Manager, NERC Compliance

Why you should join the team
The Manager of NERC Compliance is responsible for leading the organization's North American Electric Reliability Corporate (NERC) compliance program. The Manager provides oversight of activities related to compliance with Federal and Regional reliability standards including, but not limited to, NERC, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC), New England Independent System Operator (ISO-NE), the State of Vermont, and other agencies, as applicable.
The position functions independently and objectively to establish, monitor and administer the compliance program for the NERC standards. The Manager develops and executes a company-wide NERC compliance strategy and facilitates NERC and NPCC audits and assesses and in conjunction with the GC facilitates self-reports or other enforcement responses regarding potential and actual violations of applicable NERC standards. The Manager reviews and evaluates compliance obligations/gaps/concerns within the organization with a goal of maintaining compliance with standards, rules and regulations. Leads, communicates, and oversees the development of strong controls, processes, and program governance along with training and succession planning for subject matter experts (SMEs) across the company to sustain compliance while aligning strategic goals and objectives with decisions regarding software architecture for key business initiatives.
How you will make an impact
• Provide leadership oversight of the corporate NERC compliance structure and processes. Establish and implement policies and procedures to ensure that the compliance programs throughout the organization are effective and efficient in identifying, preventing, detecting, correcting and learning from noncompliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Responsible for the oversight of education, training, communication and other mechanisms used to promote a corporate culture that fosters ethical and compliant behavior and provides the basis for ensuring adequate internal controls and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with peer level operational management in providing interpretation and implementation of compliance policies and in evaluating the NERC compliance implications of planned business activities or process changes.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to prepare responses to regulatory requests for information, including but not limited to compliance audits, spot-checks, and self-certifications.
• Conduct departmental self-assessments to identify gaps and work with applicable personnel to implement mitigation plans to address potential concerns in a timely manner.
• Support the company in internal assessments associated with possible violations, risks, and the identification of appropriate mitigations.
• Serve as a liaison between the company and regulatory entities, which may include FERC, NERC, NPCC, ISO-NE, state agencies and other entities, on compliance-related needs including but not limited to reporting requirements, investigations and queries.
• Maintain an awareness of evolving NERC obligations and evaluate, identify/define, develop, and communicate possible strategies/program framework regarding future obligations and assist with action plans for the departments affected.
• Serve as the staff expert for NERC Standards, controls and best practices including the self-auditing of both the NERC Reliability and Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards and, in coordination with the SMEs, develop necessary processes and procedures.
• Manage direct employees and consultants, including bidding consulting contracts and managing the various mock and regulatory audit processes.
• Schedule and coordinate all audit preparation, documentation and submittals. Establish and maintain key relationships with other compliance professionals, such as participation in industry groups, as well as ISO-NE, NPCC and NERC industry committees.
• Communicate to Senior Management and Board of Directors the results of the NERC compliance efforts of the company and in providing guidance on matters relating to compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.
Who you are
Education & Training
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology or Business, or equivalent experience
Experience
A minimum of 10 years’ experience in an electrical transmission organization, to include demonstrated leadership. Familiarity with operational, financial, quality assurance, electric reliability, cyber security, and human resource procedures and regulations. Minimum of five years of progressive audit related managerial/leadership experience in compliance issues with regulations approved by FERC, NERC, NPCC, ISO-NE and state agencies.
Knowledge/Skills
Able to effectively communicate with all levels and operating areas and present to committees, executives, trustees, external regulators and industry associations. Excellent verbal, writing, analytical, interpretive, negotiation and project management skills required. A strong attention to detail and proficiency with technology-based obligation tracking tools.
Physical/Mental Demands
Must be able to perform typical administrative functions which may involve long periods of keyboarding and periodically of scanning, filing, copying, etc. Must be able to maintain fast pace while completing complex, analytical work, in potentially stressful situations, with competing priorities, within tight timelines and with frequent interruptions. Must be able to work additional hours when necessary. Periodic travel and overnight stays will be required when attending industry workshops, trainings, etc.

• VELCO is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
• Starting pay will be determined at the time of offer based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate. The range for this position is $117,000-163,000 with most offers falling between 117,000-140,000
• Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• VELCO is handling all aspects of talent acquisition internally and will not engage the services of third-party staffing agencies, recruiters, or headhunters. We kindly request that these entities refrain from contacting us.

• Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful reference checks, background check, physical examination, and drug screening. Effective July 8th, 2024, we are no longer requiring COVID-19 vaccinations from new hires. However, we reserve the right to reinstate this requirement at any time in the future. Depending on position requirements, additional assessments may be required.

• VELCO's headquarters are located in Rutland, Vermont. This is a hybrid position and the expectation is that the incumbent will spend at least two days per week onsite and more as needed.
• If you need an accommodation as part of the application or interview process please reach out.