Director, Utility Partnerships

About this role

ABOUT US

GridCARE is a leading venture-backed startup solving the most critical constraint in AI’s growth trajectory: immediate access to power. As demand for computing skyrockets, access to energy has become the defining bottleneck in the AI infrastructure race. While leading tech companies invest billions in speculative, long-term solutions that may take decades to arrive, GridCARE’s pioneering physics-based generative AI platform unlocks gigawatts of hidden capacity in today’s electric grid — enabling hyperscalers, data center developers, and utilities to power AI infrastructure years sooner than conventional approaches and without costly upgrades.

Founded at Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability and backed by leading climate-tech and deep-tech investors, GridCARE has assembled a world-class team spanning power systems, AI, and infrastructure.

At GridCARE, you will:

⚡ Work at the intersection of AI, energy, and infrastructure — the foundation of the next industrial revolution.

🤝 Partner with hyperscalers, developers, and utilities on high-impact, real-world deployments.

🌎 Help shape a more abundant, efficient, and resilient energy future for the digital era.

🚀 Join a company defining a new category — capacity acceleration for AI.

💰 Receive competitive compensation, equity, and benefits in a fast-growth, mission-driven environment.

Learn more about GridCARE:

- TechCrunch: GridCARE thinks more than 100 GW of data-center capacity is hiding in the grid https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/27/gridcare-thinks-more-than-100-gw-of-data-center-capacity-is-hiding-in-the-grid/

- Utility Dive: Portland General Electric invests in AI-powered flexibility to speed data-center connection https://www.utilitydive.com/news/gridcare-portland-general-pge-data-centers/803097/

- Data Center Dynamics: From Years to Months — Creating an AI Fast Lane for Data Centers https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/analysis/from-years-to-months-creating-an-ai-fast-lane-for-grid-connection/

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly motivated Director of Utility Partnerships to lead high-impact multi-year engagements with utilities and close strategic partnerships and agreements. This is a senior, relationship-led role, requiring a unique combination of business development and utility industry expertise. We are seeking someone who already carries credibility with utility executive leadership and can bring an existing, trusted relationship at one or more target utilities. It is ideal for a commercially-driven utility expert who understands different regulatory regimes, utility business models, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys building partnerships that result in meaningful long term business growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Be the face of GridCARE for utilities

- Bring and build on existing relationships with utility executives and senior decision-makers, particularly at priority target utilities

- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of utility contacts across departments and levels

- Drive strategic partnerships from introduction to execution of commercial agreements with leading utilities

- Maintain clear accountability for meeting and exceeding utility partnership targets

- Identify high-value opportunities based on deep understanding of utility needs and market trends, and craft targeted approaches to secure engagements

- Create compelling narrative to clearly articulate GridCARE's value proposition to utility decision-makers

- Represent GridCARE at industry conferences, forums, and events to elevate visibility

Collaborate across internal teams

- Work with the leadership team to develop product and commercial strategies for utilities in alignment with broader organizational goals and revenue targets

- Identify, develop and execute partnership strategies that contribute to company priorities

- Provide structured feedback from utilities to inform roadmap and product delivery, including technical needs, procurement, and contracting

QUALIFICATIONS

- 10+ years of experience in business development, sales, strategic partnerships, or senior utility leadership within the utility or energy sector

- An established network of utility industry contracts, including credible relationships with senior executives at one or more target utilities, with a demonstrated ability to build trust at the executive level

- Deep understanding of the utility industry, state and federal regulation and policy, and the challenges driving grid interconnection

- Startup mindset and/or experience: adaptability, ownership, and comfort operating with ambiguity

- A background that combines utility-side experience with exposure to the private sector — startup, strategy consulting, or technology — pairing utility credibility with a broader commercial lens; strategy consulting experience selling or delivering strategic utility engagements is a plus

- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex value propositions

- Bachelor's degree required; advanced or technical degree preferred

LOCATION CONSIDERATIONS

- Preferred: San Francisco (in Redwood City office)

- Strongly considered: TX, must have established relationships at Texas utilities

- Potentially open to: candidates in OR/WA (with relationships at PNW utilities), or in the DC/Ohio/Chicago areas with strong relationships at specific target utilities

WHAT WE OFFER

- Competitive salary, performance bonus, and equity.

- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.

- Lunch provided three days a week in office.

- Hybrid schedule for local employees: 3 days in office for collaboration, 2 days remote for focused work.

- Access to leading academic, industry, and government partners in the AI-energy ecosystem.

- A mission-driven team focused on shaping the future of the energy transition.

SALARY RANGE

$185,000-$285,000 OTE annually

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