Director - Grid Transformation

ERCOT•Austin, TX

2d•$221,000 - $303,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Grid Transformation is a visionary leader responsible for ERCOT’s Grid Research, Innovation & Transformation (GRIT) programs and initiatives. The role anticipates and explains challenges and opportunities arising from the transformation of the Texas electric power grid, and develops approaches, processes, and solutions to improve ERCOT’s effectiveness and readiness. The director leads innovation from research and white papers through proofs of concept, pilots, and prototypes, determining what is ready to scale into ERCOT systems, processes, and market design. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the director uses skilled, matrixed resources across the organization, guides and recommends investments in staff, systems, and solutions, and builds partnerships and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. The role directs a broad functional area, including planning, staffing, budgeting, expense priorities, and changes to methods. It also develops staff and a collaborative culture, represents ERCOT in industry forums, and provides strategic and technical expertise on grid transformation.

Requirements

At least 10 years of job-related work experience, plus 5 years in a management or leadership role beyond degree requirements; leadership experience may count toward the job-related experience requirement.
At least 10 years of experience in electric power grid operations and/or planning at a utility, ISO, or vendor.
At least 5 years of experience with technology development and delivery at a utility, ISO, or vendor; this experience may overlap with the grid operations and/or planning experience.
Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of programs and initiatives, working across cross-functional matrixed teams, and delivering solutions.
Demonstrated success leading an enterprise-level innovation initiative.
Deep understanding of generation, transmission, and distribution technologies, associated modeling for software development, and related communications methods transforming grid and market operations.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent knowledge from a combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of ERCOT or other ISO/RTO wholesale market operations.
Master’s or doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Set a long-term vision and actionable roadmap for ERCOT’s response to a rapidly transforming grid, including changes in technology, load, and markets.
Lead the innovation pipeline from research and white papers through proofs of concept, pilots, and prototypes, and determine which solutions are ready to scale.
Hire, coach, train, and manage the performance of staff.
Direct a broad functional area through department managers, overseeing planning, staffing, budgeting, expense priorities, and changes to methods.
Make budgetary decisions within organizational policies and recommend financial decisions affecting the area of responsibility.
Lead and ensure accountability for successful implementation of GRIT programs and initiatives.
Provide strategic and technical expertise to stakeholders and raise awareness of research and innovation activities.
Develop solutions using knowledge gained through industry experience and explore different solution modalities.
Lead cross-functional teams working on initiatives in a matrixed structure.
Track and report trends and issues involving emerging generation, transmission, and distribution technologies and their potential impacts to ERCOT.
Develop and manage relationships with energy research and innovation networks, academic institutions, and industry consortiums to gather information, coordinate action, and build cooperation.
Explore partnership and collaboration opportunities and establish governance structures to support progress and timely communication.
Build the department, develop staff, and serve as a coach, mentor, and role model.
Set goals for matrixed teams working on grid transformation initiatives and track progress.
Develop a high-performing, collaborative culture within the department and broader organization.
Provide strategic direction for the annual innovation summit, including theme selection and speaker strategy.
Represent ERCOT on panels, committees, and advisory boards and gather information from industry sources.
Provide input to national organizations, including NERC, FERC, and the ISO/RTO Council, on standards and procedures that may affect ERCOT.
Propose new or revised ERCOT protocols, guides, or procedures to enable market participation by emerging solutions.
Engage with market participants through subcommittees and working groups, including TAC, WMS, PRS, and ROS, and provide information about ERCOT systems, practices, and capabilities.
Regularly interact with executives and major customers, including negotiating on significant organizational matters.