Program Manager (P&D Spec II)

Program Manager

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

We invite you to join the Customer Energy Solutions Design & Management team of program managers leading the design, build, and implementation of customer-facing programs that center our customers' energy needs and further our commitment to our organizational values. Our team has ownership of programs in highly dynamic and increasingly critical portfolio segments, including Transportation Electrification (e.g., EV charging), Load Flexibility, Renewables (e.g., solar production incentives, green power purchasing), and Energy Efficiency (e.g., rebates/incentives, midstream programs).

Rather than operating as a single-subject technical expert, the Program Manager will flexibly navigate across these different portfolios. You will be responsible for the development and ongoing management of innovative programs within our team. Success in this position requires systems thinking, disciplined program management, the ability to lead cross-functional teams without formal authority, effective stakeholder negotiation, and a focus on continuous improvement to achieve strategic business goals. This position will report to the Portfolio Segment Manager.

Job Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities - Here is more about what you'll be doing:

Program Managers in this role manage customer-facing programs in varying stages of discovery, design, build, implementation and exit. Each program manager may lead one or more cross-functional teams to execute required work across program stages. Programmatic work must align to strategic drivers and have distinct business objectives and goals. Many of these programs are complex and/or high priority for the city. The program manager ensures that internal and external stakeholders are engaged, that design and tactics align to strategy, that appropriate decisions are vetted by management, and that programs are delivering on the intended business objectives and goals. The Program Manager in this role will:

• Lead Cross-Functional Programs Without Formal Authority Lead the design, development, and management of customer-facing energy programs from initial concept through scale-up and ongoing evaluation. Establish and coordinate teams of internal and external subject matter experts (SMEs), driving collaboration and securing strategic alignment across diverse groups without relying on direct reporting lines.

• Navigate & Negotiate: Leverage strong negotiation and communication skills to manage competing priorities, resolve roadblocks, and secure stakeholder buy-in for overarching program objectives.
• Translate Strategy to Scope: Determine and finalize program delivery mechanisms and develop implementation plans that translate strategy into an appropriate program scope with measurable business outcomes, risks, and change management workflows.
• Diligent Program Planning: Apply exceptional organizational skills to lead the development of program targets, workplans, milestones, budgets, materials, and other resources necessary for successful deployment.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure solutions align with City Light, City, and Regional offerings, actively integrating the voice of the customer and equity considerations into the program design.
• Market Alignment: Keep abreast of industry best practices, identify markets and channels for programmatic focus, and align program design (e.g., participation processes, policies, procedures) with them.
• Documentation & Contracting: Oversee required stage-gate Program Life Cycle documentation (business case, program plan, implementation

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: Requires two years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation; or other work directly related to City planning and development work; and a baccalaureate degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public 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 - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrated success with formal program management and life-cycle management processes , including writing or facilitating the creation of business cases, program plans, and similar business documents.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and driving alignment in a multi-discipline matrix organization , including the proven ability to lead without formal authority.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills and the ability to positively influence program stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and integrate the voice of the customer.
• Adaptability and willingness to flexibly manage diverse portfolios such as demand response, residential energy efficiency, electrification, and distributed generationprioritizing strategic execution over deep subject-matter expertise.
• Highly organized with the ability to work collaboratively, navigate ambiguity, and execute with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental and economic equity in the design and delivery of services.
• Excellent interpersonal skills , including the ability to maintain effective working relationships with business contacts, the public, consultants, the trade ally community, and employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills , including the ability to make public presentations to multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience soliciting for and managing large public professional services contracts , including overseeing consultant teams to deliver complete, cost-effective, and timely work.
• Experience managing program budgets .

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.

Emergency Response Commitment:

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a roleusually aligned with their regular dutiesto support emergency operations. Your participation is vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $49.25 to $57.31 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

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 (Download PDF reader). 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 City's website at: