Director, RTO Strategy & Policy - SPP

** Job Posting End Date*
* 05-29-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

** Job Summary*
* Responsible for leading the development of AEP Transmission strategy and policy positions for all transmission matters in the SPP Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) across the AEP footprint. Responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with all RTO stakeholders, partners, and state and federal regulators in an effort to influence public policy and drive transmission project development efforts within and beyond the AEP footprint.

Responsible for developing and maintaining the requisite relationships within the SPP RTO, as well as other RTOs. The individual will work through and closely with operating company and regulatory leadership when working with stakeholders within the AEP footprint.

** Job Description*
* ** LOCATIONS**  -- preferably within AEP's service territory in these states: LA, AR, OK, TX, OH, WV, VA, KY, TN, IN, MI.

** WHAT YOU'LL DO*
* Develop AEP strategy and positions on all RTO matters in collaboration with internal stakeholders including Transmission/Operating Company and Regulatory leadership that allow AEP to successfully develop transmission projects within and beyond our footprint that support corporate investment targets.

Direct the activities of the primary liaisons between AEP Transmission SMEs for all RTO-related issues and ensure reasonable SME representation and participation in the RTO stakeholder forums.

Develop and coordinate policy positions with external stakeholders and partners.

Actively participate in the key leadership committees and processes of the AEP RTOs.

Develop and maintain relationships with key RTOs stakeholders including RTO leaders, state commissioners, consumer counsels and other user groups.

Articulate the benefits of the AEP Transmission and Transource Energy business models to various stakeholders in an effort to drive competitive transmission investment within and beyond the AEP footprint.

Provide expert witness testimony in utility status applications, state regulatory proceedings and FERC proceedings, as required.

Provide updates related on RTO matters to AEP leadership, state and federal regulators, staff, policy makers, and other stakeholders.

Develop policy position papers and presentation for advocacy efforts, conferences, and stakeholder forums.

Develop talking points for executive leadership supporting the strategic positions of the transmission organization in all transmission matters within the RTO.

Develop and coordinate strategy and policy positions with internal corporate, operating company, and transmission teams.

Represent AEP in industry forums such as EEI and WIRES and actively participate in shaping industry policy positions with external stakeholders and partners that support AEP's successful development of transmission projects.

** WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR*
* ** Education** :
Bachelor's degree and/or relevant job experience.

** Experience** :
Minimum of  
** ten (10) years
** of utility industry experience. Detailed knowledge and understanding of regulatory processes including state and federal regulatory policies, processes and cost recovery mechanisms is required. Transmission system knowledge, generation market understanding and RTO experience, knowledge, and established relationships highly desired.

Master's degree or JD highly desired.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Extensive travel required.

Ability to effectively interface with senior and executive-level internal and external stakeholders is required.

Strong analytical, oral and written communication and presentation skills are required, as is the ability to be a self-starter is required.

Ability to work long hours when needed is required.

Ability to keep commercially sensitive items confidential is required.

Proactive mentality and a positive attitude is required.

** WHAT YOU'LL GET*
* ** Base Salary:  $161K - $208K*
* ** In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive Total Rewards including:  discretionary short-/long-term incentives, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc.*
* ** WHO WE ARE*
* ** At AEP, we're more than just an energy company - we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!*
* AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (on-site)

$161K - $208K / Year

AEPCareers

LI-ONSITE

** Compensation Data*
* ** Compensation Grade:*
* SP20-011

** Compensation Range:*
* $ - $

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently.…