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Portland, Oregon, United States
Hybrid
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
Data Center Dynamics: From Years to Months — Creating an AI Fast Lane for Data Centers
We are seeking a Director of Utility Partnerships to lead high-impact, multi-year engagements with utilities and close strategic partnerships — someone who already carries credibility with utility executive leadership and can bring existing, trusted relationships at one or more target utilities. This is a senior, relationship-led role requiring a unique combination of business development and utility industry expertise. It is ideal for a commercially-driven utility expert who understands different regulatory regimes and utility business models, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys building partnerships that result in meaningful long-term business growth.
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
Own 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
Craft a compelling narrative that clearly articulates 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, aligned with broader organizational goals and revenue targets
Identify, develop and execute partnership strategies that align with company priorities
Provide structured feedback from utilities to inform roadmap and product delivery, including technical needs, procurement, and contracting
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 — adaptability, ownership, and comfort operating with ambiguity; startup experience is a plus
A background that pairs utility-side experience with hands-on experience selling into utilities or delivering strategic utility engagements, whether at a startup or management consulting
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex value propositions
Bachelor's degree required; advanced or technical degree preferred
Preferred: PNW or San Francisco Bay Area
Considered: Texas, Washington D.C., Ohio, or Chicago
Must bring established utility relationships in one or more of these markets.
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.
$185,000-$285,000 OTE annually
Join us in tackling one of the most important infrastructure challenges of our time — enabling the energy foundation for the age of AI.
