Director of Policy Operations

Organization Overview Formed in 1988 and incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 1994, the Energy CENTS Coalition promotes affordable energy service for low- and fixed-income Minnesotans through participation in regulatory proceedings, policy advocacy, and the administration of direct utility bill-payment assistance and low-income residential weatherization programs. While ECC’s advocacy often overlaps with the priorities of environmental organizations, our focus is on representing the interests of low-income Minnesotans. A successful applicant will be primarily motivated to be a consumer advocate for low-income energy consumers. Organizational Culture First and foremost, the culture of the Energy CENTS Coalition is deeply rooted in respectful service to low-income communities. Our advocacy strives to include the voices of low-income people in policy debates that affect their well-being to ensure that policymakers adequately consider the practical impact of their decisions on marginalized communities. Second, ECC staff operate independently but interconnectedly. We appreciate team members who combine curiosity about the work of their colleagues with an ability to operate independently. Lastly, ECC values respectful but direct communication. We strive to catch problems early and fix them quickly. Position Summary The role of the Director of Policy Operations is to assist the Executive Director in building a public affairs department at the organization. The individual in this role will serve in a variety of functions - ranging from policy to communications - to build out organizational capacity in those areas. The primary goals of the position are to expand ECC’s advocacy capacity and increase community participation in and awareness of our work. Core Responsibilities Policy Analysis and Advocacy • Monitor and interpret relevant Public Utilities Commission (PUC) dockets and state legislation. • Analyze rate case filings and regulatory changes for potential impacts on low-income utility customers. • Develop advocacy strategies aligned with ECC’s goals to influence regulatory filings and legislative priorities. • Collaborate with partners and stakeholder coalitions to support shared policy objectives and amplify ECC’s voice in advocacy efforts. Regulatory Engagement • Draft comments and testimony for appearances at the PUC and Legislature with the Executive Director. • Represent ECC in meetings with state agencies, coalitions, and regulatory bodies to advocate for affordable energy services. Communications & Outreach • Oversee communication strategies, including social media, newsletters, and other channels to raise awareness of consumer rights and assistance programs. • Develop content to highlight ECC’s policy achievements and updates for stakeholders and the public. Organizational Leadership & Department Development • Lead the development of a structured public affairs function within the organization, setting goals, strategies, and metrics for policy and communications. • Act as a liaison between the public affairs department and other organizational units to ensure aligned objectives. Coalition Building and Stakeholder Engagement • Cultivate and maintain relationships with advocacy groups, state agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to drive ECC’s public affairs agenda. • Represent ECC in various coalitions, ensuring that low-income communities are a focal point in discussions and decision-making processes. Communications and Public Education • Advise Executive Director and Communications staff on ECC’s communication strategy, and contribute content for social media, monthly newsletters, and public-facing materials to inform and engage stakeholders. • Develop educational content that communicates ECC’s policy positions, programs, and consumer rights information to the public. Qualifications Required · Deep commitment to authentically representing the interests of low-income people · Prior experience in policy analysis Preferred · MPP or JD · Legislative or regulatory experience, ideally in a nonprofit or advocacy-focused role Compensation This is a full-time, salaried position, with a salary range of $65,000-$75,000. The position is benefits-eligible, including medical, dental, LTD, and retirement. To apply To apply for this position, please submit a resume to George Shardlow, ECC Executive Director, by email at george@energycents.org. A cover letter is not required for the initial application. Applicants who are invited to interview will receive a questionnaire with specific questions about their work experience, motivation and preferred workplace culture. This position is open until filled.

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