Ohio Consumers' Counsel (Agency Director)

About Us:

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, the State’s voice for millions of Ohio residential utility consumers, seeks an experienced attorney with a passion for public service to serve as Ohio Consumers’ Counsel. This position is an opportunity to serve as Director of an independent agency with a mission and vision to help consumers, including at-risk Ohioans, regarding their electric, natural gas, telephone, and water utility services. The agency’s mission, vision and values can be viewed at this link: https://www.occ.ohio.gov/content/mission-vision-values. From the time the legislature created the agency in 1976, we have sought lower utility bills and reliable utility service for residential consumers. At OCC, we put Consumers First.

Responsibilities of the Position:

The Consumers’ Counsel is appointed by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of a nine-member Governing Board. The successful candidate will be responsible for the leadership and management of the agency, including, but not limited to: being responsible to the Governing Board and its policies and directives; initiating and/or intervening in legal proceedings on behalf of residential utility consumers; reporting to the General Assembly on activities of the agency; educating and informing consumers; developing and implementing policies and procedures of the agency; serving as the agency’s appointing authority for employees and technical consultants; and ensuring agency compliance with all relevant statutes. The Consumers’ Counsel manages a staff of several dozen employees, with an annual operating budget of approximately $5.8 million.

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Employee Development Funds

• The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Qualifications:

Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio and qualified by knowledge and experience to practice in public utility proceedings. The Consumers’ Counsel must: not be a candidate for elective public office; devote full time to the duties of the agency without engaging in any other occupation or business; and not be in the employ of, act in an official capacity for, or have a pecuniary interest in a public utility regulated by the PUCO. Ohio residency, an oath of office, and a bond are required.

Applicants should have an expert understanding of policy issues for protection of residential utility consumers in state and federal cases and on legislation affecting the affordability, reliability and equitableness of utility services. This understanding should include expertise in the serving of consumers through competitive markets, where effective, to obtain benefits including lower monthly bills and greater innovation, without corporate subsidies.

Applicants should be experienced in management of professionals and should welcome both team processes and personal initiative to achieve agency objectives for consumer protection. Applicants should be experienced with litigation and negotiation of utility consumer issues.

Additional qualifications include: at least ten years of experience in utility regulation at the state or federal level; at least 5 years of experience managing employees including attorneys; an understanding of principles of management; experience with state budgeting and governmental processes; and experience in public speaking and working with written and broadcast media.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and a drug test. Per the Ohio Revised Code 124.151(B), all newly hired employees will be required to have their compensation deposited directly to a financial institution. The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. When contacted for an interview, an applicant who requires special accommodations due to a disability should notify the Office of Human Resources at the time he/she is contacted so that proper arrangements can be made for the interview.

The applicant is required to provide details of minimum qualifications and job duties on the application form. Failure to provide the information will preclude consideration of the applicant. If an interview is offered, supporting documentation/paperwork (e.g., college transcripts, copy of pertinent license or certifications, etc.) may be required at the time of the interview.