Senior Communications Policy Analyst

About the Position

The Senior Communications Policy Analyst will be responsible for (one) conducting complex economic, financial, and/or policy research on communications industry regulatory issues (two) conducting analysis based on Commission decisions, policies, goals and procedures, utility programs and practices, and state and federal policies, (three) leading communications proceedings, and (four) developing evidence-based recommendations on public utility regulatory issues and challenges.

 Carrying out these functions entails the following:

• Collecting, synthesizing, modeling, and analyzing data (quantitative and qualitative).
• Using spreadsheets and other quantitative and visualization tools.
• Developing and applying standard solutions, approaches, and methodologies.
• Presenting research, analysis, findings, and recommendations verbally for Public Advocates Office management and Commissioners' offices.
• Writing protests, testimony, and comments related to general rate cases, proceedings, and other utility filings.
• Testifying in evidentiary hearings and coordinates with attorneys on litigation strategy and cross-examination questions.
• Attending and representing the Public Advocates Office at intra-agency and inter-agency conferences, workshops, and public meetings concerning issues of affordability of utility service, proposed new and federal regulations, public-purpose programs, and other related matters.

About the CPUC

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians' access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. The essential services regulated include electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies.

The Public Advocates Office represents residential and small business interests at the California Public Utilities Commission. Our mission is to ensure that customers receive safe and reliable utility services at the lowest possible rates. We participate in all Commission proceedings and processes, including workshops, rule makings, investigations, hearings, utility filings and other forums. These processes set how much customers pay for their utilities, the quality of service they receive, and the rules companies must follow to maintain safe and reliable service.

The Policy Section in the Communications and Water Policy (CWP) Branch advocates for policies to bridge the digital divide, achieve universal access to broadband services in California, advance customer protections for communication services, and hold companies accountable for delivering reliable and affordable communication services. In addition to communications services, our team may also be part of project teams advocating for fair, just, and reasonable rates of other utility services, such as water services.

In light of recent wildfires, power outages and the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has accelerated its efforts to address growing disparities between people who have access to affordable communications services and those who do not. The quality of phone and Internet service has broad economic impacts for communities, and for everyone, is a matter of public health and safety. Customers need to be able to call 9-1-1 and access the Internet during emergencies to seek help or information on resources. People also need reliable communications services to participate in distance learning, work remotely, attend telehealth appointments, apply for jobs, and more.

The Policy Section addresses communications policy and program issues that have a significant impact on Californians every day.

Department Website: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.