APPA)

Policy: 

• Develop NYPA’s policy direction, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and the evolving regulatory landscape
• Influence and collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders — including state agencies, utilities, advocacy groups, and industry partners — to advance NYPA’s policy priorities
• Assess legislative and regulatory proposals, determine organizational impacts, and guide the creation of strategic policy positions
• Represent NYPA on interagency task forces and working groups, articulating clear and concise policy perspectives to diverse audiences

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with New York State and federal energy and regulatory issues
• Knowledge of laws and regulations within the energy industry
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with staff and management in state agencies and stakeholder groups
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Established track-record of effectively advocating and advancing corporate strategic goals both internally and externally
• Strong analytical, legal, and project management skills
• Ability to manage/supervise cross-functional teams toward desired outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to identify and clearly develop policy and regulatory positions for executive and senior management consideration
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to advocate NYPA business priorities before internal and external groups

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelors’ degree in political science, economics, public administration, or related field is required
• Law or graduate degree preferred
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in policy and/or regulatory affairs required, New York State or federal energy and regulatory affairs preferred
• Minimum 3 years’ experience leading or supervising teams
• Record of successful management of cross-functional working groups engaged in complex policy and/or regulatory initiatives preferred

Physical Requirements

Up to 25% travel primarily within NY State