AE Utility Strategist

Job Description:

AE Utility Strategist

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Under minimal direction, this position is responsible for conducting complex research and analysis related to the energy industry in support of Austin Energy’s strategic and business short- and long-range planning initiatives for the executive management team.

Job Description:

• Assists in leading executive management through the strategic and/or business planning process by conducting complex research and analysis related to the energy industry and the development of Austin Energy’s (AE) strategic plan.
  
• Gathers and conducts ad hoc research in areas, including technology and alternative business models, trend analysis business intelligence related to the energy industry, and AE’s strategic planning initiative, to define and forecast industry trends.
  
• Assists executive management in defining and identifying enterprise development opportunities.
  
• Assists executive management in developing and implementing key performance measures, metrics, and performance targets. Reviews, develops, and implements short- and long-range strategic and business plans and updates. Reviews, develops, and examines business cases and models including alternative business, technology, and energy models; and providing alternative solutions.
  
• Analyzes current strategic and business planning process and makes recommendations by developing solutions to critical business issues and presents alternatives.
  
• Leads multiple cross-functional teams, large projects, and initiatives. Conducts research studies using questionnaires, surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other methods as needed.
  
• Compiles and analyzes data to discover trends or discrepancies. Writes, documents, edits, and/or reviews reports and presentations to executive management. Verifies the accuracy and completeness of strategic planning reports and updates. Assists in defining and developing departmental mission, values, strategies, and objectives.
  
• Assists in developing planning and forecasting models or scenarios.
  
• Plans, tracks and communicates project or program activity status to executive management and other key stakeholders including executive management, management team and employees.
  
• Develops project schedules and charts using project management software. Documents processes utilizing flowchart methodologies. Defines and directs complex data analysis.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus four (4) years of related work experience.
  
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in strategic planning, business analysis, or program management within the energy or utilities industry.
  
• Existing expertise in emerging technologies in the electric sector (e.g. DERs, electrification, grid modernization).
  
• Experience developing and evaluating business cases and ROI analysis for innovation projects.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive-level reports and presentations.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Energy (AE) seeks an AE Utility Strategist to work under minimal direction, to support Austin Energy's Chief Technology Officer by conducting complex research and analysis related to the energy industry. This position is responsible for informing and guiding the development of both short- and long-range strategic and business plans. This position plays a key role in identifying emerging trends, innovation opportunities, evaluating alternative business and technology models, and supporting enterprise-wide decision-making through data-driven insights, performance measurement, and strategic forecasting.

Work Location / Schedule Notes:

• Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, Texas 78723
  
• Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. activity - 40 Hour Work Week.
  
• May work evenings, weekends or holidays. Schedule may change based on business need.
  

Employment Application:

The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.

The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.

Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.

Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.

Assessments:

Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.

If you are selected as a top candidate, verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.

Veteran Interview Preference:

If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the City of Austin Driving Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Criminal History Background Check:

This position requires a criminal background investigation and NERC clearance.

Essential:

This position has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a city-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a city-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.