Research Engagement Program Lead

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) manages the efficient flow of electricity on more than 11,000 circuit-miles of high-voltage transmission lines, dispatching power from hundreds of generating units across the state.

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) applies cutting-edge technology to operating a reliable electricity system, managing competitive markets for wholesale electricity, and planning for the Empire State's energy future.  The NYISO’s Market Structures department invites applications for a full-time Research Engagement Program Lead to join the team.

The Research Engagement Program Lead is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the NYISO research and university engagement efforts. This individual will develop authoritative reports and white papers for the communication of policy initiatives to stakeholders, regulators, and other policy makers, as well as maintain a comprehensive understanding of energy industry trends and developments. The Research Engagement Program Lead will coordinate NYISO engagement with academic and research institutions to support strategic research initiatives. Additionally, the Research Engagement Program Lead will prepare Board of Directors communications, including briefing documents, presentations, and reports that support informed decision-making.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct a comprehensive industry scan of the electricity industry and adjacent sectors to identify emerging trends, regulatory shifts, and competitive dynamics impacting the NYISO’s strategic objectives.
• Develop authoritative reports to analyze emerging trends and assess market impacts of governmental policies.
• Conduct research and collect data on industry trends and performance metrics.
• Participate in internal and external committees, projects, work groups, and ad hoc groups (as required) as corporate or department representative.
• Lead engagement with academic and research institutions, fostering collaboration while managing budgets, timelines, and performance metrics for joint initiatives.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration by aligning internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure strategic initiatives are executed effectively.
• Act as a strategic point of contact for external research efforts across the Senior Leadership and Management teams, ensuring transparency and alignment of research outcomes with organizational goals.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration through a Senior Leadership oversight committee to assess research proposals and guide investment in high-impact initiatives.
• Deliver structured, high-impact updates to Senior Leadership through executive updates, status reports, and strategic briefings to drive alignment and informed decision-making.
• Coordinate department messaging and communication on industry papers and materials.
• Lead the development of department strategic materials and Board of Director communications in coordination with Vice President Market Structures.
• Maintain research paper repository and encourage dissemination of informative outcomes and findings throughout the NYISO as appropriate.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not possess supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (BS) in Business, Electrical Engineering, Economics, Communications or related field; Master’s degree (MS, MBA) preferred.
• Seven years of progressively more responsible related experience including enterprise strategic planning leadership, complex project management, supervision and demonstrated business acumen and knowledge of electric power utility industry and/or competitive markets, market operations, market economics, finance/accounting systems; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
None required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from market participants, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write white papers, speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory and factor analysis.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail and internet programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to perform routine office tasks. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Contact with staff and public will occur. Travel may be required to attend and/or conduct meetings, conferences and training. This position may require work on nights, weekends or holidays.

At the NYISO, we realize the importance of balancing the availability of remote work with the inherent value of bringing people together to attain success in the areas of maximum collaboration, relationship building and growth, teamwork, innovation and problem solving, as well as professional development and mentoring. In this role, you will be required to work onsite from our Rensselaer, NY location several days per workweek, with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. You will also be expected to respond to all business needs that may require any increase to the regular onsite requirements.

The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs.

All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check.

The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.