Director or Manager of Federal Energy Regulatory Affairs - Winchester, KY (open until filled)

EKPC Company Information

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We're leaders in environmental stewardship and we're committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky.

As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.

EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6.5% of base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4.5%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance.

For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc

EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

No Expiration Date

This posting will remain open until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply early as we will review and consider candidates as they are received.

Hybrid Remote Schedule

This role has the option to be a blend of remote and onsite work if department and business needs allow and with approval from direct supervision. Our hybrid remote work schedule combines three (3) days on premises with up to two (2) days remote.

Considering Different Levels

Posting information lists requirements for Director level (preferred), however, Manager level may be considered for candidates with less experience.

Key Roles

This position is responsible for leading EKPC-s engagement with Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), regulatory bodies, and key stakeholders to influence wholesale market design, transmission policy, and regulatory outcomes that support the company-s mission to provide safe, adequate, and reliable service to its 16 owner-member cooperatives. This role serves as a subject matter expert on RTO rules and processes, develops and executes regulatory strategies, and ensures organizational awareness, compliance, and coordinated response to evolving market and policy developments. The position works closely with internal subject matter experts, legal counsel, and senior leadership while representing the organization externally with regulators, RTO officials, and industry groups.

Key Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for RTO regulatory, market design, and transmission policy initiatives.

- Analyze proposed and emerging market rules, transmission policies, and regulatory filings to identify business opportunities, risks, and impacts.

- Assess new and evolving regulatory issues and recommend strategic positions and solutions aligned with organizational objectives.

- Support regulatory filings and proceedings before federal agencies and coordinate with internal and external legal counsel.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

- Actively participate in RTO stakeholder meetings related to capacity, energy, ancillary service markets, transmission, operations, governance, and reliability.

- Establish credibility as a knowledgeable and objective expert in RTO rules and processes.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with RTO staff, regulators, industry associations, and stakeholder representatives.

- Form and lead coalitions to advance positions favorable to the organization.

- Influence external stakeholders and policymakers through structured engagement and collaboration.

Internal Coordination & Communication

- Serve as a liaison between EKPC and the RTO.

- Keep leadership and internal subject matter experts informed of potential PJM rule changes and related operational and commercial impacts.

- Consult with internal subject matter experts to evaluate and analyze potential operational and commercial impacts of any potential PJM rule change, and proactively consider potential rule changes to benefit EKPC or mitigate a negative impact of an existing PJM rule.

- Provide guidance on interpretation and implementation of RTO rules.

- Address questions from internal stakeholders regarding compliance and operational impacts of PJM rule changes or regulatory policy changes driven by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Leadership & Oversight

- Assist in supervising and coordinating the work of analysts, consultants or any other external advisors supporting RTO regulatory affairs.

- Prepares communications, policy positions, and presentations for senior leadership, EKPC-s board of directors, EKPC member cooperatives, and RTO and other regulatory forums.

- Perform additional duties as assigned to support EKPC regulatory and RTO policy objectives.

Key Requirements

Education and Certifications / Licenses:

- Bachelor-s degree is required. Master-s degree in engineering, economics, finance, mathematics, or business is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

Experience:

- Minimum of ten (10) years of related experience in RTO regulatory affairs, transmission operations or planning, wholesale market design, tariff analysis, or electric power markets. Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience.

- Direct experience participating in RTO stakeholder process strongly preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

- Familiarity with stakeholder governance procedures and formal meeting protocols.

- Strong working knowledge of wholesale power markets, transmission policy, and federal regulatory frameworks.

- Demonstrated ability to build relationships, lead coalitions, and influence multi-party decision-making processes.

- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization, including external contacts.

- Exceptional relationship-building skills and ability to align internal teams.

- Excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills.

- Ability to distill complex regulatory and RTO technical matters to those not steeped in the subject matter.

- Provides thorough and timely communication to leadership and stakeholders.

- Adaptable and forward-thinking.

- Excellent attention to detail, time management, and organization skills.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Proficiency with business and analytical software tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

- Ability to utilize data analytics and software tools to support regulatory analysis, reporting, and presentations.

- High level of discretion with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.

- Ability to work under pressure and meet critical regulatory deadlines.

Competencies

- Strategic Decision-Making

- Building Strategic Working Relationship

- Information Monitoring

- Planning and Organizing

- Communication

Working Conditions

- Usual office conditions apply to this position.

- Overnight travel is expected with periodic travel to EKPC headquarters.

- Work outside normal schedule may be necessary.

- Must maintain valid driver’s license.

- Must wear personal protective equipment as applicable.