Program Manager, Grid Sector

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents over 300 electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers that make safe, reliable, and efficient products and systems. Together, our members contribute 1% of U.S. GDP and directly provide nearly 460,000 American jobs, contributing more than $250 billion to the U.S. economy. NEMA serves its members by living our core values in every aspect of our work: respect, integrity, teamwork, and leadership.

The Program Manager, Grid Sector directs the standards development process for modern grid technologies. The Program Manager leads member companies in developing and executing a technical strategy and work plan to align activities with Sector- and industry-wide priorities and technology trends. The Program Manager is expected to contribute to the development of NEMA-wide strategic documents (i.e., Technology Roadmap, International Strategy, Code Strategy, Standards Publication Plan), manage multiple technical Sections, engage directly with members and partner organizations, and deliver tangible results for member companies. Work encompasses both domestic and international technical activities.

The position reports to the Managing Technical Director, Grid and Mobility Sectors. NEMA delivers value to members using a matrixed, multi-faceted model, supported, and facilitated by the Program Manager, and the position requires close coordination across NEMA Departments. The position is eligible for a partially remote work schedule, but may include up to 30 percent time on travel, including both domestic and international.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain manufacturing and performance standards and other technical work related to electric grid products and systems and other technologies as assigned

Direct creation, review, revision, maintenance, and withdrawal of technical documents, including standards

Develop a strategy and work plan that delivers business-relevant technical documents, including standards

Surveil/monitor the U.S./international standards environment/industry trends, systematically researching standards gaps to fill

Leverage digital tools to develop standards quickly and efficiently; share best practices with other NEMA staff

Work with NEMA Public Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Membership Services, and Growth Departments, as well as members, to promote and drive adoption of existing and new technical documents, including standards

Lead NEMA Technical Committees, Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), and other technical work as assigned

Develop annual/situational technical work plans and achieve assigned goals

Understand and exploit via new technical work relationships between and among devices and different types of networks (IT, Communications, etc.)

Plan and manage meetings, prepare minutes, and distribute associated documents according to NEMA best practices

Drive and be accountable for committee and team outcomes

Develop and execute annual plans and remain at or under budget

Build effective and persistent personal lines of communication with NEMA member companies, technical committee participants, and key partners and participants in non-NEMA standards activities

Communicate the value of NEMA technical activities to members and non-member participants

Engage with partner organizations and work via coalitions to achieve shared goals and objectives

Contribute to the identification and recruitment of new members that strategically and/or technically strengthen NEMA Competencies and Attributes:

Exceptional understanding of grid technologies and technical trends.

Strong technical skills and attention to detail; understanding of domestic and international standards development processes desired

Excellent communication, relationship management, and conflict resolution abilities.

Ability to thrive in a matrixed environment and embody NEMA's core values: respect, integrity, teamwork, leadership.

Commitment to advancing NEMA's mission and values.

Creative, with a learning mindset and the ability to adapt to evolving industry landscapes. Experience and Qualifications

Undergraduate degree required; engineering or related field preferred, advanced technical degree a plus

5-7 years full-time experience in related field(s)

Deep knowledge of existing and emerging grid technologies including electric grid communications desired

Experience of technical standards development process highly desired; AStd or CStd Standards professional certification a differentiator

Demonstrated results-oriented team leadership

Excellent program management abilities including strong planning, time management, and budgeting skills

Ability to clearly and persuasively write and speak with executive presence

Ability to resolve conflicts quickly, fairly, and diplomatically

Motivated to seek new challenges with a creative and learning mindset

NEMA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including paid holidays and personal time, flexible working hours, 401(k) plan, health/dental insurance, and partial pre-tax parking/Metro subsidy.

EOE/M/F/V/D.