Director of Energy Resource Strategy & Planning

About the role

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. We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and influential leader to direct our Energy Resource Strategy / Power Supply Strategy division.

Reporting to the Power Supply Officer, this role sets the long-term vision for Seattle’s energy resources, shapes major portfolio and policy decisions, and leads teams of technical experts advancing Seattle’s energy future.

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.

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: 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.