What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Analyst, Research & Industry Strategy (Cybersecurity) position at Smart Electric Power Alliance?
Brief Description
The Senior Analyst works within SEPA's Research and Industry Strategy (RIS) department that serves as the organization’s subject matter experts on what it takes to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy to all customers, both in the U.S. and globally. RIS facilitates high-impact industry dialogue and develops analysis, frameworks, and tools that deliver enhanced value to members and help shape the evolution of state and regional energy and utility policy. This role supports the design and implementation of research and strategic initiatives that advance SEPA’s Grid, Growth, and Globe priorities.
The Senior Analyst conducts applied research, analysis, and synthesis to generate actionable insights for utilities, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders. This position is responsible for identifying best practices, evaluating complex quantitative and qualitative data, and presenting findings in clear and timely written and visual products. This position has the opportunity to work on a broad set of issues related to the ongoing transformation of the electric power sector, while also developing deeper subject matter expertise on select topics including cybersecurity, reliability, grid architecture, standards and interoperability, grid modernization, system (renewable energy) integration, and related topics that enable the digitization and technical evolution of the electric power sector. The Senior Analyst contributes to SEPA’s member-focused working groups, external communications, and other collaborative initiatives, strengthening SEPA’s position as a trusted resource for industry and policymakers.
Responsibilities and Key Impact Areas
Research and Content Development
The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the electric power system to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy for all. Operating at the intersection of technology, policy, and programs, SEPA convenes, educates, and collaborates with a diverse community of utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology providers, and advocates to address the most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition.
Through Its Thought Leadership, Convenings, And Trusted Analysis, SEPA Helps Its Members Navigate Change And Implement Solutions That Advance The Energy System Of The Future. Guided By Its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, SEPA’s Work Focuses On Three Core Priorities
Our Culture
At SEPA, culture isn’t something we declare—it’s something we live. We are building a Culture for Everyone: a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, grow, and contribute to a mission that matters. SEPA prioritizes diversity within its workforce and across the energy industry. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. SEPA aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or ability.
ADA Requirements and Disclaimer
This position description generally indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act expected of an incumbent. This role requires the ability to use standard office equipment and learn new software applications as necessary. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some traveling may be required. This position description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
The Senior Analyst works within SEPA's Research and Industry Strategy (RIS) department that serves as the organization’s subject matter experts on what it takes to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy to all customers, both in the U.S. and globally. RIS facilitates high-impact industry dialogue and develops analysis, frameworks, and tools that deliver enhanced value to members and help shape the evolution of state and regional energy and utility policy. This role supports the design and implementation of research and strategic initiatives that advance SEPA’s Grid, Growth, and Globe priorities.
The Senior Analyst conducts applied research, analysis, and synthesis to generate actionable insights for utilities, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders. This position is responsible for identifying best practices, evaluating complex quantitative and qualitative data, and presenting findings in clear and timely written and visual products. This position has the opportunity to work on a broad set of issues related to the ongoing transformation of the electric power sector, while also developing deeper subject matter expertise on select topics including cybersecurity, reliability, grid architecture, standards and interoperability, grid modernization, system (renewable energy) integration, and related topics that enable the digitization and technical evolution of the electric power sector. The Senior Analyst contributes to SEPA’s member-focused working groups, external communications, and other collaborative initiatives, strengthening SEPA’s position as a trusted resource for industry and policymakers.
Responsibilities and Key Impact Areas
Research and Content Development
- Works independently and on teams to design research projects and execute multiple concurrent research tasks, ensuring high-quality, timely, and impactful outputs that advance SEPA’s Strategic Plan goals. Focus areas include cybersecurity, reliability, grid architecture, standards and interoperability, grid modernization, and system (renewable energy) integration, and related topics.
- Collect, evaluate, validate, and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data through literature reviews, stakeholder interviews and engagement, technology benchmarking, and market research.
- Communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences through clear writing, visualizations, infographics, and charts. Deliverables may include reports, blogs, frameworks, toolkits, workshops, presentations, and other technical content tailored to multiple audiences including SEPA’s diverse members, policymakers, and domestic and international stakeholders.
- Contributes to planning and development of RIS-relevant content for external communications, SEPA leadership support, and external events/conferences. Deliverables may include memos, talking points, slide decks, responses to media inquiries, and speakers and conference session proposals for SEPA, RE Events, or other key industry events.
- Provides support for one or more SEPA working groups. Contributes to the planning and implementation of annual work plans and meeting agendas, member and speaker recruitment, member engagement, documentation of working group business, and co-development of research insights and deliverables.
- Provides member support through leading the development of responses to research requests, participating in member meetings, and maintaining overall close communication and coordination with SEPA’s Membership department.
- In coordination with the Senior Managing Director, represents SEPA externally through speaking engagements and stakeholder engagement, strengthening industry relationships and visibility. Presents research and contributes subject matter knowledge at national, regional, and state industry conferences, workshops, and events organized by SEPA, RE , and external organizations.
- Contributes to project design and scoping for new initiatives in collaboration with RIS leadership.
- Develops project management plans for approval by project leads, including collaboratively defining project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, resource needs, and success metrics in alignment with organizational priorities.
- Independently implements project management processes for small projects from scoping to delivery, including managing internal and external review and publication processes and monitoring project progress against goals.
- Collaborates across RIS teams to strengthen processes, improve coordination, and enhance quality of deliverables. Supports development, standardization, and maintenance of research templates, data repositories, and internal knowledge systems that improve project efficiency and accessibility.
- Contributes subject matter knowledge, writing, and editing support to proposals, grants, and partnership development efforts, maintaining close communication and coordination with SEPA’s Development department.
- Years of experience: Two to four years of experience in the energy industry in a government, nonprofit, or private sector role.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, public policy, physical or environmental science, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
- Required skills and experience: Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to translate technical, policy, and market complexity into clear, actionable insights. Strong writing and public speaking skills, with ability to articulate complex value propositions to diverse audiences, from technical experts to policymakers. Experience contributing to complex research projects, implementing project management processes, and working effectively across teams and with external partners.
- Preferred skills and experience: Demonstrated knowledge of one or more of the areas of cybersecurity, reliability, grid architecture, standards and interoperability, grid modernization, and system (renewable energy) integration, and related topics. Strong data analysis and visualization skills (including both quantitative and qualitative data). Familiarity with grants management, including reporting and tracking milestones and/or budget.
- Preferred behavioral attributes: Intellectually curious, thorough and detail-oriented, ability to operate flexibly in a fast-paced environment, mission-driven, and strong commitment to quality and team success.
The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the electric power system to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy for all. Operating at the intersection of technology, policy, and programs, SEPA convenes, educates, and collaborates with a diverse community of utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology providers, and advocates to address the most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition.
Through Its Thought Leadership, Convenings, And Trusted Analysis, SEPA Helps Its Members Navigate Change And Implement Solutions That Advance The Energy System Of The Future. Guided By Its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, SEPA’s Work Focuses On Three Core Priorities
- Grid – Strengthening and modernizing the distribution grid to make it more flexible, resilient, and equitable.
- Growth – Enabling utilities and partners to meet rising demand cleanly, efficiently, and affordably.
- Globe – Sharing best practices and innovations from across the nation and around the world to accelerate progress.
Our Culture
At SEPA, culture isn’t something we declare—it’s something we live. We are building a Culture for Everyone: a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, grow, and contribute to a mission that matters. SEPA prioritizes diversity within its workforce and across the energy industry. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. SEPA aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or ability.
ADA Requirements and Disclaimer
This position description generally indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act expected of an incumbent. This role requires the ability to use standard office equipment and learn new software applications as necessary. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some traveling may be required. This position description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.