Regulatory Economist - Energy & Environment

Environmental Law & Policy Center • Full-time • Chicago, IL • 1m ago

About ELPC:
The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is the Midwest’s premier public interest environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization and is among the nation’s leaders. We develop and lead strategic environmental legal and policy advocacy campaigns to improve environmental quality and protect our natural resources. We are public interest environmental entrepreneurs who engage in creative business dealmaking with diverse interests to put into practice our sustainability principles that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together.

ELPC drives transformational environmental policy changes at the national and regional level. We advance climate solutions with a focus on clean energy alternatives. We protect the Great Lakes and defend the Midwest’s wild and natural places and resources, and we fight for safe, clean water and healthy clean air for all. We combine effective public interest litigation and strategic policy advocacy, sound science and economic analysis. ELPC produces strong results in the courtrooms, boardrooms, and legislative and administrative hearing rooms across the Midwest and in Washington, D.C.

ELPC’s growing multidisciplinary staff of talented public interest attorneys, policy advocates, data scientists and communications specialists bring a strong and effective combination of skills to solve environmental problems and improve the quality of life in our communities. Our headquarters is in downtown Chicago, with additional offices and staff across the Midwest states and in Washington, DC. ELPC’s annual budget is about $15 million. Please visit www.ELPC.org.

ELPC is proud to be the honored by receiving the American Bar Association's 2023 Award for Excellence in Environmental, Energy, and Resources Stewardship. This prominent national award recognizes ELPC’s significant accomplishments and demonstrated leadership on sustainable environmental and energy advocacy.

Come join our winning team of talented, mission-driven professionals, who passionately work together to protect the environment and natural resources in the Midwest region.

POSITION: Regulatory Economist - Energy & Environment

LOCATION: Chicago, IL with a hybrid work environment that includes required days in the office each week.

REPORTS TO: Managing Attorney

JOB SUMMARY
The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) seeks to hire a Regulatory Economist with an economics, finance, or business background to support ELPC’s work accelerating clean energy deployment and protecting the Midwest environment.

The role is ideal for someone with strong quantitative skills and a passion for clean energy and public policy. The Regulatory Economist will conduct complex technical and financial analysis to support ELPC’s advocacy in cases before state public utility commissions, legislatures, courts, and in public forums.

The Economist will work with ELPC attorneys and policy advocates throughout the Midwest. The position is hybrid in-person/remote, working from ELPC’s Chicago headquarters or one of its regional offices (Columbus, Des Moines, Grand Rapids, Washington DC).

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Regulatory Economist will play a key role in developing, evaluating, and promoting policies that advance clean energy deployment and other environmental protections through utility and government programs throughout the Midwest. Responsibilities include:

Serve as an expert witness in regulatory cases and legislative hearings.
Conduct analysis to review and assess the economic, technical, and policy implications of proposals advanced in regulatory proceedings.

Develop high-quality presentations, white papers, reports, and other communication and education materials.

Translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences and present findings in both formal and informal settings.

Participate in coalitions, working groups, and collaborative stakeholder processes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting, MBA, or MPP with strong quantitative training.
At least 5 years of experience working in the energy sector or related field, including electric or natural gas utility financial/accounting issues, regulatory proceedings, grid planning, business strategy, or comparable professional experience.
Deep familiarity with regional energy markets (FERC/MISO/PJM).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Ability to analyze electric and gas utility business practices, including financial statements and regulatory filings.
Experience conducting research and analysis related to utility grids, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, and capability to testify on these issues in regulatory proceedings.

Smart, self-motivated professional with a demonstrated record of initiative and success.

Strong writing, analytical, and oral presentation skills.

Interest in and aptitude for multifaceted public policy advocacy involving media, legislative engagement, policy analysis and collaborative processes.

Effective team player who works well with ELPC’s multidisciplinary staff, including attorneys, policy advocates, communications specialists, and organizers.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Ability to work independently and as part of a geographically dispersed team, manage multiple priorities, and meet defined deadlines.

ESTIMATED TRAVEL:
10-20% domestic travel.

SALARY:
For those candidates who fully meet the requirements listed above, commensurate with experience, annual salary will be $100,000 - $110,000. In addition, ELPC offers a robust benefits package including generous time off, a strong health, dental, vision and retirement savings plans.