Description

The Transmission Access Policy Study Group (TAPS) seeks a strategic, dynamic, and engaged energy industry expert to serve as its next Executive Director. TAPS is a national association representing 31 transmission-dependent electric utilities operating in 39 states. For more than four decades, TAPS has advanced policies that promote open and non-discriminatory transmission access, competitive wholesale electricity markets, and risk-based regulation. TAPS works closely with federal policymakers, regulators, industry organizations, and member utilities to ensure that transmission-dependent utilities have a strong and effective voice in shaping the future of the electric industry.

Reporting directly to the TAPS Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the organization's chief executive and principal spokesperson, providing strategic leadership, policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and operational management.

This is a remote, part-time Executive Director engagement serving under contract to TAPS, with national responsibilities and periodic travel.

Position Responsibilities

The Executive Director is responsible for advancing TAPS' mission and policy objectives through effective leadership, advocacy, and member engagement.

Strategic Leadership and Policy Development

Build consensus among TAPS members regarding organizational policy positions and strategic priorities.
Develop and execute advocacy strategies that advance TAPS objectives before federal agencies, policymakers, and industry organizations.
Recommend annual goals, priorities, budgets, and membership strategies to the Board of Directors.
Plan and implement two annual policy-focused member conferences—including developing the meeting agenda, inviting and supporting policymakers and other energy officials as presenters, and staffing Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and membership meetings.  

Federal Advocacy and Industry Representation

Serve as TAPS' primary spokesperson before Congress, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and other policymakers and stakeholders.Represent transmission-dependent utilities on matters related to transmission policy, wholesale markets, reliability, and regulatory reform.

Organizational and Financial Management

Develop and manage annual budgets and organizational resources.
Oversee consultants, legal counsel, lobbyists, and service providers to ensure high-quality, cost-effective support for TAPS initiatives.

Communications and Membership Development

Lead communications and media outreach efforts that enhance TAPS' visibility and influence.
Coordinate activities with the American Public Power Association and other industry and stakeholder organizations to maximize effectiveness and avoid duplication of effort.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in the electric utility industry, energy policy, government affairs, regulatory affairs, public power, wholesale electricity markets, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated expertise in electric transmission policy, wholesale electricity markets, utility regulation, or federal energy policy. Experience working with or before federal agencies, Congress, FERC, NERC, US Department of Energy, or similar organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience representing public power utilities, transmission-dependent utilities, regional utility organizations, or energy trade associations.
Existing relationships within federal energy policy, regulatory, and legislative communities.
Experience testifying before regulatory bodies, legislative committees, or industry forums.
 

First review of applications will be on June 26, 2026. TAPS reserves the right to close this posting once a sufficient number of applications have been received. 

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume for this position through the Northern California Power Agency’s Careers website at www.ncpa.com/careers. Application materials will be reviewed confidentially and on a rolling basis.