Smart Grid Advisory Director (Remote)

NRTC is Member Driven and Technology Focused – providing solutions that help our 1,500 electric and telephone members bring all the advantages of today’s evolving technology to rural America.

NRTC’s solutions are developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, and include integrated broadband, managed services, smart grid, mobile and video solutions.

We are a dynamic, growing cooperative with more than 800 employees operating out of eight office locations.

We are looking to add experienced staff to our Smart Grid team to help our utility cooperative members develop smart grid technology roadmaps.

Our approach is to educate and support our members as we work with them through a consultative process.

Job Summary As Smart Grid Advisory Director, you will leverage your experience working with electric cooperatives to evaluate, plan, and facilitate the deployment of smart grid communications technologies.

As an individual contributor, you will be responsible for providing advisory services to help members select, implement, and optimize communications platforms (such as fiber, wireless, and IoT networks) that enable advanced smart grid functions.

You will work to help cooperatives understand the benefits and costs associated with smart grid communications initiatives.

You will analyze data collected from smart grid devices and communications networks, augmented with publicly available information, to validate projections and recommend improvements.

You will continually learn as you collaborate with NRTC subject matter experts and our members in the development of plans that answer the :

• what, why, when, how, and how much; of recommended smart grid communications initiatives.
• You will bring a thorough understanding of electric distribution utility operations, smart grid network capabilities and the cooperative business model.
• Your expertise will include communications protocols, network architecture, and integration of smart grid devices.
• You will develop frameworks to answer complex questions, especially when calculating financial costs or benefits of communications investments.
• Your experience will enable you to connect smart grid communications systems to business operations and provide case studies to help members envision their future state.
• You will demonstrate the ability to successfully work across organizational boundaries for project execution.
• You will also have strong capabilities with Microsoft Office tools, especially PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams.

Responsibilities Assist the Vice President of Smart Grid Advisory in management and delivery of smart grid advisory projects by interviewing and procuring data from member co-ops, organizing and facilitating workshops, developing business cases, and preparing presentation materials Ensure project schedule, structure, and documentation are maintained throughout the delivery process Become a thought leader in communicating the current state and future of smart grid communications technologies Create and / or modify business plans and financial models for communications infrastructure Present compelling stories and insights in presentation format Stay current on smart grid communications technologies and provide thoughtful insights based on member challenges and technology capabilities Contribute to thought leadership and content around smart grid communications and grow into a recognized leader in the cooperative utility space Assist team members in prospecting and deploying smart grid communications solutions for AMI, resiliency, grid intelligence, distributed energy resources, and strategic road map development Evaluate interoperability, security, and regulatory compliance of communications platforms Other duties as assigned Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities       Proficiency in Excel, Power Point, and Teams Exceptional leadership skills, work ethic, and professionalism Ability to create high-level electric utility financial models for communications investments Self-driven, able to manage multiple priorities, and comfortable interfacing with internal and external stakeholders in a remote work setting Strong written, verbal, analytical, presentation, and problem-solving skills Effective time / project management, relationship-building, and negotiation skills Excellent written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to resolve conflicts and maintain positive relationships with internal and external clients Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams Deep understanding of smart grid communications protocols, network architecture, and integration Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in engineering, communications technologies, business management, finance, accounting, or equivalent work experience and certifications 5+ years of experience working directly with or advising utilities on smart grid communications technology Experience working on teams in or with electric utilities in wholesale power markets a plus Physical Demands Work is typically performed in a remote office setting Ability to travel for work at Member sites 30% of the time   Disclaimer :