Assistant Secretary for Energy
State of New York – Executive Chamber
Location: New York, NY or Albany, NY
As a member of the New York Executive Chamber, the Assistant Secretary for Energy serves under the Director of State Operations. The Assistant Secretary plays a central leadership role in shaping and executing the Governor’s comprehensive energy policy agenda. Reporting to the Deputy Secretary for Energy, the Assistant Secretary advises and helps oversee operations and policy management across the state’s energy agencies and authorities, including but not limited to: the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Public Service Commission/Department of Public Service (PSC/DPS), New York Power Authority and NYS Canal Corporation (NYPA/Canals), and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA).
The Assistant Secretary works in close coordination with other State Operations team members, including counterparts in the Environment, Economic Development, Transportation, and Housing portfolios.
Duties:
- This position reports to the Deputy Secretary for Energy.
Strategic Leadership & Policy Development
- Lead policy design and strategic planning across the Governor’s energy portfolio, including renewable energy deployment, grid reliability, energy affordability, and workforce development.
- Manage the integration of energy policy with broader environmental, economic development, and infrastructure goals.
- Direct the development of policy proposals for inclusion in the State of the State, Executive Budget, and legislative sessions.
Agency Oversight & Program Implementation
- Oversee the performance and alignment of major energy agencies and authorities, ensuring initiatives advance the Governor’s objectives and comply with statutory mandates.
- Monitor regulatory proceedings, program design, and rate cases across agencies.
- Advise the Governor’s Office on high-impact regulatory, legal, and operational developments.
Stakeholder & Intergovernmental Engagement
- Serve as a principal liaison to external stakeholders, including utilities, advocates, federal partners, industry leaders, municipal entities, and academic institutions.
- Collaborate with the Governor’s DC Office to track and engage on federal legislation, funding opportunities, and policy trends.
- Engage with the Division of Budget, Governor’s Office of Counsel, and Governor’s Public Information Office to support coordinated policy and communications strategies.
Cross-Agency and Chamber Coordination
- Partner with other portfolios within the Executive Chamber to align energy policies with the full range of Governor priorities.
Other Duties
- Represent the Governor and Deputy Secretary at public events, interagency meetings, and stakeholder convenings.
- Travel to New York City, Albany, and other parts of the state as required.
- Help coordinate emergency response efforts impacting the state’s energy infrastructure.
- Prepare and review position papers, testimony, briefing materials, legislative proposals, budget initiatives, speeches and other such materials as may be required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience in energy policy, law, public administration, or regulatory affairs. A Master’s degree or JD may substitute for one year of experience.
- Demonstrated leadership in energy policy development, utility regulation, or clean energy deployment at the federal, state, or local level.
- Proven ability to manage complex portfolios, lead cross-functional teams, and navigate sensitive political or stakeholder environments.
- Excellent strategic thinking, written and verbal communication, and project management skills.
