Senior Policy Advisor for Energy

General Description:

As a member of the Executive Chamber of Governor Kathy Hochul, the Senior Policy

Advisor for Energy serves under the direction of the Deputy Secretary for Energy &

Environment and the Assistant Secretary for Energy overseeing government operations

and policy management within New York State’s portfolio of energy agencies including

the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Public

Service Commission/Department of Public Service (PSC/DPS), New York Power

Authority and NYS Canal Corporation (NYPA/Canals), and Long Island Power Authority

(LIPA).

The Senior Policy Advisor for Energy reports to the Deputy Secretary for Energy &

Environment and the Assistant Secretary for Energy and will work in close coordination

with the entire Energy & Environment team, along with senior agency staff across New

York State government to implement and execute Governor Hochul’s major energy

priorities.

The Senior Policy Advisor for Energy also works closely with Chamber environment

portfolio colleagues (Assistant Secretary for Environment and Senior Policy Advisor for

Environment) and Environment portfolio agencies on overlapping issues. The

environment portfolio includes the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC),

Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic

Preservation (OPRHP), Adirondack Park Agency (APA), Lake George Park

Commission (LGPC), Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT), Hudson River-Black River

Regulating District (HRBRRD), and Hudson River Valley Greenway (HRVG).

Duties:

• Aids the Deputy Secretary for Energy & Environment and Assistant Secretary for Energy in all aspects of State agency management, including but not limited to, preparing status briefs, facilitating portfolio meetings, overseeing major priority projects, coordinating new initiatives, structuring policy and strategy conversations, communicating policy proposals, and advancing the Governor’s energy policy objectives.
• Policy making and program development: Collaborates with the Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Energy to develop policy proposals based on identified areas of need and develop proposals for consideration during annual State of the State and budget processes.
• Drafts, coordinates, and provides informed opinion and advice on policies, programs, and initiatives.
• Ensures policy initiatives proposed by State agencies and other Executive Chamber teams remain coordinated and consistent with the overall energy agenda.

• Implementation and agency oversight: Interacts with senior agency and authority staff to oversee and ensure proper functioning of agency business.
• Providing input, as needed, on day-to-day agency operations (e.g., review of agency-proposed regulations, program design).
• Reviews and makes recommendations on various public comments on behalf of the Governor and the Administration.
• Ensures Executive Chamber leadership are kept informed of agency operations.

• Communications and stakeholder management: Effectively work across Administration teams and engage with external partners on the Governor’s energy priorities.
• Coordinates closely with the Governor’s Press Office.
• Coordinates closely with the Governor’s Office of Counsel.
• Coordinates closely with the Governor’s Washington, D.C. Office on federal issues related to assigned areas.
• Liaises with the Division of Budget on the policy implications of fiscal decisions affecting assigned areas.
• Consult with key advocates and stakeholders across the public and private sectors to gather input and build support of the Governor’s agenda.

Other responsibilities:

• Travels between NYC, Albany and throughout NYS as needed.
• Represents the Governor at various meetings.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree and at least five years of years of relevant work experience with a

focus on public administration, energy policy, climate policy, the New York State

Legislature, or related topics. A Master’s or Law degree may substitute for an additional

year of experience.

• Knowledge and passion for energy and climate issues and commitment to public service.
• Ability to work both well independently and within broad, diverse teams, building relationships with other portfolios to accomplish objectives.
• Strong diplomatic skills and ability to exercise discretion to navigate policy negotiations among executive teams and stakeholders with varied interests.
• Ability to successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and adaptability.
• Excellent research, writing, analysis, and communications skills.