Director of State Energy Development

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 33768
Agency: Governor's Office of Economic Development
Location:Pierre; Sioux Falls: or Rapid City, SDSalary: $90,000 - $120,000 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: M
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Governor's Office of Economic Development. For more information on the Governor's Office of Economic Development, please visit https://sdgoed.com/ .

The Director of State Energy Development is a senior leadership position within the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), responsible for shaping and executing South Dakota's energy development policy and strategy. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of energy systems, infrastructure, permitting, business and economic development. The Director will work closely with companies, citizens, the Governor's Office and officials at all levels of government to promote responsible, efficient, and forward-looking energy policy and development across the state.

This position will travel approximately 30% (primarily in-state; some national and infrequent international travel) of the time. Candidate must have a valid US driver's license and valid US passport.

Key Responsibilities

• Energy Policy and Development: Promote and support the development of renewable fuels (ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable natural gas) and traditional/emerging energy sources (coal, wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, geothermal, crude oil, natural gas, hydrogen).
• Power Generation & Infrastructure: Understanding of energy infrastructure projects, including.:
• Electrical Transmission: High-voltage, long-distance grid corridors.
• Electrical Distribution: Substations, energy storage and local grid systems.
• Pipelines: For gasoline, diesel, water, natural gas, crude oil, and related products.
• Permitting & Regulatory Navigation: Basic knowledge of permitting, siting, construction, and operational compliance across federal, state, interstate, intrastate, and local jurisdictions.
• Business Development & Investment Strategy: Analyze return on investment, tax policy, financial incentives, and loan structures to attract and retain energy investment in South Dakota.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Liaison: Serve as a key liaison to:

• Energy developers, investor-owned utilities, cooperatives and municipals.
• Agricultural producers, data centers and large energy consumers.
• Tribal, local, and federal officials.
• South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and staff.
• State legislators.
• Office of the State Engineer and other cabinet agencies.
• Large Load Management: Understand the needs of large load end users (e.g., industrial, commercial, data centers and agricultural operations) and how utilities manage such loads. Work to ensure energy reliability while minimizing ratepayer impact.
• Policy & Legislative Support: Provide strategic input on energy-related legislation and regulatory initiatives. Represent the Governor's Office as a registered Executive Branch lobbyist and in public forums and policy discussions.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• graduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., JD, MBA, MPA, MS in Law, Business, Energy or Regulatory Policy) is preferred. Willing to consider applicants with a bachelor's degree in engineering, energy systems, public policy, business, economics, or a related field;
• minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in business is preferred, with preference for experience in the energy or utility sectors;
• demonstrated knowledge of business principles, energy markets, infrastructure, permitting, and regulatory frameworks;
• experience working with or within government agencies or regulated industries;
• familiarity with South Dakota's energy landscape and rural economic development;
• strong communication skills-both verbal and written-with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse audiences;
• proven ability to lead through indirect authority and build consensus among stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• strategic thinking and analytical mindset;
• persuasive communication and lobbying ability;
• high integrity, positivity, honesty, and strong work ethic;
• pro-growth and solutions-oriented mindset;
• ability to navigate complex negotiations and compromise;
• calm and composed demeanor under pressure and during public testimony;
• demonstrated leadership as both a sole contributor and team manager;
• ability to operate under deadlines and manage multiple priorities;
• strong interpersonal skills dealing with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and cover letter.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2TE
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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