Principal Manager of Decarbonization Programs (Principal Power Resources Specialist) - Energy Dept

City of San Jose•San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

San José Clean Energy (SJCE), operated by the City of San José’s Energy Department, is San José’s local, not-for-profit electricity supplier. Since 2019, SJCE has provided clean energy for residents and businesses at competitive rates, offering community programs, local benefits, and increased transparency. SJCE serves over 350,000 customer accounts and has contracted for more than 1 GW of power. Joining SJCE means making a significant impact on the fight against climate change, contributing to San José’s goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 and implementing the Climate Smart San José plan. SJCE offers a 60% renewable product and a 100% renewable product, contributing to one of the cleanest energy mixes among large cities. The department prioritizes equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and has received awards for its outreach work. For more information, visit www.sanjosecleanenergy.org.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Law, Natural Resources, Statistics, or related field to utility business.
Six (6) years of progressively responsible related experience overseeing and administering energy resources operations, planning, purchasing, scheduling, or contract negotiations.
Possession of a valid State of California driver’s license may be required.
Form 700 requirement: This position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions. You must complete and file an “Assuming Office Form 700” with the City Clerk’s Office within the first 30 days of employment with the office.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree is highly desirable.
Strong experience in implementing and managing customer-facing energy programs, with a focus on delivering measurable results and improving the customer experience.
Deep understanding of electrification and demand-side management programs.
Skilled at translating program design into effective, scalable implementation.
Adept at navigating large, complex organizations and complex stakeholder environments.
Ability to build alignment across teams and partners, and advance initiatives within public sector processes.
Systems thinker who can manage complex programs while identifying opportunities to improve processes, reduce customer friction, and increase participation.
Comfortable working across functions, aligning program design, marketing, and operations to deliver a seamless customer experience.
Experience incorporating load flexibility and demand-side strategies into programs.
Understanding of how customer programs can support grid reliability, reduce costs, and advance climate goals.
Strong analytical skills, data-driven in evaluating program performance, and able to adapt programs based on market conditions and customer behavior.
Collaborative and pragmatic leader who can manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment with high visibility and evolving priorities.
Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, federal/state rules and regulations.
Demonstrates knowledge and experience with community energy programs, energy markets, renewable energy contracts and technologies.
Approaches problems or situations using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities.
Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills, displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements.
Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational supports and direction.
In taking action, demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization.
Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.
Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.
Supports, promotes, and ensures alignment with the organization’s vision and values; understands how an organization must change in light of internal and external trends and influences; builds a shared vision with others and influences others to translate vision to action.

Responsibilities

Lead the Customer Programs Team, overseeing day-to-day program implementation, performance, and continuous improvement across SJCE’s portfolio.
Oversee implementation of the SJCE Programs Roadmap, ensuring programs are delivered effectively, aligned with market conditions, and responsive to customer needs.
Oversee all aspects of program delivery, including contracts, budgets, timelines, and coordination with implementers, while identifying opportunities to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.
Improve the customer journey across programs by reducing barriers to participation, simplifying processes, and coordinating closely with other teams including Marketing, Account Services, Finance, Legislative Affairs, and Regulatory Affairs.
Incorporate demand flexibility and load management strategies into program design and implementation to grow SJCE’s demand side resource.
Oversee program performance and evaluation, including development of metrics, tracking of participation and outcomes, and analysis of customer savings, greenhouse gas reductions, and load impacts.
Oversee the management of consultant and implementer performance, ensuring accountability, compliance, and high-quality service delivery.
Oversee compliance with regulatory and funding requirements, including CPUC-funded programs.
Partner with internal teams and City departments to align programs with broader City priorities, including Climate Smart San José, building electrification, and transportation electrification.
Collaborate with marketing and community engagement team members to develop and implement outreach strategies that build awareness, foster trust, and incorporate community feedback into program design and delivery.
Lead engagement with community organizations, industry partners, utilities, and other CCAs to support program implementation and innovation.
Serve as a subject matter expert on customer programs, including participation in regulatory proceedings and development of policy recommendations.
Prepare reports and presentations for City Council, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
Effectively manage a team of staff, consultants, and partners.