Distributed Generation Solutions Manager (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 over 800 employees operating out of eight office locations. 

Job Summary 

As a Smart Grid Solutions Manager, you will leverage your training and experience with electric utilities and utility-scale distributed generation (DG) technologies to support project development and deployments at electric cooperatives. NRTC does not directly design or deliver DG solutions, but we work closely with several industry-leading partners. The solutions NRTC brings to members are evolving, so you will also engage in evaluation, development, and deployment efforts related to load management, grid intelligence, SCADA, and more. As an individual contributor, you will serve as a subject matter expert on distributed generation for our members.

In this collaborative but entrepreneurial role, you are focused on addressing core affordability, reliability, resiliency, and member satisfaction concerns for electric cooperatives. To achieve these goals, you must be an excellent communicator of technical information, empowering members to take informed action or purposeful inaction. Thus, you need to pull from a broad understanding of the value of DG solutions, being conversant with the “languages” of engineering, operations, finance, member services, and executives.

Your day-to-day activities will focus on curating DG development opportunities, engaging with partner solutions providers, building sales opportunities with the business development team, supporting existing projects, and contributing to broader NRTC Smart Grid team initiatives. Working with regional business managers, you will be the first subject-matter expert engaging with an interested electric cooperative. You will invest time in understanding their needs and educating them about potential solutions. To further build trust, you will regularly coordinate and communicate with our solution providers, including remote and face-to-face meetings. You will leverage industry trends and data to develop targeted marketing. You will engage in webinars, conferences, and trade shows. You will also support members deploying and operating DG systems, ensuring the solution provides the expected benefits. Lastly, your communication and technical skills will help support additional NRTC advisory services. 

Responsibilities 

• Assist the Vice President of Smart Grid Solutions in the planning, execution, and ongoing support for distributed solar, storage, and fuel-based generator solutions 

• Cultivate and manage vendor and member relationships 

• Become a thought leader around DG for electric cooperatives, effectively communicating opportunities and challenges 

• Create and/or modify business plans and financial models to support purchase decisions 

• Create and present compelling presentations to both small and large audiences 

• Develop and execute marketing plans focused on meeting the needs of NRTC members 

• Evaluating potential new partner relationships 

• Assist the broader team with finding opportunities and deploying solutions for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), load management, operational technology (e.g. SCADA), and strategic road map development 

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for internal and external stakeholders 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to create high-level electric utility financial models 

• Self-driven and able to manage multiple priorities, especially in a remote setting 

• Ability to resolve conflicts and maintain positive relationships with internal and external clients 

• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, with other financial modeling experience preferred 

• Willingness to learn and grow as technology and market conditions evolve 

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, business, or a related field is preferred 

• 5 years working directly with DG technologies and/or electric utilities 

• Experience leading complex operational and strategic initiatives

• Experience with load management, metering, and operational technology is preferred

• Electric utility experience, especially with electric cooperatives, is a plus 

Physical Demands 

• Work is typically performed in a remote office setting 

• Occasional travel, up to 30%, may be required 

Disclaimer: The above job description summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties, and skills. The order in which responsibilities, duties, and skills are listed is not significant. 

#zr