City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Austin Energy Utility Strategist

Under minimal direction, this position is responsible for conducting complex research and analysis related to the energy industry in support of Austin Energy’s strategic and business short- and long-range planning initiatives for the executive management team.

1. Assists in leading executive management through the strategic and/or business planning process by conducting complex research and analysis related to the energy industry and the development of Austin Energy’s (AE) strategic plan.
2. Gathers and conducts ad hoc research in areas, including technology and alternative business models, trend analysis business intelligence related to the energy industry, and AE’s strategic planning initiative, to define and forecast industry trends.
3. Assists executive management in defining and identifying enterprise development opportunities.
4. Assists executive management in developing and implementing key performance measures, metrics, and performance targets. Reviews, develops, and implements short- and long-range strategic and business plans and updates. Reviews, develops, and examines business cases and models including alternative business, technology, and energy models; and providing alternative solutions.
5. Analyzes current strategic and business planning process and makes recommendations by developing solutions to critical business issues and presents alternatives.
6. Leads multiple cross-functional teams, large projects, and initiatives. Conducts research studies using questionnaires, surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other methods as needed.
7. Compiles and analyzes data to discover trends or discrepancies. Writes, documents, edits, and/or reviews reports and presentations to executive management. Verifies the accuracy and completeness of strategic planning reports and updates.
8. Assists in defining and developing departmental mission, values, strategies, and objectives. Assists in developing planning and forecasting models or scenarios.
9. Plans, tracks and communicates project or program activity status to executive management and other key stakeholders including executive management, management team and employees.
10. Develops project schedules and charts using project management software. Documents processes utilizing flowchart methodologies. Defines and directs complex data analysis.

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

• Knowledge of applicable electric utility processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of sustainable energy technologies, methodologies, and business practices. 
• Knowledge of strategic planning principles and methodologies.
• Knowledge of business model, process development or business case development principles.
• Knowledge of competitive business practices and analysis.
• Knowledge of reporting concepts and preferred business practices.
• Knowledge of statistical methods and principals.
• Knowledge of internal control systems.
• Knowledge of applicable computer software.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to quickly recognize and resolve irregular events.
• Ability to effectively manage or lead project teams.
• Ability to establish effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus four (4) years of related work experience.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.