This position is located within the Public Service Commission (PSC), Office of Technical and Regulatory Analysis (OTRA). The Public Service Commission regulates electric, natural gas, and local telephone companies serving the District. OTRA is responsible for advising the Chairman and Commissioners on climate, clean energy, and sustainability matters, as well as utility finance and accounting matters, utility economics, engineering, and compliance and enforcement matters in formal cases and other regulatory oversight efforts.
The Chief of Staff is primarily responsible for assisting the Director in planning and providing direction and management control of overall OTRA staff activities, in order to meet goals and objectives of the group. Shares in the management of weekly efforts related to analysis and formulation of recommendations on formal cases and rulemakings; and managing weekly efforts, requiring coordination between various OTRA teams and other teams and groups within the PSC.
Develops, administers, coordinates, and directs programmatic and administrative issues/matters, including the preparation of closed session and other senior management briefing materials, and weekly/quarterly OTRA reports. The Chief of Staff exercises delegated authority to coordinate OTRA activities with officials, managers, and staff both within OTRA, and between various organizational units throughout PSC; as well as attending meetings with external stakeholders, including other agencies. The Chief of Staff coordinates the preparation of significant OTRA technical reports, briefing documents, and technical memoranda. The Chief of Staff assists the Director to set priorities for the week and executes the weekly deliverables with limited supervision. Builds strong cross-functional relationships within and outside of OTRA and fosters collaboration to drive the successful execution of strategic initiatives. Delivers clear and concise updates to the Director on the progress and outcomes of strategic initiatives.
The Commission offers a competitive salary range, a generous travel stipend for public transportation, as well as an attractive benefits package. The Commission’s benefits package encompasses a flexible menu of comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options, as well as a strong set of portable retirement benefit and savings options. The Commission also offers attractive vacation and sick leave time, as well as paid holidays—consistent with District government provisions.
The Commission also seeks to optimize work-life balance through an attractive set of work schedule options, including Flex time schedules, Teleworking options, and Alternative Work Schedules. As an organization dedicated to professional development and learning, the Commission encourages staff to participate in regulatory and industry association activities, as well as educational and professional training. Tuition reimbursement may also be available. The Commission offers rewarding work and seeks a highly enthusiastic professional with exceptional customer-facing skills. The ideal candidate is outgoing and is able to participate in the evolving work of the department
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible for the coordination, development, and administration of management, staff development initiatives, and selected organizational programs for OTRA, including, but not limited to: OTRA’s weekly/quarterly reports, workload metrics, significant technical memoranda; closed session briefings and other briefings for senior leadership; and periodic reporting on OTRA consulting engagements and monitoring of the need for outside consultants. Assures that actions of an administrative nature, originating within OTRA, comply with established guidelines and requirements. Facilitates and coordinates the preparation of reports, documents, policy statements, summary reports, and other written materials relating to office operations for submission to the Director. Reviews and edits a significant number of OTRA reports, memos, and presentations, while also reviewing extensive filings in a variety of cases and rulemakings. In collaboration with OTRA management officials, ensures that many mission-critical deliverables across OTRA are executed in a high quality and timely manner, as part of the PSC’s overall regulatory oversight efforts; and ensures that overall PSC and OTRA goals and objectives are accomplished, in accordance with time limitations, prescribed priorities, and budgets. Serves as liaison between the Director and staff as necessary to relay pertinent information and directives; and to assigned deadlines, and/or timeframes. Recognizes potential conflicts, and makes the necessary adjustments.
Conducts special studies of a controversial or sensitive nature, which include changes in methods of program operation and staffing requirements necessary to execute improvements in program efficiency, effectiveness, and economy. These studies require extensive probing and analysis in determining the nature and scope of issue or problem. Shares in providing leadership, supervision, and direction to OTRA staff, such as making formulating technical recommendations related to formal cases and rulemakings reviewed by OTRA staff; and assigning work based on priorities, selective considerations of difficulty and the requirements of the assignments. Provides expertise to support executive decision-making processes by discerning and describing the interrelationship of facts and issues regarding OTRA operations. Identifies best practices and other objective criteria to evaluate the issues. Assesses the political/community environment, and potential impact, risks, benefits, strengths, and/or weaknesses associated with particular proposals or courses of action.
Represents the PSC in a variety of regulatory forums, including meetings of staff committees of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), technical conferences and working groups for cases and rulemakings, meetings with international delegations, and other meetings with utilities, as well as District and federal agencies. Attends strategic and annual planning meetings to discuss the activities that impact the overall successful operation of the office. Develops and/or facilitates improvement projects with objectives and tasks, establishes completion timelines, and monitors implementation. Periodically, serves as a designated case manager on formal case matters. May serve as contract administrator for consulting engagements; and may, periodically, serve as the Director’s alternate, as needed. Partners with the Director in identifying staffing needs and priorities. Works with HR staff on position description updates and job posting notices. Partners with the Director and other OTRA Chiefs in building detailed work plans for formal cases and rulemakings. Provides overall coordination of updates to the PSC Integrated Case Management System (ICMS), regarding OTRA assignments and deadlines.
Qualifications and Education
Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, at least one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
An advanced degree in a relevant field is highly preferred, such as economics, business, engineering, finance, public policy, or law. Five+ years of relevant professional experience in coordinating and facilitating public or private sector operations, programs, and activities, as well as significant project management experience. Experience in facilitating and collaborating with internal teams and outside stakeholders is also highly preferred.
Licenses and Certifications
None
Working Conditions/ Environment
The work is performed primarily in an office setting; however, a modest amount of travel to conferences and meetings both within and outside of the District may be necessary.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: 8:15 AM – 4:45 PM; M-F
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a Collective Bargaining Unit.
Residency Requirement Statement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.
Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, homeless status, and/or victims or family members of victims of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking.
