Published November 30, 2022

About the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota

The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota (CUB) is the independent advocate for Minnesota utility consumers. Our goal is to help ensure all Minnesotans have equal access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy – and to ensure consumers benefit from the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy resources.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit consumer advocate, CUB serves two primary functions. First, we represent the interests of Minnesota consumers to influence policy (including regulatory and legislative activities) affecting Minnesota’s public utilities. We advocate before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the state legislature. Second, CUB serves as a resource for Minnesotans with energy-related questions. We educate consumers on resources, technologies, and programs designed to help them make their energy usage more efficient and more affordable, and we assist people at risk of utility shutoff.

Job description

CUB seeks a creative and ambitious leader to capitalize on the enormous opportunities for Minnesota consumers in the quickly evolving energy world. This individual will primarily work representing CUB in proceedings before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, with a particular focus on the future of natural gas: how the gas distribution system must evolve to meet climate goals while ensuring that consumers are protected through any transition. We are hiring for one position, which will be classified as either a Senior Regulatory Advocate or Regulatory Advocate, depending on experience level.

The Senior Regulatory Advocate/Regulatory Advocate will work together with CUB’s executive director and regulatory team to shape and execute a vision for CUB’s regulatory advocacy program, coordinated with CUB’s work in legislative policy and direct consumer outreach. This position will require both thought leadership to construct and advocate for a consumer-centered safe, clean, and affordable energy vision, and the strategic and technical ability to advance that vision in the regulatory arena.

The Senior Regulatory Advocate/Regulatory Advocate can expect to work on gas-related topics, including the Future of Gas docket and utility Natural Gas Innovation Act plans. They can also expect to contribute to CUB’s wide-ranging advocacy related to utility rate design; clean energy technologies and grid modernization; utility business and regulatory models; affordability, shutoffs, and consumer protection; and/or other topics. 

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Represent CUB at the Public Utilities Commission, including intervening in regulatory proceedings, working with and/or managing consultants, and planning ahead to create opportunities.
• Prepare and present thorough analyses of utility plans and proposals.
• Develop strategies to preserve and advance clean, reliable, affordable energy for Minnesota residents and small businesses.
• Coordinate with partners and stakeholders in executing the above, and represent CUB in policy working groups and stakeholder committees.
• Contribute to developing the organization’s legislative advocacy platform and positions, and occasionally represent CUB in legislative advocacy.

Qualifications

• A strategic mind.
• The technical ability to dive deep into complex regulatory policy issues, while keeping the big-picture objectives front of mind. 
• Demonstrable knowledge of Minnesota’s energy industry, energy policy, and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Experience related to gas utilities, utility resources and planning, and/or advanced grid and technology are strongly preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience before the PUC or in comparable settings to qualify as a Regulatory Advocate, or at least 6 years of experience before the PUC or in comparable settings to qualify as a Senior Regulatory Advocate.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Self-directed with the flexibility to thrive in an evolving, collaborative team environment. 
• A law degree, masters degree in economics or public policy, other advanced degree related to energy/utility law and policy, or comparable experience/training is strongly preferred.
• Preference will be given to applicants who currently reside within commuting distance of St. Paul, Minnesota; however, we are open to considering remote work options for qualified applicants located outside of the Twin Cities. (Periodic travel to St. Paul will be required.)

Compensation

This is a full-time, salaried position. The salary range for the Senior Regulatory Advocate is $80,000-$115,000. The salary range for the Regulatory Advocate is $60,000-$90,000. In addition, CUB provides an excellent benefits package, including:

• Medical and dental insurance. CUB covers 90% of employees’ premiums.
• Life and short- and long-term disability insurance. CUB covers 100% of employees’ premiums.
• Paid sick and vacation leave, 10 paid holidays per year.
• 3% matching retirement contribution.
• Monthly stipends for transportation and cell phone expenses.

The position is based in CUB’s downtown St. Paul office but will be a hybrid remote position. 

To apply: Send a resume and cover letter to Annie Levenson-Falk, Executive Director, at annielf@cubminnesota.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed beginning on December 19.