Director of Energy Resource Strategy & Planning

Seattle City Light; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle City Light seeks a Director to lead enterprise-level strategy for future energy resources, coordinating resource planning, wholesale contracts, and regional market participation. The role shapes affordability, reliability, and environmental stewardship while partnering with executive leadership.

The position manages a $10 million operating budget, a $350 million power/transmission budget, and a ~20-person team, collaborating across Officers and Directors.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility planning, resource strategy, energy market analysis, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in a large, complex, multicultural organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of City Light's Integrated Resource Plan with open, cross-functional processes and public engagement.
• Coordinate with Customer Energy Solutions for Demand Side Management Potential Assessments.
• Drive long-term bulk power planning and strategic analysis for operations and regulatory compliance.
• Guide participation in market initiatives (CAISO EDAM, SPP Markets+).
• Oversight of long-term power supply and transmission contract administration/compliance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Electrical utility knowledge

Regulatory understanding

Financial analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/economics/business

Job description

Position Description

Seattle City Light is one of the nation's largest municipally owned electric utilities and a recognized leader in clean energy, affordability, and environmental stewardship. As Washington continues to advance groundbreaking climate and energy policy, City Light is charting the next era of innovative, reliable, and forward-looking energy resource strategy for Seattle.

About the Role

The Director leads enterprise-level strategy defining how City Light plans for future energy resources in a rapidly evolving market while managing current energy supply. This includes integrated resource planning, administering long-term wholesale power contracts, regional market participation, regulatory insight, and ensuring our portfolio reflects City Light's commitment to affordability, reliability, and environmental responsibility.

This leader represents City Light in high-stakes regional forums, executive committees, market design work, and collaborative initiatives across the western power system. They serve as a trusted voice bringing clarity, strategic judgment, and analytical rigor to decisions with significant policy and financial impact.

The role manages a $10 million operating budget, a $350 million purchased power and transmission budget, and leads a talented, diverse team of approximately 20 professionals.

As a Director-level role, this person will work cross-functionally with other Officers and Directors as part of the Seattle City Light leadership team.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the development of City Light's Integrated Resource Plan through an open, cross-functional, and transparent process, including public engagement and presentations to executive leadership and City Council.
• Coordinate resource planning with Customer Energy Solutions, including Demand Side Management Potential Assessments.
• Drive long-term bulk power planning and strategic analysis that informs operational decisions and regulatory compliance.
• Guide City Light's participation in organized market initiatives (CAISO EDAM, SPP Markets+, and related market entry strategies).
• Oversee administration and compliance for long-term power supply and transmission contracts.
• Track, interpret, and influence emerging federal, state, and regional energy policies; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage the division's budgets, consultant contracts, and key regional memberships and trade organization engagements.
• Represent the division on technology initiatives, serving as executive sponsor, steering committee member, or strategic stakeholder.
• Build strong internal and external relationships and remove barriers to cross-departmental collaboration.
• Mentor, develop, and lead a diverse team; foster an inclusive, accountable, and supportive culture.
• Champion City-wide initiatives related to equity, fair employment, diversity, and anti-racism.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Experience: 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility planning, resource strategy, energy market analysis, or related fields.

At least 5 years of leadership experience in a large, complex, multicultural organization.

Education

Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, business administration, or related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in engineering, economics, business administration, or related discipline.
• Deep knowledge of power industry operations, portfolio management, hydro system. operations, renewable integration, and emerging technologies.
• Knowledge of existing and emerging federal, regional, and local regulations, and energy and greenhouse gas compliance markets.
• Ability to assess and mitigate risks associated with large-scale energy resource decisions.
• Experience driving strategic direction, shaping policy, and executing enterprise-level planning.
• Strong economic and financial analysis capabilities.
• Skill in negotiating and administering complex energy resource contracts.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information to nontechnical audiences.
• Proven experience leading diverse teams, collaborating across functions, and delivering results within defined budgets and timelines.
• Dedication to customer service and public-sector mission.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice .

Additional Information

Emergency Response Commitment:

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

The full salary range for this position is $66.88 to $110.35 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Who May Apply

This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.