City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Vice President, Customer Energy Solutions

Under nominal direction of  a Deputy General Manager this position is responsible for strategic direction and development of distributed energy resource practices and programs integrating the stewardship of the environment with reliable electric service delivery and quality customer service. This position is responsible for all aspects of Key Account customer engagement.

1. Provides and promotes a comprehensive energy program that integrates economic vitality, social sustainability, and environmental stewardship goals; and emphasizes the continued reliability standards for Austin Energy (AE).
2. Develops, designs, and implements measures and metrics for distributed energy services operations, which support the transformation of the utility to embrace options for clean energy resources.
3. Ensures strategic effective program accountabilities are in place by developing and implementing measures and metrics that enhance cost effectiveness and the overall operation efficiencies of the electric utility.
4. Is responsible for the integration and evaluation of the strategic and tactical approaches necessary to move the AE Generation Plan forward to meet the business needs of the utility and the demands of the customers and manages the distributed generation portfolio.
5. Serves as an advocate for energy conservation and sustainability initiatives within the electric utility environment, representing distributed energy resource and transportation strategies to align with the goals and objectives of AE and the City of Austin. Provides guidance and recommendations on such matters to the GM and Executive Leadership team.
6. Serves as the executive sponsor for the Key Account program to strengthen customer engagement and to develop and implement accountabilities that complement the vision, mission, and overall strategies of AE for all residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
7. Oversees the development of new products and services including monitoring promotional and outreach initiatives to create value for customers and identifying new energy technologies that serve as viable business opportunities for the utility. Measures and tracks the performance of the new products and services to ensure they meet identified corporate objectives.
8. Uses research and data analysis to support business decisions and the creation of programs, products, and services.
9. Develops short- and long-term spending plans and monitors O&M and CIP budgets. Prepares annual technical and financial reports.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of electric utility processes, practices, issues, and policies.
• Knowledge of alternative generation theories, plans, and models.
• Knowledge of demand-side management tools, techniques, and approaches.
• Knowledge of City ordinances and Local, State, and Federal laws.
• Knowledge of executive leadership principles to include development of subordinate staff.
• Knowledge of budget methods and systems.
• Knowledge about social media communications to promote program initiatives.
• Knowledge of research and data utilization in decision making processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of the concepts of equity, including experience in applying equity frameworks to established laws, ordinances, and long-standing practices.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in structuring a complex organization to meet changing challenges.
• Skill in managing and optimizing multiple product lines to achieve identified corporate goals.
• Skill in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting applicable research data.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.
• Ability to demonstrate mastery of managing interpersonal skills at multiple levels.
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workplaces and community programs.
• Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities or populations to build constructive and effective relationships.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus seven (7) years of electric utility experience, including three (3) years of experience which were in a managerial capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for (2) two years of the required non-managerial experience.