Policy Analyst I or Policy Analyst II

About MCE

At MCE, we tackle the climate crisis with a shared commitment to innovation, community, and equity. Together, we foster an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible work environment where creativity thrives, work-life balance is prioritized, and every voice is valued.

MCE is a not-for-profit public agency that has set the standard for clean energy in our communities since 2010. We provide more renewable power at stable rates, and deliver cutting-edge energy programs to residents and businesses across four Bay Area counties: Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano. Our team, drawn from all walks of life, embodies a shared passion for environmental stewardship and community service. You’ll work alongside dedicated professionals innovating and collaborating to make our communities more energy-efficient, resilient, and sustainable.

We value a range of experience. Even if you feel that you do not meet all of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Application materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

As a Policy Analyst I or Policy Analyst II 

You are responsible for representing MCE and advocating for policies to enhance the development of MCE and other Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs). As a Policy Analyst you will develop policy positions, assess the impact of regulatory policies and legislative proposals, and produce written materials and oral presentations to advocate on behalf of MCE.

You will represent MCE before applicable state and federal regulatory agencies, such as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Energy Commission (CEC), California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the US Department of Energy (DOE) in administrative proceedings and may represent MCE before the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). Additionally, the Policy Analyst is responsible for developing and managing relationships with stakeholders in California’s energy market, including the California Community Choice Association (CalCCA).  

Depending upon the assignment, you are expected to provide policy analysis on the impact of regulatory policies and legislative proposals and are tasked with reviewing and drafting comments and briefs; providing technical and/or analytic input on regulatory matters; preparing data requests, testimony, and hearing exhibits; participating in administrative hearings; researching and preparing analyses; managing and conducting outreach to key stakeholders and regulatory agency staff for each proceeding; and coordinating with external consultants as needed. 

Leveling Policy Analyst I or Policy Analyst II

The distinction between a Policy Analyst I and Policy Analyst II is based on approach, autonomy and proficiency in research, analysis, and application of insights. Level of experience is highlighted in each of the key responsibilities. 

Policy Analyst I is on a path of developing skills, contributing to policy discussions with foundational research and straightforward analysis. Non Supervisory Role.

Policy Analyst II demonstrates advanced proficiency, directly shaping policy outcomes and strategic directions through deep, impactful analysis and the innovative application of insights. The Analyst II has demonstrated experience to influence change and also marks their knowledge of the complexities of policy analysis and advocacy. Supervisory Role. 

Key Responsibilities (Illustrative Only)

• Develop policy positions and technical analyses for key policy issues affecting MCE and CCAs from a result-oriented perspective. (Analyst I - Proficient/Intermediate; Analyst II - Strong/Demonstrable Experience)

• Manage a regulatory proceeding caseload and engage in strategic and focused intervention, including analyzing and summarizing regulatory filings submitted by other parties, drafting responses and comments, preparing data requests, preparing and sponsoring testimony, drafting other documents, developing analytical models, supervising external counsel on specific proceedings, and communicating with regulatory agency or legislative staff. (Analyst I - Proficient/Some Relevant or Related Experience, Direct Experience in Some But Not All Categories)  ; Analyst II - Strong - Relevant or Demonstrable Experience in Many/Most Categories)

• Prepare and provide updates for Leadership, Executives, and Board of Directors as needed. (Analyst I - Proficient - experience writing summaries/updates but not necessarily for Leadership/Executives or infrequent; Analyst II - Strong/Demonstrable Experience writing reports, giving updates to executives/decision makers)

• Develop and build relationships with California and Federal energy market stakeholders and experts, including key agency staff, to inform them of MCE policy positions and impacts of proposed policy on MCE and other CCAs. (Analyst I - Proficient/Intermediate -Limited Direct Experience but strong answers on how they would approach this ; Analyst II - Strong/Demonstrable Experience from prior roles)

• Through strategic engagement with stakeholders, position MCE to be recognized as a thought and action leader, and as a trusted partner for policymaking and grant funding that will support agency priorities and goals. (Analyst I - Proficient/Intermediate -Limited Direct Experience but strong answers on how they would approach this ; Analyst II - Strong/Demonstrable Experience from prior roles)

• Provide analysis and guidance on operational issues that may require regulatory or legislative remedies or be informed by regulatory developments. (Analyst I - Proficient/Intermediate -Limited Direct Experience but strong answers on how they would approach this ; Analyst II - Strong/Demonstrable Experience from prior roles)

Experience/Education

Policy Analyst I

This position requires education and experience equal to a Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of experience working in the regulatory policy space. 

• Experience with a utility or CCA 
• A Master’s degree in one of the related fields is desirable.

Policy Analyst II 

This position requires education and experience equal to a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, engineering, finance, policy analysis, or public administration and four - five (4 to 5) years of experience working in the regulatory policy space. 

• Experience with a utility or CCA. 
• A Master’s degree in one of the related fields is desirable.

Knowledge of:

• California electric utility regulatory issues, CPUC, CEC, CARB and CAISO regulatory practices and procedures.
• Fundamentals of the functions of energy technologies and relevant economics.
• This position may have specific departments or areas of focus including but not limited to CCA policy issues pertaining to Customer Programs, Power Resources, Rates & Finance, Distributed Energy Resources, Transportation Electrification, etc. 

Ability to:

• Communicate MCE’s priorities and impacts clearly and persuasively to external stakeholders, including but not limited to regulatory decision makers.
• Manage multiple priorities and quickly adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Take responsibility and work independently managing projects timely efficient manner

Language and Reasoning Skills

• Exercise exceptional project management, sound judgment, creative problem solving, and analytical skills.
• Analyze and interpret data quickly and accurately, and make sound policy recommendations.
• Develop high-quality writing, research and communication work products.
•  Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, stakeholders, and policy makers.
• Manage projects and time efficiently.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation package offered, based on candidate experience along with generous benefits and perks, including fully paid premiums for health insurance, parental leave, dependent care subsidies, student loan repayment, and employee wellness program. 

Starting Salary Range: Policy Analyst I is  $94,444.50- $117,818.49Policy Analyst II is $109,758.89 - $143,390.04

Application Process

By clicking on the link applicants will complete a brief online form and are prompted to submit:

• a current resume
• a cover letter of what interests you about the role,
• a writing sample (3-5 pages). 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and initial interviews scheduled when a qualified applicant has been selected.

As we narrow to our top pool of applicants, candidates moving through the recruitment process may participate in an initial all in one initial interview, Face to Face Crossteam Panel Interview, and a Face to Face Executive Interview.

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MCE Culture

At MCE, we are committed to fostering a workplace rooted in equity, inclusion, and belonging. As part of this effort, we’ve included a few optional questions to help us better understand your background, experiences, and how we can create a respectful and inclusive candidate experience.

MCE is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

MCE Work Environment

MCE offices support an environment that is accessible to those with reduced mobility. We are happy to provide more details if asked.

MCE makes reasonable accommodations of any known physical or intellectual limitations for qualified applicants with disabilities, sincerely held religious beliefs, and other conditions protected by applicable law.

MCE strives to maintain a COVID-free workplace. To that end, being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment for all employees.