September 2022
Regional Technical Forum (RTF) Manager
Are you interested in a leading-edge position in energy efficiency and demand response? The Northwest Power and Conservation Council (Council) is seeking a Manager for its Regional Technical Forum (RTF). The RTF conducts critical and innovative analysis in energy efficiency and is growing its expertise in demand response. This position guides the work of the body and provides a touch point to the broader Council power planning efforts and other activities across the Northwest.
The Council is an interstate compact agency formed by the states of Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Idaho under the Northwest Power Act of 1980. Under the Act, the Council develops, with broad public participation, a regional conservation and electrical generation power plan, and a protection and mitigation program for fish and wildlife affected by the hydropower facilities on the Columbia River. The Power Plan and Fish and Wildlife Programs are largely implemented by agencies of the federal government, especially the Bonneville Power Administration. The Council consists of eight members. The governors of the four states appoint two members to serve on the Council. The members are supported by the central office staff based in Portland, Oregon and several staff located in each state office.
The RTF is an advisory committee to the Council. It consists of 30 members from across the Northwest bringing their technical expertise in energy efficiency and demand response planning, implementation, and evaluation. The Council is seeking a Manager for the RTF to provide management support for the body, assist with the development and implementation of the RTF budget and work plan, manage and direct multiple contractors, and represent the RTF at the Council and public appearances. This position reports to the Power Planning Resources Manager and is part of the Council’s Power Planning Division.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the RTF mission, guidelines, and procedures and guide work to ensure consistency with the mission
- Manage and provide guidance (weekly) to approximately six RTF contract analysts on analysis and presentation materials
- Lead the development and seek approval of the RTF annual work plan and prioritize and manage resources to ensure successful execution of the work plan
- Provide direction for administrative assistants that support various process and operational functions of the RTF
- Manage and track budget expenditures consistent with the annual work plan and funding agreements
- Craft task orders and requests for proposals to support work plan items
- Plan, facilitate, and participate in RTF monthly meetings and subcommittee meetings
- Prepare and manage RTF communications, including website updates, quarterly and annual reports, and other presentations
- Serve as Liaison to RTF Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), including preparing updates on work plan progress, tracking and summarizing policy issues, coordinating policy recommendations from the PAC to the Council
- Communicate with RTF members, RTF PAC members and interested parties on RTF work and represent the RTF in public forums
- Serve as liaison to NW Power Council and Power Division Director on RTF matters
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability and desire to learn on the job, be a member of a dynamic workgroup, be a self-starter, and have a curious mind about energy and policy issues
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and manage the work of the RTF, Subcommittees, contractors and regional policy or technical collaborations in coordination with other Council staff
- Familiarity with economical and technical assessments, evaluation, or implementation of energy efficiency and demand response
- Ability to effectively facilitate small work group planning and project development and to communicate technical information to policy makers
- Ability to identify both policy and technical issues concerning energy efficiency and demand response
- Independent and able to self-manage workload as well as delegate tasks as needed
- Demonstrated written and oral communication skills
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in management, mathematics, economics, engineering, computer science, energy/environmental policy, and/or other physical sciences (demonstrated industry experience may substitute for a degree)
- At least two years of experience in energy efficiency, demand response, or related fields.
- Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office applications, primarily Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with cloud-based content and project management tools (e.g. Box, Smartsheet)
- Ability to work in the central office (Portland, OR) a minimum of two days per week
Please note, given the ongoing pandemic, the hiring process will be conducted virtually.
Start date is flexible, though preferably in November 2022.
Position will remain open until filled. Application review will begin on October 12, 2022 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications promptly. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, and references electronically as a single pdf to shirotsu@nwcouncil.org.
The Council provides a competitive structure of compensation and benefits. The salary range for the RTF Manager position is $102,000-$130,600. Starting salary dependent upon experience. Benefits information available upon request to shirotsu@nwcouncil.org.
The Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Council does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, or military or veteran status. For more information, see the Council’s Inclusion Statement.