Director, Reliability Assurance

The electric grid is vital to our everyday lives. It is fundamental for the health, safety, and well‑being of our communities, and provides the platform for our economy and our societal and technological advances. SERC's mission is to reduce risks to the reliability and security of the electric grid (also known as the bulk power system), not only for today but also for the future.

To achieve this mission, we maintain a diverse team of experts across numerous disciplines in order to address the complex, evolving, and dynamic challenges facing the grid. Our team also partners with the best and brightest individuals from both the power industry and the federal government to understand and address the challenges facing the grid. These key partnerships make our work more informed, pragmatic, responsive, and impactful.

The position of Director of Reliability Assurance reports directly to the SERC VP of Operations and is responsible for all aspects of SERC's Compliance Monitoring activities. Compliance Monitoring includes leading and overseeing all aspects of both the Operations & Planning (O&P) auditing/monitoring team and the Critical Infrastructure and Protection (CIP) auditing/monitoring team. Each of these two teams is led by a manager who reports to this position. The Director of Reliability Assurance ensures that proper controls and procedures are in place to drive consistency, proper planning and preparation, professionalism, and effective implementation of organizational strategy. This includes assisting in the development of the broader overall strategy and vision for the entire 16‑state SERC region, and the processes and policies to execute them effectively.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement the strategy and vision for all aspects of Reliability Assurance, including the O&P auditing team and the CIP auditing team.
• Drives continuous improvement in all aspects of SERC's Compliance Monitoring activities
• Develop policies for the SERC compliance monitoring program in accordance with applicable sections of the Regional Delegation Agreement, NERC Rules of Procedure (ROP), and the NERC CMEP. Activities include each of the eight designated monitoring methods and reporting of possible alleged violations
• Manage the overall budget strategy and implementation plan for the Reliability Assurance team and ensure it supports the overall SERC Business Plan and Budget, staying within designated guidelines and boundaries.
• Recruit, develop, motivate and retain qualified compliance monitoring management team and staff.
• Sets strategic direction and leads staff to develop and implement methods to continuously improve Reliability Assurance programs and processes.
• Work with Reliability Assurance staff and other departments to ensure that all programs and processes consistently address reliability risk and are cross functionally coordinated.
• Manages and sets expectations for entire Reliability Assurance staff including the Managers over O&P Audits and CIP Audits and all supporting staff.
• Remains fully informed with respect to bulk power system reliability and industry practices related to compliance activities.
• Directs development and execution of annual compliance monitoring plan and seminars.
• Actively engages representatives of SERC Registered Entities in the compliance program through participation as volunteer participants on regional audits, membership on compliance advisory groups (CAGs), conduct of Registered Entity Forum (REF) activities, and attendance of Reliability & Security Seminars (compliance seminars).
• Promotes cross‑regional consistency implementing the NERC CMEP by actively participating and assuming leadership roles in various forums including the ERO Compliance Monitoring Group (CMG) / Reliability Performance Monitoring Group (RPMG)
• Enforces and complies with, and ensures compliance of staff with, SERC policies regarding anti‑trust, conflicts of interest, and confidentiality.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Four year and/or higher educational degree in a technical field with preference for Engineering; equivalent experience acceptable.
• Masters in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA) or related formal education in business is preferred.
• Experience working in the Electric Utility Industry, NERC, FERC, or one of the 6 Regions is preferred.
• Experience in Operations, Planning, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security, and/or Regulatory experience is preferred.
• Strong leadership background, including managing large teams, including responsibility for leading other managers preferred.
• Continuing education or equivalent experience in strategic planning, group dynamics, critical thinking, business operations, project & time management, leadership, effective communication & administration are also highly desirable.
• Additional certificate(s) relating to organizational or leadership skills.
• Ten years of experience in electric utility industry with experience in regulatory and/or compliance activities in a related field, including at least five years in management positions or equivalent.
• Excellent executive presence.
• Familiarity with the Structure & Function of the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO), organizational design and team dynamics, and NERC Rules of Procedure.
• Must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Effective communication skills (face‑to‑face, telephone, written and email, and presentation skills).
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams and groups of technical specialists.
• Demonstrated understanding of stakeholder and regulatory processes and issues.
• Demonstrated ability to provide vision and direction to business and technical processes.

COMMITMENT TO CULTURE

SERC is dedicated to being a highly desirable place to work through culture and purpose. We place a strategic focus on critical elements such as Innovation & Collaboration, Organizational Development & Talent Management. Through this strategic focus, SERC has identified its four values we believe keep us on the path of the relentless pursuit of better.

COMPANY VALUES

• Leader - Is trustworthy, principled, and respectful and strive to create value that reduces risk. Has a positive vision and is actively building support to execute it. A leader takes personal accountability for the outcomes of their choices and actions, acts with professionalism and adapts to change in a calm and positive manner. A leader will, when appropriate, ask questions and recommend alternative solutions to new processes or procedures.
• Collaborative - Partner and engage, both internally and externally, to drive meaningful action by leveraging skills, knowledge and tools. This would include effective written and verbal communication to ensure ideas and messages are clearly and concisely conveyed, being responsive to all stakeholders, understanding goals and objectives while exceeding key metrics and targets. Encourages dialog and candor while making it safe for others to voice their opinion to ensure all alternative viewpoints are heard, they are an active listener.
• Expert - Being credible, objective, disciplined, and sought after to help with continuous learning, improvements, and innovations. Exhibit knowledge of and ensures compliance with industry best practices and regulations. Take initiative to set priorities and convey important information in a timely and efficient manner. Employ good judgment when evaluating a problem by analyzing risk and identifying consequences while demonstrating a sense of organizational stewardship.
• Purposeful - Proactively demonstrate initiative, intentionality and resourcefulness to help anticipate and navigate current and future challenges. Committed to the quality of work and ensures work is delivered at appropriate deadlines while seeking operational efficiencies. Initiate appropriate follow‑up while leveraging industry knowledge and business acumen to make appropriate decisions. Treat others with compassion and empathy and embrace the organization’s mission and vision while providing meaningful contributions to organizational endeavors.

If the traits and characteristics listed in our values resonate with you, we encourage you to apply!

SALARY/BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is DOE. We offer a generous PTO package; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan with an organization contribution of up to 14%.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Hybrid work environment
  • Option 1: Dedicated office; Report to office 3‑days per week
  • Option 2: Non‑Dedicated Office (Hoteling); Report to office 2‑days per week
• ability to travel as needed.

SERC is an Equal Opportunity Employer