Director, Wildfire Risk Strategy & Operations

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 197,000 - 283,680; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy in Akron, OH, is seeking a strategic leader to own the end-to-end wildfire risk program. This executive role spans governance, analytics, regulatory strategy, and cross-jurisdictional engagement to reduce ignition risk and protect communities and assets.

The role oversees PSPS protocols, vegetation management, and emergency coordination across multiple states, reporting to the VP of Operational Excellence.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership in large power utilities or critical infrastructure risk domains.
• Demonstrated success designing enterprise risk mitigation portfolios with regulatory recovery.
• Expertise in wildfire risk or related domains (grid hardening, vegetation risk, emergency management).
• Strong command of utility regulatory constructs, rate mechanisms, and testimony/filing processes.
• Proven leadership of multi-state initiatives with complex stakeholder environments.

Responsibilities

• Set and govern enterprise wildfire mitigation strategy with clear goals and decision rights.
• Chair the Wildfire Governance Council integrating multiple functions (Transmission, Distribution, VM, Planning, Regulatory, Legal).
• Own and prioritize the multi-year WMP portfolio with budgeting and timing aligned to risk models.
• Provide executive briefings and dashboards to Board Risk Committee and executives.
• Build and oversee risk analytics, meteorology, situational awareness, and performance metrics.
• Lead emergency readiness, PSPS protocols, and post-event reviews; ensure rapid action and learning.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

FirstEnergy in Akron, OH, is seeking a strategic leader to own the end-to-end wildfire risk program. This executive role spans governance, analytics, regulatory strategy, and cross-jurisdictional engagement to reduce ignition risk and protect communities and assets.

The role oversees PSPS protocols, vegetation management, and emergency coordination across multiple states, reporting to the VP of Operational Excellence.