Assistant Secretary - Federal/Regional Energy Affairs

Job Description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

Description:

The Assistant Secretary for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs (FREA) reports to the Deputy Secretary for Federal and Regional Energy Affairs within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA). This senior leadership position supports the Secretariat's regional, interregional, and federal energy strategies to advance the implementation of Massachusetts' clean energy and climate laws.

The Assistant Secretary plays a critical role in enabling EEA agencies to lead and coordinate state policies and programs that advance clean energy generation, transmission, market modernization, and grid reliability at the state, regional, and federal levels.

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Accelerating regional and interregional clean energy generation.
• Planning and advancing regional and interregional transmission projects to support clean energy integration.
• Promoting regional grid reliability, security, and resiliency.
• Supporting modernization of regional electricity markets.
• Advancing Massachusetts' interests before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other federal agencies.

• Managing federal, regional, and multi-state initiatives critical to the Commonwealth's clean energy transition, including transmission investment and wholesale market reforms that support decarbonization while maintaining system reliability and affordability.
• Analyzing and developing policy recommendations related to ISO New England (ISO-NE) wholesale market rules, system planning processes, operational reforms, and related studies.
• Preparing and submitting communications, filings, and comments to FERC, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), ISO-NE, and other relevant agencies and organizations.
• Developing briefing materials, presentations, and coordinated communications in partnership with the communications team, including responses to press inquiries and drafting press releases.
• Representing the Commonwealth at conferences, webinars, and other events, and supporting staff participation to advance Massachusetts' clean energy priorities.
• Engaging stakeholders and the public on federal, regional, and state energy initiatives.

• Experience in regional transmission planning, including familiarity with mechanisms that enhance multi-state collaboration.
• Understanding of Massachusetts' clean energy procurement mechanisms, including Section 82 of the 2022 Climate Law, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind (as amended).
• Prior experience working with state or federal governments, elected officials, or regional organizations such as NESCOE, ISO-NE, and NEPOOL.
• Awareness of current events and emerging public policy trends in Massachusetts, New England, and Washington, D.C.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with state and federal government administrative, legislative, and political processes

• Ability to convey complex energy, climate, markets and transmission-related topics, issues, and data to a wide variety of audiences
• Proactive, resourceful, and pragmatic problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative to identify and solve problems using available resources
• Ability to prepare clear and concise communications materials for internal and external use (e.g., memos, letters, presentations, e-mail correspondence, press releases)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
• Ability to set goals and continuously strive for improvement.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze complex information and identify practical solutions.
• Ability to organize work effectively in environments with limited precedents or guidelines.
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing priorities or urgent program needs.
• Ability to motivate, influence, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret program data and make sound recommendations.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of diversity, respect, and inclusion.
• Public speaking experience
• An ability to travel, as needed.