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THE COMMUNITY

The City of Santa Clara
Nestled at the heart of Silicon Valley, just 45 miles south of San Francisco, the City of Santa Clara is a vibrant, historic community with a population of approximately 132,048. With its rich 170-year history, Santa Clara blends a small-town charm with the dynamic energy of one of the world’s most innovative regions.

Santa Clara is home to Santa Clara University, California’s oldest institution of higher learning, and the state’s eighth mission. Named one of America’s 10 safest cities, Santa Clara also stands out as one of the most livable cities in the U.S. – offering an unmatched quality of life that supports both individual and business success. Whether you’re looking for a thriving career or a peaceful neighborhood, Santa Clara offers the best of both worlds.

A Hub for Innovation and Opportunity
Often called the “Data Center Capital of the West,” Santa Clara boasts more than 50 state-of-the-art data centers and over 350 megawatts of multi-tenant commissioned power. The city is home to some of the world’s largest and most influential tech giants, including Intel, NVIDIA, Applied Materials, and Agilent Technologies.

Education and innovation go hand-in-hand here. Santa Clara University, Mission College, and the University of California, Santa Cruz extension provide cutting-edge academic opportunities, further enhancing the city’s intellectual vibrancy.

World-Class Entertainment and Recreation
Santa Clara isn’t just about work—it’s also about play. Home to Levi’s Stadium, the iconic venue for the San Francisco 49ers, the city has hosted over 150 major events, including concerts, international sports competitions, and entertainment spectacles. In addition, Santa Clara’s Convention Center, bustling shopping districts, exceptional dining options, medical facilities, and vibrant community centers offer something for everyone. For those who enjoy outdoor recreation, the city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Tree-lined streets and welcoming neighborhoods provide an idyllic setting for families, and a rich array of cultural and recreational activities await. Whether it’s attending a live theater production or catching a concert in the summer, there’s always something happening.

A Thriving Community to Call Home
Award-winning schools, low crime rates, and a welcoming atmosphere make Santa Clara one of the most desirable places to live and work in California. The city’s perfect balance of vibrant industry, educational excellence, and family-friendly amenities creates a community where people can thrive both personally and professionally.

Discover why Santa Clara is the place to be. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov for more information.


OVERVIEW

City Government
Santa Clara is a Charter City committed to fostering a vibrant and thriving community. Our mission is to deliver a high quality of life through resourceful, efficient, progressive, and professional leadership that serves the needs of both residents and businesses. Operating under a Council-Manager form of government, Santa Clara is dedicated to providing innovative solutions and ensuring the city remains at the forefront of progress.

Our City Council is composed of an elected Mayor, serving at-large, and six Council Members elected by district, all of whom serve four-year terms. The City Charter limits the Mayor and Council Members to two consecutive terms. Additionally, the Police Chief and City Clerk are both elected positions, ensuring direct accountability to the community.

Santa Clara’s dedicated team includes approximately 1,198.5 full-time employees, working together to deliver exceptional public services. With a 2025-2026 fiscal year budget of $1.8 billion, the city is poised to invest in both current and future needs, enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work, and play here.

In addition to its core municipal services, Santa Clara manages several important public services through specialized entities:

• Silicon Valley Power (SVP): A municipal electric utility that powers our city with sustainable, reliable energy.
• Santa Clara Stadium Authority: A Joint Powers Authority (JPA) overseeing the iconic Levi’s Stadium, a premier venue for entertainment and sports.
• Santa Clara Convention Center: A city-owned facility, managed by a third-party agreement, that serves as a key tourism and business hub, supported by the Tourism Improvement District.

Through these dynamic and forward-thinking initiatives, the City of Santa Clara continues to serve as a model of innovation and excellence in local government.

The Department
Silicon Valley Power (SVP): "Powering the Future of Santa Clara"

For over 129 years, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) has been a trusted, community-owned, not-for-profit electric utility, delivering reliable service to over 60,000 residential and business customers. As a forward-thinking municipal utility, SVP is committed to driving innovation, sustainability, and performance excellence while meeting the evolving needs of our community.

A Leader in Energy Generation and Innovation
SVP's customer base is growing, and to meet that demand, SVP is implementing a $450 million system expansion plan to grow the system from 740 MW peak to over 1300 MW.

This ambitious growth plan includes 30+ strategic initiatives across four key areas:

1. Utility Performance Excellence
2. Customer Engagement and Satisfaction
3. Progress and Innovation Focus
4. Community and Environmental Stewardship

These initiatives will not only enhance SVP’s operations but also solidify its role as an industry leader.

