Strategic Advisor: Market Risk Governance & Integration at City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. 

The Strategic Advisor; Market Risk Governance & Integration is responsible for leading risk governance across the wholesale trading portfolio, with a focus on maintaining and evolving the Wholesale Energy Risk Management (WERM) policies and procedures. The role oversees risk control and reporting frameworks, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and internal standards. This includes leading the coordination of internal and external audits and implementing recommendations from such audits, where necessary. 

 The strategic advisor would engage cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders to assess and anticipate risks in emerging and evolving markets-- including power, transmission and environmental commodities. A key responsibility would be identifying and monitoring embedded and systemic risks associated with these markets and translating them into actionable business strategies by identifying, monitoring measuring, and reporting on such risks. The role also supports the configuration and enhancement of Energy Trading and Risk Management (ETRM) systems to accommodate new market structures, products, and services. 
 
 Additionally, the advisor would play a strategic role in shaping risk-informed decision-making, ensuring new opportunities align with portfolio risk tolerance. The position may also advise on credit risk frameworks, policy updates, and new market entry considerations in support of the organization’s long-term objectives.  This position will report to the Manager, ISO Settlements, Risk Control & Governance.

Position Duties

Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 

• Actively engage in CAISO EIM Initiative meetings by assessing potential impacts to Seattle City Light operations and effectively communicating relevant findings to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Provide leadership during the implementation and post go-live phases of the EDAM/SPP Markets+ initiatives, offering strategic recommendations on participation, particularly regarding the effectiveness of POM’s bidding strategies and associated operational impacts.
• Serve as the technical lead for EIM settlements and metering, supporting ad hoc analyses and providing guidance on internal and external inquiries, potentially including supervisory responsibilities.
• Lead the efforts in WERM Policy & Procedures revisions ensuring any gaps are addressed and that policies & procedures are kept current.
• Design and manage the methodology for verifying, reporting, and tracking suballocation settlement validations. Act as the technical lead for settlements under the new OATT initiative, including the development of processes for suballocation billing to transmission customers.
• Establish and review criteria for integrating new resources, assessing associated risks—including technical, contractual, and performance-related considerations—throughout the implementation process.
• Serve as a backup for team members during planned or unplanned absences, ensuring continuity of operations and consistent support for ongoing tasks and responsibilities.
• Perform additional responsibilities and cross-functional tasks as needed to support team objectives, organizational priorities, and evolving business needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications: (refer to class spec)

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: 

Education: A bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, public administration, public policy, or risk management is required (or a combination of education, training, and/or professional experience that provides an equivalent background to succeed in the role).

Experience:

4 years experience in program development, project coordination, or designing and implementing new programs

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Four - Five (4-5) years’ experience in program development, project coordination, or designing and implementing new programs; and a bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, business or a related field as stated above (or a combination of education, training, and/or professional experience that provides an equivalent background to succeed in the role).
• Strong understanding of wholesale energy markets, including market structures, pricing mechanisms, and operations within RTOs/ISOs such as CAISO, SPP, ERCOT, or PJM, including experience supporting or executing trading activities in day-ahead and real-time markets, including bidding strategies, position management, and risk mitigation. 
• The role requires strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to assess portfolio risk, interpret complex data, and guide strategic decision-making. 
• A solid grasp of emerging markets, including power, environmental products, and transmission, is essential, along with the ability to evaluate embedded risks and market impacts. 
• project management capabilities, particularly in leading cross-functional initiatives and coordinating internal and external audits.
• Experience with trading and risk systems (e.g., ETRM/CTRM platforms) is important for supporting new product integration and process enhancements. 
• Effective stakeholder engagement and communication skills are critical for collaborating across trading, finance, compliance, and IT teams, as well as with external regulators and market operators. 
• Strong communication skills, including writing, facilitating, and presenting in professional settings.
• Confidence working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and the ability to make complex information easier to understand.
• Familiarity with infrastructure or capital project delivery work, or experience in a related field where you’ve supported technical teams or translated complex information for broader audiences.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and public service.
• A proven track record of taking initiative, following through, and adapting to new challenges.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Qualifications

The full salary range for this position is $50.08 to $75.12 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. 

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.   Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.