Policy Director

How to Apply

Do not apply online.

To apply, submit resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of references via email to [email protected] by November 20, 2026. Please reference “Policy Director” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Overview

Interested in working on utility-related economic and policy issues for a small, dynamic State agency?

The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) seeks to fill the vacant Policy Director exempt position. Issues decided by the Commission include, among others: utility rates and other financial matters; renewable energy, energy efficiency, and telecommunications policies; and siting of utility facilities and non-utility renewable generation facilities. The Policy Director position offers a unique chance to participate in Vermont’s regulatory process that implements major policy decisions that often have statewide, regional, and national significance.

Description

The Policy Director supervises a team of six analysts. Each of the analysts and the Policy Director preside over contested cases as a quasi-judicial hearing officer, with responsibility to identify significant issues; conducting thorough hearings in a fair, professional, judicious manner; preparing comprehensive proposed decisions that resolve all critical issues; and assisting the Commission in evaluating the proposed decisions.

Additional specific duties include reviewing utility ratemaking and other economic regulatory filings and assisting other hearing officers with their reviews of such filings; drafting proposed rules; initiating recommendations and assisting in the development of Commission policy on utility-related matters; assisting in drafting proposed legislation and providing information and testimony to legislators.

The Policy Director trains and advises the Commission’s analysts and serves on the Commission’s management team.

Compensation

Salary for the Policy Director position is commensurate with the applicant’s education and experience in accordance with the Public Utility Commission’s pay plan. The State of Vermont offers many benefits as part of total employee compensation.

Minimum Requirements

• Candidates for the Policy Director position must be located in, or willing to relocate to, Vermont.

• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and oral and written communication skills and a judicial temperament are required.

• Candidates typically have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and at least ten (10) or more years of professional experience in accounting, public or business administration, economics, finance, environmental studies, natural resources, land use planning, geography, political science, public policy, or public administration.

• Graduate work in related fields may be substituted for the required experience on a semester-for-six-months basis. While legal training is not required and may not substitute for the required experience, candidates with law degrees may apply.

• A strong candidate will have experience in utility ratemaking, utility regulation, or related areas, including the energy industries, and supervisory experience within the last five (5) years.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.