SVP powers some of the world’s most innovative and influential companies, including Intel, Applied Materials, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and NVIDIA—a testament to its reliability and forward-looking energy solutions.

A Commitment to Clean, Renewable Energy
Currently, over 50% of Santa Clara’s electricity comes from carbon-free resources, including large-scale wind, solar, landfill gas, geothermal, and hydroelectric projects.

A Strong Team for a Bright Future
SVP’s team of 235 full-time employees is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and cutting-edge energy solutions. With a $1.1 billion Operating Budget and a $561 million Capital Improvement Program Budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, SVP is poised to continue driving innovation and serving the community with unmatched expertise.

SVP is more than just a utility; it’s the heart of Santa Clara’s energy future. Join us as we lead the way in sustainable, reliable, and innovative power solutions for generations to come.


THE POSITION

Lead SVP’s 16-person Resource Management Division, which acquires, manages, and optimizes a reliable, affordable, and sustainable power-supply portfolio for Silicon Valley Power. The role reports to the Assistant Electric Utility Director/Electric Utility Director and oversees resource planners, analysts, traders, contract administrators, and compliance specialists. Its core mission is to develop and execute long-term strategies that meet reliability, sustainability, and affordability standards while maximizing value in CAISO and Western energy markets.

Key Accountabilities & Qualifications:

1. Resource Planning

• Develop long-term resource strategy to meet reliability, affordability, sustainability, and regulatory goals.
• Lead IRP processes and modeling (e.g., PLEXOS).
• Oversee energy budget, load, RA, REC forecasting, GHG accounting, and analytics.
• Improve portfolio modeling, forecasting methods, and data reporting.

2. Portfolio Management

• Manage short- and mid-term portfolio positions to optimize assets and meet load obligations.
• Oversee market operations, hedging, trading, RA transactions, CRRs, hydro optimization, and outage coordination.
• Ensure prudent risk management across trading and market activities.

3. Coordination, Representation & Policy

• Represent SVP in regional and statewide industry groups and regulatory forums.
• Track and respond to legislative/regulatory issues affecting SVP (CAISO, FERC, CPUC, CEC, CARB, WECC).
• Coordinate positions, analysis, and advocacy for SVP’s interests.

4. Power Supply Procurement (Origination)

• Evaluate resource proposals for value and portfolio fit.
• Lead PPA and procurement contract negotiations.
• Manage RFPs and supplier relationships.
• Monitor market conditions, LMP pricing, and project trends.

5. Compliance Filings

• Ensure timely, accurate completion of all resource-related compliance filings.
• Oversee compliance with CAISO, CARB, CEC, WAPA, FERC, CPUC, WECC, and other requirements.
• Maintain documentation and audit support.

6. Contracts Management

• Oversee administration and life-cycle management of portfolio contracts.
• Manage interconnection, generation, transmission, MSS, and PPA agreements.
• Supervise consultant contracts to ensure alignment with portfolio needs.

7. Strategic Initiatives

• Lead initiatives to improve the efficiency, reliability, and effectiveness of the division.
• Oversee software upgrades, data/reporting improvements, asset analysis, and training programs.
• Drive team innovation and continuous improvement

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a seasoned energy industry leader with deep expertise in resource planning, procurement, and portfolio management who can guide a 16-person team and ensure the SVP delivers a reliable, affordable, and sustainable power supply. They excel at navigating complex regulatory and market environments while effectively representing SVP’s interests with JPAs, regulators, and key external stakeholders.

Experience

• 12–20+ years in electric utility resource planning, power trading, portfolio management, or procurement.
• Direct experience in CAISO markets and the California regulatory environment.
• Proven track record leading resource or trading teams (preferably 10+ people).
• Hands-on experience negotiating large PPAs and managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios.
• Prior leadership role inside a California publicly owned utility (POU), Joint Powers Agency, or IOU strongly preferred.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Advanced user (or former user) of PLEXOS or comparable production-cost models (Aurora, GridView, PROMOD, etc.).
• Deep understanding of RA, RPS, GHG accounting, CRRs, and Western energy markets.
• Comfortable with hedge strategies, options, and structured products.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Inspirational people-leader who develops talent and builds high-performing teams.
• Executive presence – equally credible presenting to City Council, negotiating with counter-parties, or testifying at the CPUC.
• Politically savvy – can align diverse stakeholders (elected officials, member agencies, regulators, environmental groups).
• Strategic visionary who can translate policy goals into actionable resource plans.

Minimum Qualifications

• Six (6) years of experience at a responsible level in engineering, administration, contracts administration, reliability standards compliance, customer relations and strategic services, economic trend analysis and forecasting, financial analysis, marketing, rate setting, resource planning, power contracts power trading, risk management, statistical analysis of market place business practices and operations, communications, information technology, environmental and regulatory compliance, engineering operation and maintenance in the electric utility industry or related field; and,
• Including a minimum of two (2) years of management experience.

Substitutions

• Eight (8) years of applicable electric utility experience may be substituted for the education requirement.
• An advanced degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field may be substituted for up to 2 years of experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.

The "Perfect-Fit" profile
A current or former Head of Resource Planning, Chief Energy Trader, or Director of Power Supply at a California POU or JPA who has personally run IRPs, negotiated 100+ MW renewable deals, managed a trading desk, and regularly represents their utility at NCPA, TANC, or CMUA.

If this describes you (or very close), Silicon Valley Power wants to meet you. This is one of the most influential resource leadership roles among California municipal utilities.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $247,402.92 - $320,198.40 per year. Placement within this range is dependent upon qualifications. In addition, the City also provides a competitive benefits package, including:

Retirement:
The City participates in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS); with a 2.7% at 55 formula for Classic Miscellaneous members and a 2% at 62 formula for New PEPRA Miscellaneous Members.

Health Insurance:
The City pays up to 100% of Kaiser premiums for Employee Only and +1 Dependent plans, 90% for +2 or more; employees cover any extra pre-tax. Those who opt out of health insurance may be eligible for a monthly cash-in-lieu.

Dental and Vision Insurance:
City pays employee-only lowest cost plan. Employee pays for additional premiums above the employer contribution toward dental and vision insurance.

Retiree Medical Reimbursement:
For employees with at least 10 years of service and who retire with the City, the City reimburses up to $425 per month for retirees until age 65, and up to $254 per month for retirees after age 65.

VEBA:
City contributes $50 per month towards the employee VEBA Account.

State Disability Insurance (SDI):
Employee pays 1.2% of gross pay, with seven day waiting period.

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD):
City-paid coverage provides 60% of base wage (up to $8,000/month) after a 60-day waiting period.

Social Security/Medicare (FICA):
Employee and City contribute toward Medicare (1.45%) and Social Security (6.20% up to the required annual limit).

Flexible Spending Account:
IRS Section 125 Plan, an employee may contribute up to $3,400 per year to a health care spending account; $7,500 per year to a dependent care spending account, and $340 per month to a commuter benefit plan in pre-tax dollars.

Employee Assistance Program:
City’s vendor provides confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to a maximum of five (5) consultation sessions per family member per incident per year.

Vacation:
Vacation accrual of 10 days per year for the first 4 years, with accrual increase over time. Maximum accrual is 480 hours.

Vacation Cash-Out:
Up to 80 hours of accrued vacation once per year, to be paid in two cash-outs the following calendar year.

Sick Leave:
96 hours per year with no accrual limit.

Paid Family Leave (PFL):
Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period.

Management Leave:
120 hours per calendar year (prorated in the first year based on hire date), with a maximum accrual of 180 hours.

Holidays:
City observes thirteen (13) paid holidays annually and four (4) additional paid holidays between December 25th and January 1st.

Life Insurance:
City pays the premium for $50,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage. Additional insurance may be purchased by the employee.

Deferred Compensation:
City offers an optional 457(b) Plan. The City will contribute $300/ month to the employee’s deferred compensation account.

Automobile Allowance:
Department Heads can receive $320/month (up to $520, with City Manager approval). Assistant Department. Heads and Division Managers can receive $200/month (Up to $500 with City Manager approval).

Mobile Communication Device Allowance:
$80 per month in lieu of carrying a city-issued cell phone.

Tuition Reimbursement:
City will reimburse eligible tuition expenses up to $2,000 per fiscal year.

Alternate Work Schedule:
Employees may work a 9/80 schedule with City Manager approval.

For more information on employee benefits, visit the City’s benefits website.


TO APPLY
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please contact:
Jenna Flanagan at (916) 304-6663 or email her at jenna@jpowersinc.com

FILING DEADLINE
The filing deadline for this position is open until filled.
The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer.

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