Executive Director of Sustainable Energy Utility - City of Ann Arbor

Company: Center for Watershed Protection
Location: Ann Arbor
Posted on: April 11, 2025

Job Description:

POSITION SPECIFICATIONPosition: Executive DirectorCompany: City of Ann Arbor, Sustainable Energy UtilityLocation: Ann Arbor, MichiganReports to: City AdministratorApplication: If interested in applying for this role, please send your resume to Mark Ciolek and/or Gary Carlson at Preng & Associates. Contact details are at the bottom of this document.ABOUT ANN ARBORAnn Arbor, or "A2" as it is locally known, is the county seat of Washtenaw County and is situated 40 miles southwest of Detroit and 25 miles from the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). The community has received numerous recognitions and awards for its quality of life, including Most Educated City, Walk Friendly Community, Top 100 Best Places to Live, Best Digital City in the U.S., and Tree City USA. Ann Arbor is most well-known as the home of the University of Michigan, which influences many aspects of the city's economy and culture.SUSTAINABLE ENERGY UTILITYIn November 2024, nearly 79% of City voters authorized the formation of an opt-in, supplemental, community-owned energy utility that provides reliable, resilient, local, affordable energy from 100% renewable energy sources, known as a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU). The SEU is also authorized to provide other energy-related services, such as energy efficiency and beneficial electrification programs. The SEU will interface significantly with existing City government units and contribute towards achievement of A2 ZERO Program goals, including a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by the year 2030.OVERVIEW OF THE ROLEThe Executive Director of the City's SEU will lead the launch and operation of the newly formed SEU and will be responsible for overseeing its overall administration, programming, and strategic planning. The Executive Director will report directly to the City Administrator and will work in collaboration with the City's SEU strategic advisory team.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESThe SEU Executive Director will be charged with building, leading and ensuring the safe, reliable operation of the new utility, all with an eye toward meeting the objectives of this groundbreaking initiative.Leadership & Strategy:

• Provide strategic leadership to strengthen and fulfill the mission and vision of the SEU.
• Expand upon the SEU's draft strategic plan, directing short-term and long-term activities to achieve time-sensitive goals and objectives beginning in the 2025 fiscal year.
• Work with the City Administrator, Office of Sustainability and Innovations Director, and the SEU strategic advisory team to ensure that the SEU is integrated and aligned with other key City goals including those associated with A2 ZERO.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture that encourages innovation and excellence.
• Serve as a core member of the City's Executive Leadership team, providing timely, holistic, and relevant information to other City departments, the City Administrator, and City Council on SEU-related matters.Governance:
  • Work with the City Administrator, Office of Sustainability and Innovations Director, and the SEU strategic advisory team to establish a cadence of meetings, reporting, and forecasting as the SEU's business activities grow.
  • Develop regular communications for City Council and the community regarding SEU-related developments and activities.
  • Ensure the SEU's compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements, in consultation with the City Attorney's office.External Relations:
    • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the SEU, representing its mission and vision to key stakeholders.
    • Recruitment of key customers to serve as a strong base for growing SEU development and delivery of services.
    • Strengthen collaborations and cultivate relationships with City, County, and State government agencies, business leaders, and others to promote the SEU's objectives.
    • Promptly, professionally, and effectively respond to and address concerns of customers and the general public on issues relating to the SEU.Financial, Operational, and Regulatory Management:
      • Work with City staff to establish a customer billing system, effective budgeting, financial reporting, and management of SEU funds.
      • Work with City staff in SEU budget management, including identifying potential funding sources.
      • Oversee the setting of rates and charges for SEU services.
      • Implement policies and procedures that ensure financial sustainability and accountability.Human Resources & Staff Development:
        • Grow, lead, mentor, and motivate the SEU staff.
        • Foster a positive organizational culture that supports the personal and professional growth of the SEU staff.
        • Work with the City's Human Resources (HR) department to oversee the recruitment, training, and evaluation of SEU staff.Program Development & Evaluation:
          • Oversee the development, delivery, and expansion of high-quality programs and services in the community.
          • Identify needed external support and oversee contractors and consultants to enable delivery of SEU-related services.
          • Establish and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the impact and effectiveness of SEU services provided.SUCCESS FACTORSThe next Executive Director of Ann Arbor's SEU will be a seasoned executive with a strong professional will and personal humility. The successful candidate will be a leader who is approachable and visible, brings a high level of energy and passion for the business, works effectively with the SEU's many stakeholders, and is able to drive Ann Arbor's efforts to be a sustainable utility leader.Experience and qualifications:
            • Proven experience as a CEO, Executive Director or in other high level leadership positions within an organization, preferably in energy delivery or municipal utility operation.
            • At least 10 years of experience in corporate finance, operations, or city government leadership roles.
            • An entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset with outstanding organizational and leadership skills.
            • Familiarity with diverse business functions such as marketing, fundraising, contracting, customer service, and other aspects of service deployment.
            • In-depth knowledge of public-facing governance and performance management principles.
            • A strong commitment to renewable energy deployment.Skills and Abilities:
              • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
              • Excellent interpersonal skills.
              • Proficient in budget development and financial management.
              • Ability to manage and motivate a diverse team.
              • Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and building relationships with donors and community leaders.
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Keywords: Center for Watershed Protection, Ann Arbor , Executive Director of Sustainable Energy Utility - City of Ann Arbor, Executive , Ann Arbor, Michigan