Program Manager, Western Markets & Policy (Relocate to South Dakota or Colorado!)

Job Description

Job Specifications

As part of the Electric Utility planning and policy team this position is responsible for engaging in the design and development of western energy markets ensuring Black Hills’ operational and financial objectives are met.  Drives the development of strategy and policy recommendations related to organized markets in the west that Black Hills Energy may consider.  This position will participate in organized market stakeholder processes driving policy and decisions that are supportive of Black Hills Energy’s long-term goals. 

SALARY RANGE:   $100,650 - $166,050 (Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:   Director, Electric Strategy, Planning & Policy

LOCATION: Denver, Colorado or Rapid City, South Dakota

• A comprehensive relocation package is offered for this position! Details about this package will be shared during the interview and offer process.    

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other transmission providers, regional transmission groups/associations, and transmission customers
• Provide strategic leadership for local/regional transmission initiatives that support the overall goals and objectives of the Company
• Work closely with the electric utilities’ teams in integrating the activities of a market opportunities with particular focus on the safety, reliability, cost effectiveness.
• Support good working relationships with various local, state and federal regulators and legislators, and their staffs as appropriate
• Demonstrated ability to represent the Company in front of various stakeholders: employee groups, major customers, regulatory agencies, governmental officials, peer utilities and industry associations
• Develop business recommendations for Black Hills Energy’s positions, policies and messaging related to various organized market initiatives by conducting data analysis and engaging with the broader organization
• Develop supporting material used for internal and external communications which relate to or impact the business interests including data request responses, testimony, regulatory filings, etc
• Develop and maintain documentation that allows a third party to easily understand and replicate all analysis conducted
• Coordinate internal discussions across business units to align on company positions regarding organized market and policy issues

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner and collaborate with various internal departments ensuring alignment of goals, policies and expectations of utility markets in the west. 
• Effectively build coalitions within stakeholder processes to influence policy outcomes.
• Engage with external parties aligning common goals through industry groups. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 7 years of regulatory, legal, business, engineering, utility industry or other related experience required. .
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Economics or other related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to self-direct workload and prioritize business needs.
• Possess unquestionable integrity and excellent judgment. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.  Ability to articulate, communicate and influence.
• Ability to gather and communicate requirements, present alternatives and recommendations.
• Ability to perform in high-pressure situations while maintaining focus and calmness.
• Ability to provide timely assessments / evaluations.
• Innovative thinking and the ability to adjust to quickly changing business needs.
• Demonstrated project management and multi-functional leadership skills.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package!  Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. 

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.  If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit  careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.   

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