Smart Grid Solutions Manager

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 more than 800 employees operating out of eight office locations.

As NRTC’s Smart Grid Solutions Manager, you will apply your expertise in electric utilities, distributed generation (DG), and load management to support project development and deployment for electric cooperatives. You will manage relationships with leading distributed generation solution providers—spanning generators, batteries, and solar—while delivering market insights to partners and value to NRTC members. You will also help advance NRTC’s load management initiatives, including distributed energy resource management systems and voltage management.

In this role, you will address key priorities in affordability, reliability, resilience, and member satisfaction across distribution, generation, and transmission cooperatives. Clear and effective communication of technical concepts is essential to enable members to make informed decisions. You will draw on broad knowledge of distributed generation and load management to collaborate effectively with engineering, operations, finance, member services, and executive stakeholders.

Your responsibilities include identifying distributed generation and load management opportunities, engaging with partner solution providers, supporting business development efforts, assisting ongoing projects, and contributing to Smart Grid team initiatives. As the primary subject matter expert for interested cooperatives, you will assess member needs and present appropriate solutions, even when they fall outside NRTC’s offerings. You will build trust through regular coordination with solution partners, participate in industry events, and use market trends to support targeted marketing.

Your communication and technical skills will also contribute to NRTC’s advisory services.

• Support the Vice President of Smart Grid Solutions in planning, executing, and maintaining generator, battery, solar, and load management initiatives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendor partners and member cooperatives
• Serve as a thought leader on distributed generation and load management, clearly communicating opportunities and challenges to stakeholders
• Develop and refine business plans and financial models to inform member purchase decisions
• Create and deliver effective presentations for a variety of audiences
• Design and implement marketing strategies aligned with member needs
• Explore and advance new solution offerings and partnerships
• Collaborate with the Smart Grid team to identify opportunities and support deployments related to AMI, operational technology (e.g., SCADA), and advisory services
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse internal and external audiences
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, including the development of high-level financial models for electric utilities
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities independently, particularly in a remote work environment
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to resolve conflicts effectively
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams; experience with financial modeling tools preferred
• Commitment to continuous learning as technologies and market conditions evolve

• Work is primarily performed in a remote office environment
• Occasional travel—up to approximately 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, business, marketing, or a related field preferred
• At least three years of experience working directly with distributed generation, load management, and/or electric utilities
• Demonstrated success leading complex operational or strategic initiatives
• Experience with electric cooperatives strongly preferred
• Experience with advanced metering, operational technology, or data analytics is a plus