Director, Smart Grid & Electric Utility Consulting

JSI invites you to join our team as a Director, Smart Grid & Electric Utility Consulting , based out of our Greenbelt, MD office, where you'll play a critical role in advancing broadband and telecommunications initiatives that expand connectivity and drive digital inclusion—while advancing your career within a mission-driven, growth-focused organization. About the Company: JSI is a leading full-service consulting firm specializing in broadband solutions. For over 60 years, we have provided independent communications service providers with expert financial, engineering, management, operational, regulatory, and strategic guidance. Our extensive industry knowledge and proven track record of success have empowered clients to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. With over 1,000 clients nationwide and a powerful presence in markets like Florida, Texas, Maryland, and Alaska, JSI empowers rural and regional broadband providers to expand, evolve, and excel in a rapidly shifting digital world. Position Overview: JSI is seeking a market-facing and technical leader to scale JSI’s Smart Grid and Utility Strategy practice, including revenue growth and client acquisition, with a focus on Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) and Municipal Electric Utilities. This role will lead the development of new service offerings, client engagements, and strategic partnerships that align electric grid modernization with broadband infrastructure (“Grid & Gig” convergence). The ideal candidate combines electric utility expertise with business development acumen and the ability to translate emerging technologies—such as AMI, SCADA modernization, DERMS, data analytics, and grid-edge communications—into practical consulting solutions for cooperative and municipal clients. This position will play a critical role in JSI’s growth into an energy and infrastructure market leader, helping utilities improve reliability, operational efficiency, and long-term financial sustainability. Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership Define and execute JSI’s Smart Grid consulting strategy targeting EMCs and municipal utilities. Develop service offerings spanning grid modernization, operational efficiency, technology strategy, and business case development. Align Smart Grid initiatives with JSI’s broader broadband, fiber, and digital infrastructure practices. Support executive leadership in identifying new market opportunities across energy and telecom convergence. Client Engagement & Business Development Partner with the sales and strategy departments to develop and execute go-to-market strategies targeting grid modernization, operational transformation, and technology strategy. Activate and expand industry relationships to generate new client engagements and expand JSI’s footprint in energy and infrastructure markets. Represent JSI at national conferences, cooperative associations, and thought leadership forums. Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership at electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. Lead client discovery workshops, strategic planning engagements, and modernization assessments. Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities, partnerships, and long-term consulting relationships. Collaborate with JSI Sales & Marketing to position Smart Grid offerings within target markets. Technical & Program Execution Lead multi-disciplinary consulting engagements including: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) SCADA and distribution automation Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) Grid communications and fiber integration Operational efficiency and organizational transformation Funding initiatives (grants and loans) Provide guidance on technology selection, vendor evaluation, and implementation roadmaps. Support development of financial models and business cases for modernization initiatives. Practice Development Build internal capabilities, frameworks, and methodologies for electric utility consulting. Collaborate across JSI teams including Engineering, Financial Services, Operations Consulting, and Regulatory. Mentor internal staff and help develop subject matter expertise within the organization. Contribute to thought leadership, conference speaking, and industry publications. Travel Requirements Moderate to significant travel (30–50%) to client sites, industry events, and JSI offices. Qualifications Required 10+ years of experience in electric utilities, grid modernization, or energy infrastructure consulting. Demonstrated experience working with electric cooperatives, public power, or municipal utilities. Strong understanding of Smart Grid technologies, including AMI, SCADA, distribution automation, and grid communications. Experience leading client-facing consulting engagements or large-scale transformation initiatives. Proven ability to translate technical concepts into executive-level strategy and business outcomes. Preferred Background in utility engineering, power systems, or energy technology strategy. Experience integrating broadband or fiber infrastructure into utility operations. Familiarity with federal/state funding programs, regulatory environments, or cooperative governance models. Established industry relationships within EMC or municipal utility ecosystems. Education Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering, Energy Systems, or related discipline preferred. Benefits & Compensation Competitive salary + performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k)). Generous PTO and travel support. Ongoing professional development and educational opportunities.