Senior Analyst, Research and Industry Strategy (Energy Economics)

Description The Senior Analyst works within SEPA's Research and Industry Strategy (RIS) department that serves as the organization’s subject matter experts on what it takes to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy to all customers, both in the U.S. and globally. RIS facilitates high-impact industry dialogue and develops analysis, frameworks, and tools that deliver enhanced value to members and help shape the evolution of state and regional energy and utility policy. This role supports the design and implementation of research and strategic initiatives that advance SEPA’s Grid, Growth, and Globe priorities. The Senior Analyst conducts applied research, quantitative analysis, and data-driven synthesis to generate actionable insights for utilities, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders. This position is responsible for evaluating and visualizing complex quantitative and qualitative data, ensuring that it is presented in clear and timely written and visual products. This position has the opportunity to work on a broad set of issues related to the ongoing transformation of the electric power sector, while also developing deeper subject matter expertise on select topics including energy economics, demand flexibility, emerging technologies, resilience, and utility planning and customer programs. The Senior Analyst contributes to SEPA’s member-focused working groups, external communications, and other collaborative initiatives, strengthening SEPA’s position as a trusted resource for industry and policymakers.     Responsibilities and Key Impact Areas Research and Content Development - Works independently and on teams to design research projects and execute multiple concurrent research tasks, ensuring high-quality, timely, and impactful outputs that advance SEPA’s Strategic Plan goals. Focus areas include distribution system planning, resilience, wildfire mitigation, flexible interconnection, managed charging, virtual power plants, large-load integration, and related topics. - Collect, evaluate, validate, and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data through literature reviews, stakeholder interviews and engagement, technology benchmarking, and market research.   - Analyze datasets from utilities, public sources, and SEPA partners to extract insights on system impacts, grid performance, load growth, electrification costs, and customer behavior. - Build models and dashboards that support scenario analysis, program evaluation, and grid planning insights. - Communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences through clear writing, visualizations, infographics, and charts. Deliverables may include reports, blogs, frameworks, toolkits, workshops, presentations, and other technical content tailored to multiple audiences including SEPA’s diverse members, policymakers, and domestic and international stakeholders. - Contributes to planning and development of RIS-relevant content for external communications, SEPA leadership support, and external events/conferences. Deliverables may include memos, talking points, slide decks, responses to media inquiries, and speakers and conference session proposals for SEPA, RE+ Events, or other key industry events. Working Groups, Member Support, and External Engagement  - Provides support for one or more SEPA working groups. Contributes to the planning and implementation of annual work plans and meeting agendas, member and speaker recruitment, member engagement, documentation of working group business, and co-development of research insights and deliverables. - Provides member support through leading the development of responses to research requests, participating in member meetings, and maintaining overall close communication and coordination with SEPA’s Membership department. - In coordination with the Senior Director, represents SEPA externally through speaking engagements and stakeholder engagement, strengthening industry relationships and visibility. Presents research and contributes subject matter knowledge at national, regional, and state industry conferences, workshops, and events organized by SEPA, RE+, and external organizations. Internal Coordination and Cross-Departmental Initiatives - Contributes to project design and scoping for new initiatives in collaboration with RIS leadership. - Develops project management plans for approval by project leads, including collaboratively defining project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, resource needs, and success metrics in alignment with organizational priorities. - Independently implements project management processes for small projects from scoping to delivery, including managing internal and external review and publication processes and monitoring project progress against goals.  - Collaborates across RIS teams to strengthen processes, improve coordination, and enhance quality of deliverables. Supports development, standardization, and maintenance of research templates, data repositories, and internal knowledge systems that improve project efficiency and accessibility. - Contributes subject matter knowledge, writing, and editing support to proposals, grants, and partnership development efforts, maintaining close communication and coordination with SEPA’s Development department. Requirements - Years of experience: Two to four years of experience in applied research in energy or related analytical fields, including economics, statistics, or environmental, climate, or data science. Professional experience in consulting, utility, government, or clean energy roles preferred. (Master's degree equivalent to two years of experience.) - Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, public policy, physical or environmental science, or related field required; advanced degree preferred. - Required skills and experience: Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience working with R or Python, spreadsheets, charts, and dashboards. Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable and concise insights for diverse audiences. Demonstrated interest in the energy sector, preferably including utilities, electrification, or system planning. Ability to manage multiple assignments, lead research workstreams, and produce high-quality work with a high degree of thoroughness and accuracy. - Preferred Skills and Experiences: Exposure to or familiarity with utility planning topics such as load forecasting, distribution system planning, grid modernization, or demand side flexibility. Experience working with or supporting utilities, regulators, or DER solution providers. Familiarity with data visualization or analysis software such as Tableau, Power BI, or Python for data manipulation. Ability to design and support stakeholder convenings, workshops, and collaborative research engagements. - Preferred behavioral attributes: Intellectually curious, thorough and detail-oriented,  ability to operate flexibly in a fast-paced environment, mission-driven, and strong commitment to quality and team success.   About SEPA The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the electric power system to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy for all. Operating at the intersection of technology, policy, and programs, SEPA convenes, educates, and collaborates with a diverse community of utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology providers, and advocates to address the most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition. Through its thought leadership, convenings, and trusted analysis, SEPA helps its members navigate change and implement solutions that advance the energy system of the future. Guided by its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, SEPA’s work focuses on three core priorities: - Grid – Strengthening and modernizing the distribution grid to make it more flexible, resilient, and equitable. - Growth – Enabling utilities and partners to meet rising demand cleanly, efficiently, and affordably. - Globe – Sharing best practices and innovations from across the nation and around the world to accelerate progress. With more than 1,000 member organizations, SEPA serves as a neutral, collaborative platform that drives progress through education, connection, and shared action—helping the energy industry realize a future that works for everyone. Our Culture  At SEPA, culture isn’t something we declare—it’s something we live. We are building a Culture for Everyone: a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, grow, and contribute to a mission that matters. SEPA prioritizes diversity within its workforce and across the energy industry. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. SEPA aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or ability. ADA Requirements and Disclaimer This position description generally indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act expected of an incumbent. This role requires the ability to use standard office equipment and learn new software applications as necessary. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some traveling may be required. This position description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an incumbent.  An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.