The Chief of Staff will serve as the primary point of contact and, in consultation with EEA, coordinate all internal and external activities and communications related to emergency situations, and must communicate with the Commission, staff and EEA in both oral and written form. This will include preparation and response to storms that affect regulated utilities, accidents and incidents involving public safety, particularly those related to the Pipeline Engineering and Safety and Transportation Oversight Divisions, labor disputes, and other acts, whether natural or man-made, that impact the Department. The Chief of Staff must gather and relay storm information, such as the number of outages and the number of customers affected, efficiently, reliably and quickly resulting from winter storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. The Chief of Staff directly supervises 2 FTE’s, and indirectly supervises approximately 180 employees.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Direct the agency’s press policy by preparing press releases, answering press inquiries and developing responses on behalf of the DPU as necessary. The coordination of the agency’s press policy with the Chair or in his/her absence the Chief of Staff acting as spokesperson, ensures that the agency speaks with “one voice” in its public announcements. The success of the press policy is measured by the degree to which the department’s actions are accurately reflected in the press.

2. Oversee and manage the flow of people and the exchange of information into the Chair’s office. The Chief of Staff must ensure that agency policies are adhered to by DPU staff. In addition, once the Chair makes a decision, it is the Chief of Staff’s responsibility to carry out any and all mandates.

3. Communicate with the Commission and staff in both oral and written form. The Chief of Staff must have strong working relationships with the Governor’s Office, the Lt. Governor’s Office, EEA, MEMA, ISO, utility companies, executives, and any other influential decision-makers. The Chief of Staff’s communication with the above –mentioned entities is vital, especially during emergency situations. For example, during winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, the Chief of Staff must gather and relay storm information, such as the number of outages and number of customers affected, efficiently, reliably, and quickly.

4. In coordination with the Commissioners, work to ensure that the Administration’s policies, priorities and perspectives are incorporated into state and local policy. The Chief of Staff advises the Commissioners on all related energy policy matters and their legislative impact.

5. In coordination with EEA interpret all legislative issues and recommend action to be implemented by the DPU Commissioners. Develops and maintains good relationships with the Legislature and the Energy community and with the public. The Chief of Staff works with the Agency/Secretariat team to coordinate Legislator presence at events and involvement with press releases. The Chief of Staff assists the Commissioners in the coordination of all agency legislative issues, including but not limited to reviewing reports, bill comments, correspondence, and press releases for the DPU.

6. When requested prepare speeches, testimony, presentations, statements and talking points on key DPU initiatives.

7. The Chief of Staff will attend both internal and external meetings when appropriate concerning matters jurisdictional to the DPU.

8. Attend with the Commission, or represent the DPU at seminars, conferences, trainings, and meetings throughout the Commonwealth and out of state.

9. Other duties, as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.