Chief Strategic Officer

Company: Duck River Electric Membership Corporation
Location: Anchorage
Posted on: January 24, 2023

Job Description:

Summary The Chief Strategic Officer (CSO) is accountable for the planning and development of key strategic initiatives of the Association for long-term viability of generation, transmission, distribution, gas supply, and the achievement of sustainable business practices in terms of the economic, social, and environmental impact to Chugach and its members. This work requires a personal leadership role among all government organizations, non-governmental organizations, communities, and Chugach divisions to influence and advance Chugach's position on strategic initiatives through business development, sustainability, key accounts, and member services activities. This position requires extensive knowledge of fuel supply planning and contracts, government relations, renewable generation technologies, and business practices that reduce carbon and advance the beneficial use of electrification. This is a key executive role which serves as the chief spokesperson on electric, gas, business development, and sustainability initiatives that impact Chugach. Key Accountabilities and Essential Functions

• Develops and maintains Chugach's Strategic Plan at the direction of the Chief Executive Officer.
• Develops strategic initiatives at the direction of the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with Chugach's Strategic Plan.
• Prepares and maintains Chugach's integrated resource plan through close communication and collaboration with Chugach's operating division management consistent with regional and state level strategic planning efforts including the Electric Reliability Organization.
• Identifies opportunities to benefit Chugach by working with all levels and types of government, industry, and community organizations toward the reduction of costs or the increase of revenues that will serve to lower the cost of electricity.
• Evaluates opportunities for acquisitions, mergers, and/or the combining of existing or future facilities of other utilities to reduce risk and improve efficiency of operation.
• Identifies new business opportunities and markets to achieve maximum efficiencies of operation.
• Discovers and informs the Chief Executive Officer on all opportunities or threats to Chugach which may impact our ability to achieve the mission and vision of the Board of Directors or the goals and objectives of the Chief Executive Officer.
• Evaluates and prioritizes improvement projects from all Chugach Divisions as part of the budget process based on the Chief Executive Officer's goals, objectives, and key performance indicators with a special emphasis on strategic initiatives for long-term viability.
• Directs the management of Chugach's working interest in the Beluga River Unit gas field.
• Ensures short and long-term reliable sources of natural gas to meet current and future requirements in consideration of changes in gas supply options, changes in customer loads, and changes in renewable generation technologies.
• Plans fuel requirements consistent with integrated resource plans, the Association's financial forecast, and capital improvement plans from all operating divisions.
• Investigates alternative fuels, fuel suppliers, and delivery methods to reduce single contingency risk.
• Directs the negotiation of fuel supply contracts on behalf of Chugach subject to terms and conditions set by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Ensures excellent relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, key accounts, and the employees by engaging in educational and support activities.
• Participates in Chugach's public relations activities and interactions with elected officials and their staffs at the federal, state, and local levels to communicate Chugach's strategic direction and solicit assistance as required.
• Maintains excellent relationships with Chugach cooperative members through direct engagement, support, and educational activities.
• Builds and maintains relationships with members of federal, state, and local government entities and agencies; identifies federal and state legislative issues affecting Chugach and seeks resolutions while clearly communicating Chugach's positions on issues. Testifies before government committees in support of the Association and/or industry matters.
• Develops and achieves Chugach's sustainable corporate practices including the establishment of sustainability goals and objectives in recognition of the requirement to improve our economic, social and environmental position in the electric industry.
• Performs strategic analysis of sustainability opportunities, develops strategies to achieve those objectives, and proposes projects for approval.
• Actively participates in planning, approving, revising, and implementing overall policies and strategies of the Association. Competencies Must have a thorough knowledge of utility system operation, construction, maintenance, finance and economics. Must be highly knowledgeable in strategic planning processes and organizational management techniques, including benchmarking and process improvement techniques. Must possess senior level management skills to direct and provide leadership to management staff. Must be highly skilled in financial and economic analysis. Supervisory Responsibility This position has the supervisory responsibility for Government Affairs; Fuel Planning, Fuel Contracts and the Beluga River Unit; Business Development; Member Services; and Key Accounts and Sustainability. Work Environment Work is performed in a standard office environment. Some travel to remote sites on small aircraft may be required. Moderate amount of travel both within and outside Alaska for meetings and training may be required. Minimum Qualifications and Experience Education Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Economics, Finance, Business Administration or related degree required, advanced degree preferred. Additional advanced training in utility operations, engineering, finance, statistics, and economics related to the utility industry is highly desirable. Experience Ten years progressively responsible management experience in the electric utility industry is required, including at least five years in senior management. Must be familiar with all aspects of the business, including distribution, transmission, and generation of electric power and fuel supply and related matters. Satisfactory and demonstrated experience in strategic planning, economic / financial analysis, sustainability, contract negotiations, and team building is required. Experience in government relations, public speaking, organizational management, and finance required. Experience working in a union environment preferred.

Keywords: Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, Anchorage , Chief Strategic Officer, Executive , Anchorage, Alaska