| Location | Seattle, WA |
| Salary | $66.88–$110.35 Per Hour |
Director of Energy Resource Strategy & Planning
Salary
$66.88 - $110.35 Hourly
Location
Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave., Seattle, WA
Job Type
Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Job Number
2026-01185
Department
Seattle City Light
Opening Date
08/31/2026
Closing Date
9/15/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
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.
About the Role
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.
Job Responsibilities
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.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Additional Information
Emergency Response Commitment: Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role-usually aligned with their regular duties-to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.
The full salary range for this position is $66.88 to $110.35 per hour.
Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application:
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.
Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at:
Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov
01
Please briefly describe how your skills and experience match the required and desired qualifications for this position ("see resume" or similar is not an acceptable answer).
02
Please select the highest level of education you have completed.
03
To participate in the hiring process, Seattle City Light requires strict confidentiality of all related information, including any discussions outside the workplace. This ensures fairness and protects the integrity of the process. This obligation applies during and after the hiring process. Do you understand and agree to maintain this confidentiality?
04
How many years of progressively responsible experience do you have in electric utility planning, resource strategy, energy market analysis, or related field?
05
How many years of leadership experience do you have directly managing teams in a large, complex, multicultural organization?
Required Question
Employer City of Seattle
Address Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs