Director of Concord Municipal Light Plant
The historic Town of Concord, Massachusetts (18,491) is seeking qualified candidates for Director of the Concord Municipal Light Plant, who are passionate about progressive professional municipal management, serving this historic and engaged community and being part of a committed municipal organization. The Director of the Concord Municipal Light Plant will focus on providing strategic leadership and vision in planning, organizing, and directing the operations of the Municipal Light Plant to ensure customers are provided with electric service of the highest quality at a reasonable cost. Several exciting initiatives in progress include the:
Recent approval at Special Town Meeting of a grid-scale energy storage project;
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Advanced Metering System upgrade - an essential component of modernizing our local grid to strategically meet the challenges of a changing climate and an evolving energy landscape; and
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Solar project, included in the construction of the new Middle School.
Concord is seeking a knowledgeable, and talented leader with excellent communication, economic and community engagement skills, and superior project management and personnel management skills to serve as its Director of the Concord Municipal Light Plant. Preferred candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, engineering, or a related field and ten or more years of progressively responsible related experience. Candidates should be proactive and strategic thinkers, who are able to prioritize and to build collaborative relationships with government officials, business owners, residents, and employees.
Annual Salary: $170,955 to $239,325 depending on qualifications. The successful candidate will receive an attractive compensation package including health and retirement plans, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before July 12, 2024. All applications will be reviewed and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to one or more interviews and/or other assessments. Applicants will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual applications.
Appointment of the final candidate will be contingent upon the results of pre-placement conditions including a thorough background investigation including criminal, credit and motor vehicle record checks, and a drug screening. Costs for these pre-placement requirements will be borne by the Town.
The Town of Concord, MA is an EEO Employer. We value diversity and welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
https://www.concordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/49100/Director-CMLP
Concord Municipal Light Plant (CMLP)
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Town Manager, plans, organizes, and directs the operations of CMLP in a manner which ensures that the department functions smoothly and that customers are provided with electric service of the highest quality at a reasonable cost. This involves power supply, personnel, CMLP and Town policies, financial management, forecasts, contracts, customer service, monitoring other utilities and the industry, strategic planning, construction, and capital assets. Works collaboratively with all Town departments; federal, state, and local regulatory agencies; community groups; and other agencies to meet the needs of the Town’s citizens.
The Director is responsible for maintaining and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under the direction and control of the position. Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative in completing tasks, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.
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Provides collaborative, forward thinking and responsive leadership in developing CMLP objectives, plans and goals in alignment with those of the Town Manager, Select Board and Light Board; Develops, coordinates and prioritizes annual and long-range goals and objectives with the CMLP division heads.
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Manages the financial health and resources of CMLP. Develops and manages operating and capital budgets in compliance with FERC and DPU regulations and Town policies and procedures. Directs the implementation of the department’s adopted budgets; monitors the Plant’s financial condition regularly, paying special attention to sales trends; makes recommendations concerning rates that are fair and adequate; ensures sufficient working capital to cover monthly operating needs. Monitors rates and provides recommendations for changes based on cost of service, public policy issues, conservation, customer impact and other considerations.
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Provides leadership to enhance the activities and performance of all CMLP personnel. Makes provisions for adequate and effective staffing and resources. Ensures that training and supervision for CMLP staff is focused on optimal customer services and staff safety. Develops objectives with plant professional and supervisory staff members, ensuring that department staff are advised of programs, plans and services. Demonstrates and enforces equitability and inclusivity. Determines and assesses standards of performance to ensure attainment of operational and financial objectives.
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Provides general oversight of system modification and construction activities as prepared and undertaken by the Plant Engineering division. Oversees present and future management of power supply operations; monitors availability, cost and quantity of power; administers contracts and evaluates cost effectiveness.
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Oversees customer service programs and relations in order to provide the highest level of service. Ensures staff are trained and equipped to receive and respond appropriately to a variety of inquiries, requests and complaints related to operations and services. Directly responds to the more complex and sensitive customer relations matters referred by the staff.
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Ensures the transmission and distribution systems are planned and upgraded well in advance to support the goal of reliable service.
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Analyzes service needs and changes in State and Federal laws, regulations and programs impacting CMLP. Participates in sponsoring and supporting legislation favorable to the provision of quality service and cost-effective rates; works with regional, professional and other associations in support of related activities. Collaborates with attorneys and consultants on regulatory matters and may testify before commissions and courts.
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Ensures that CMLP develops and implements broad energy conservation initiatives and services addressing all forms of energy consumption.
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Ensures that CMLP develops and implements innovative initiatives that anticipate future business opportunities related to the needs of citizens and businesses.
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Collaborates with the Municipal Light Board, attends Board meetings and recommends agenda topics to ensure they have the information they need to carry out their responsibilities.
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Performs special projects and other related duties as required, directed or as the situation dictates.
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Regular attendance and punctuality at the workplace is required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Supervises the activities and performance of, and provides functional oversight to, all CMLP staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with town policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and recommending candidates for hire; demonstrating and enforcing equitability and inclusivity; planning, assigning and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems; training, evaluating performance and making recommendations concerning employee rewards or discipline.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Knowledge equivalent to a Master’s Degree in a field related to public administration, business administration, or the engineering field, plus ten or more years of progressively responsible related experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Valid motor vehicle operator’s license, with a safe driving record.
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Electric utility experience is preferred but not required. Possession of a Professional Engineer’s license is helpful.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
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Superior and demonstrable leadership and interpersonal skills.
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Skilled at working with boards and committees, and effectively interacting with all members of the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
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Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of groups of employees engaged in a variety of department construction and maintenance operations.
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Ability to prepare, present and administer budgets and capital expenditure/projects.
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Ability to recognize town-wide priorities and work cooperatively to support their accomplishment.
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Ability to direct the work of attorneys and consultants. Ability to work effectively in the regulatory arena.
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Ability to analyze complex issues and to develop relevant and realistic plans, programs and recommendations. Ability to work with a high level of detail, prioritize multiple tasks, and deal effectively with interruptions.
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Excellent public relations skills to deal with people effectively and appropriately. Superior oral and written communication skills. Strong budgetary, financial management, leadership, planning and supervisory skills. Flexibility in order to adapt to constantly changing technology.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the physical demands (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.
Normal office environment, not subject to extreme variations of temperature, noise, odors, etc. Majority of work is performed in a moderately noisy work environment, with frequent interruptions. Frequently subjected to the demands of other individuals and the volume and /or rapidity with which tasks must be accomplished. Attendance at meetings requires regular travel.
Operates computer, printer, calculator, telephone, copier and all other standard office equipment requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Balancing, crouching, grasping, pulling, reaching and stooping may also be required.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
