Director, Wildfire Strategy and Performance

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow?  A  position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

Position Summary

Provides strategic leadership to direct the development and implementation of comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategies and performance improvement initiatives. Supports the development and implementation of short and long-term business plans that ensure achievement of jurisdictional and corporate business objectives. Oversee wildfire mitigation strategies related to grid design and system hardening, asset management and inspections, vegetation management and inspections, grid operations and protocol, and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) procedures.

Essential Responsibilities

• Direct the development and execution of strategies for enhancing the resilience of the power grid to wildfire threats.  Ensure collaboration with standards, engineering, and operations teams to design, prioritize, and implement grid upgrades and hardening measures.  Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations related to grid design and wildfire mitigation.
• Optimize and maintain an asset management system to monitor and assess the condition of critical infrastructure.  Establish regular asset inspection protocols to validate the accuracy of the asset management system and work completed.    
• Direct the development of and oversee vegetation risk management plans to reduce wildfire fuel load near power lines and infrastructure.   
• Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to evaluate and upgrade protective equipment and technologies used within the grid to withstand wildfire conditions.  Evaluate risk and implement protocols and standards for device settings that minimize wildfire-related grid disturbances and enhance safety.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive PSPS program, including communication strategies, protocols, and incident response plans.  Collaborate with operations teams to monitor grid performance and implement real-time mitigation measures during wildfire events.  Develop and conduct training programs for staff involved in grid operations during wildfires.  Continuously improve and refine PSPS procedures based on lessons learned from previous events.
• Recruits, leads, develops, trains, and engages team of high performing integration consultants. Participates in workforce and talent planning with other IC organizations. Demonstrates collaborative leadership in a matrixed organization.
• In partnership with senior leadership, supports the development and implementation of annual and long-term business plans and budgets that effectively utilizes resources and positions the organization to meet future business needs.
• Maintains the integrity of all business processes, data, and systems within a defined enterprise process scope area. Governs complete and accurate role & process design documentation, performance measures, reports, and training materials. Serves as final approver for all associated changes.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, Process Management or a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge. Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.  
• Minimum of 7 years of utility or energy sector with experience in grid management. 
• Strong project management experience and ability to deliver results.
• Experience leading and/or managing cross-functional teams, organization, or workgroup
• Excellent written and verbal communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.  Proven track record of working collaboratively across departments.
• Strong communication skills are required to engage stakeholders and convey technical information to diverse audiences, including regulatory agencies, local communities, and emergency services.

Preferred Requirements

• Graduate Degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, Data Science.
• Operational experience in oil and gas, natural gas and/or electric operations business.
• Regulatory knowledge and experience with communications to varied groups, including senior leadership and regulators.
• Experience with wildfire mitigation strongly. 
• Strong knowledge of wildfire risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with GIS, asset management software, and data analysis tools.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas e