Senior Fellow, Energy Policy

Center for American Progress; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Center for American Progress seeks a Senior Fellow focused on the power sector to apply deep expertise in economic and regulatory aspects of electric power, including wholesale markets and ratemaking. The role will lead high‑impact research, advise senior policymakers, and communicate complex policy issues to a diverse audience.

The Senior Fellow will support the Domestic Climate team within the Energy and Environment department, guiding research and strategic communications to advance

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in economics, engineering, public policy, finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 15 years in the power sector with senior roles.
• Expertise in electricity ratemaking and wholesale market structures.
• Track record of high-quality publications and public presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and testimony experience.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for energy policy initiatives within the Domestic Climate team.
• Lead original research on power sector issues including grid modernization and market design.
• Analyze policy proposals, data, and costs/benefits related to electricity and energy supply.
• Provide in-depth analysis of RTO/ISO market design, operation, and pricing.
• Author reports, briefs, and op-eds; present findings to policymakers and partners.
• Advise organizational leadership on emerging trends and policy solutions.

Skills

Electricity ratemaking

Wholesale power markets

Policy communication

Expert witness testimony

Research leadership

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in economics, engineering, public policy, finance, or related field

Job description

Job Details

Position Type: Full-time, regular

Job Category: Exempt

Reports to: Senior Director, Domestic Climate

Staff reporting to this position: None

Department: Energy and Environment

Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion

Compensation range: $150,000–$180,000 per annum

Work site: On-site (Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

American Progress is seeking a highly accomplished and nationally recognized expert to join our team as a Senior Fellow focusing on the power sector. The ideal candidate will possess deep, hands‑on experience in the economic and regulatory aspects of electric power, including the operation of wholesale power markets and the principles of electricity ratemaking and utility regulation. This role will lead high‑impact research, advise senior policymakers, and communicate complex technical and policy issues to a diverse audience. This position is part of the Domestic Climate team in the Energy and Environment department. The Senior Fellow’s work will directly support American Progress’ mission and progressive policy agenda, encompassing research, advocacy, and strategic communications.

The successful candidate will be guided by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country.

Responsibilities

• Thought leadership: Work with the department’s Senior Vice President and other senior leaders to set the strategic direction for the organization’s priorities related to energy policy.
• Research: Conceive, design, and lead original research projects and analyses on critical power sector issues, including clean energy deployment, grid modernization, ratemaking reform, transmission investment, and distributed energy resource integration.
• Data and policy analysis: Analyze policy proposals, existing policies, and data related to electricity and energy supply and demand, pricing, and distribution of costs and benefits.
• Power markets expertise: Provide in-depth analysis of wholesale electricity market design, operation, and pricing mechanisms within regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs).
• Policy communication: Author reports, policy briefs, and op-eds and present findings and recommendations in public forums, conferences, and private briefings to policymakers, partners, and the media. When appropriate, serve as expert witness at legislative or agency hearings, briefings, and meetings.
• Advisory services: Advise senior organizational leadership and external partners on emerging news, trends, risks, and policy solutions across the power landscape.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or master’s) in economics, engineering, public policy, finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in the power sector, including senior roles in government, academia, or the private or nonprofit sector
• Demonstrated deep expertise in the principles and application of electricity ratemaking (cost-of-service, rate design, and incentive mechanisms) and wholesale power market structures, governance, and economic fundamentals in RTO/ISOs.
• Proven record of high-quality publications and public presentation of complex technical material.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate technical analysis into clear policy recommendations.
• Experience testifying as an expert witness before legislative bodies or regulatory commissions.
• Expert knowledge of state and federal transmission planning and siting processes, including regulatory hurdles, cost allocation mechanisms, and environmental permitting policy for large-scale energy infrastructure.
• A strong network across federal and state energy policy circles.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals, particularly improving the lives of working people and tackling the climate crisis.

Application Information

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter with their application.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a preference for candidates who apply by September 8, 2026.