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Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Remote only
Not Available
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Director - NERC O&P and CIP Compliance based in the United States.
This role provides senior-level expertise in NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) compliance within the electric utility industry.
You will advise energy provider clients on regulatory requirements that support the reliability, stability, and security of the electric grid.
The position combines compliance leadership, operational planning expertise, regulatory advisory work, and cross-functional collaboration.
You will assess compliance programs, identify gaps, develop corrective actions, and support audits and regulatory reviews.
The role also involves guiding client teams, delivering training, and translating complex NERC requirements into practical solutions.
You will work closely with compliance, operations, IT, and engineering stakeholders in a dynamic, highly regulated environment.
The position is remote within the United States, with up to 25% travel and occasional onsite client or office work.
Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of compliance programs aligned with NERC O&P and CIP standards.
Conduct detailed assessments of utility operations and compliance processes, identify gaps, and develop practical corrective action plans.
Prepare comprehensive compliance documentation, reports, audit materials, and regulatory responses demonstrating adherence to applicable NERC standards.
Provide expert guidance during internal audits, external reviews, and regulatory assessments.
Advise clients on NERC requirements, operational planning, reliability standards, and evolving regulatory expectations.
Facilitate training sessions and workshops for client personnel, translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable operational practices.
Monitor changes in industry regulations, technology, and emerging challenges affecting electric grid reliability and security.
Support data governance and integrity through appropriate metadata, classification, retention, availability, confidentiality, and data-purging practices.
Collaborate with compliance, operations, IT, engineering, and other stakeholders to align technical architecture with regulatory and business requirements.
Manage multiple projects and client engagements simultaneously while maintaining quality, accuracy, and adherence to deadlines.
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, business, cybersecurity, security management, homeland security, information security, or a related discipline, plus 7+ years of post-graduation experience within the electric utility industry or a NERC-related regulatory organization; alternatively, a relevant master’s degree plus 5+ years of post-graduation experience.
Substantial professional experience with North American NERC Reliability Standards in the United States and/or Canada, with an emphasis on NERC CIP, NERC O&P, regulatory frameworks, compliance processes, and/or Regional Entities.
Proven experience managing or supporting NERC 693 compliance within the electric utility or broader energy sector.
Strong knowledge of power-system operations and planning, including system modeling, analysis, reliability requirements, and related utility processes.
Experience supporting NERC/FERC enforcement activities, regulatory audits, compliance assessments, or related reviews is highly valuable.
Strong understanding of the Bulk Electric System (BES), electrical reliability, and the regulatory environment governing electric utilities.
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients, regulators, and cross-functional teams.
Ability to collaborate across compliance, operations, IT, engineering, and technical architecture functions.
Strong organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and engagements under tight deadlines.
Familiarity with NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls, particularly in relation to secure-system architecture and security compliance, is preferred.
Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident due to client-engagement requirements.
Must currently reside within the contiguous United States.
Willingness and ability to travel, including occasional international travel when required.
Ability to work onsite at a client or office location when needed.
Annual salary range of $135,000–$225,000, depending on factors such as skills, experience, training, certifications, licensure, security clearances, and organizational needs.
Potential eligibility for a discretionary variable incentive bonus.
Flexible benefits package designed to support a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
Company-paid holidays and personal and family sick time.
Parental leave and adoption assistance.
401(k) retirement plan.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare, dental/vision, and dependent care.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Student loan paydown assistance.
Tuition reimbursement and personal development opportunities.
Professional learning, skills development, and certification support.
Employee referral program.
Corporate-sponsored events and community outreach opportunities.
Emergency backup childcare program.
Mobility stipend.
Remote work flexibility within the United States, with travel and onsite work as required by client engagements.
