Principal/Utility Regulation and Finance (Energy practice)

Charles River Associates; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100 hours of annual training

Comprehensive benefits package

Wellness programming

In-house immigration support

Job summary

A premier consulting firm is seeking a senior consultant for its Energy Practice in Washington, D.C. The role involves advising clients in the regulated energy space, managing utility revenue requirements, and providing strategic advisory services. Candidates should possess at least 10 years of experience and exceptional leadership and communication skills. A bachelor's degree is required, while a master's degree is preferred. This position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant experience, preferably in consulting or regulatory roles.
• Ability to independently manage consulting teams with limited oversight.
• Publications demonstrating thought leadership in the industry are a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on regulatory issues in the energy sector.
• Manage utility revenue requirements and regulatory proceedings.
• Build relationships and become a trusted advisor to clients.

Skills

Leadership capabilities

Excellent writing skills

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Coaching and mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree (desired)

Job description

About Charles River Associates

Since 1965, Charles River Associates has been a premier consulting firm that offers employees a place to learn from a diverse group of consultants, industry experts, and academics. At CRA you will be exposed to leading minds who use economic, financial, and business analysis to solve complex world problems for an impressive roster of clients, including major law firms, Fortune 100 companies, and government agencies. Through a collegial environment, formal and informal training opportunities, and a broad array of professional development resources, your experience at CRA will open doors for you as you launch your career.

Position Overview

Our consultants in CRA’s Energy Practice advise clients in the regulated energy space on the issues most crucial to their businesses. Our experts are recognized leaders in their areas of specialization and combine for decades of experience with top consultancies and in senior in‑house roles. They offer clients access to the industry insights they rely on to navigate complexity and achieve competitive advantage.

We represent utilities and other energy firms before their regulators, lend our expertise to the resolution of disputes, support investors on complex transactions, and help plan and build the energy grid of the future. We are frequently called upon to offer expert testimony in docketed proceedings. As trusted strategic advisors, we work with stakeholders across the supply chain to help them grow and evolve their businesses in ways that benefit customers and shareholders. We work in the electric, gas, and water industries in jurisdictions throughout North America and Europe.

Our Energy Practice is seeking to expand its existing regulatory team with the hire of senior‑level consultants with industry expertise in the following areas:

• Utility revenue requirements, cost of service, and/or rate design
• Project management of utility rate cases and similar proceedings
• Alternative regulation, including performance‑based regulation, multi‑year rate plans, energy decoupling, and incentive regulatory mechanisms
• Transactions involving regulated utilities or infrastructure
• Strategic advisory for utilities or the owners of regulated infrastructure

The role requires at least 10 years of relevant experience. Of particular interest is experience acquired in consulting roles as well as in‑house with utility companies and state or federal regulators.

Principals are senior members of the Energy Practice. Successful candidates will demonstrate exceptional leadership capabilities and be subject‑matter experts able to build relationships and become trusted advisors to our clients. Experience as a testifying witness is considered an advantage but not required.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline is required. A master’s degree is desired.
• The ability to independently manage consulting teams and complex assignments with limited oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop junior staff.
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills. Publications that demonstrate positioning as a thought leader in the industry would be considered a strong asset.
• Comfort working in an unstructured environment.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and resourcefulness.

To Apply

To be considered for a position in the United States, we require the following:

• Resume – please include current address, personal email, and telephone number.
• Cover letter – please describe your interest in CRA and how this role matches your goals.

If you are interested in applying for one of our international locations, please visit our Careers site to view and apply for available jobs.

Career Growth And Benefits

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually through formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
• We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional, and financial well‑being, and in‑house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently expect that individuals spend at least 3 to 4 days a week working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to client meetings), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary And Other Compensation

A good‑faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $175,000 – $250,000. Stating pay within this range may vary based on factors such as education level, experience, skills, geographic location, market conditions, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for additional bonus incentive compensation.

CRA offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, which may include: medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; life and disability insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays); paid parental leave; wellness programs and employee assistance resources; and commuter benefits.