Associate Director - NERC O&P and CIP Compliance

Accountabilities

• • 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.

  Requirements

  • 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.

  Benefits

  • 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.