Role Overview for Chief Digital Officer with a Public Utilities Company – Boston, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, forward-thinking public utilities company based in the heart of Boston, MA, in their search for a transformative Chief Digital Officer (CDO). This is a pivotal executive leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, designed for a visionary leader who can architect and execute a comprehensive digital transformation strategy. Our client is at the forefront of the energy transition, committed to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions to millions of customers. In an era of rapid technological advancement, evolving customer expectations, and a heightened focus on grid modernization and decarbonization, the CDO will be the central force driving innovation and digital maturity across the entire organization.
This is more than a technology leadership role; it is a business transformation role. The successful candidate will be responsible for reimagining how the company engages with its customers, optimizes its operations, and leverages data as a strategic asset. You will be tasked with building a digital-first culture, fostering innovation, and ensuring that the company’s technological infrastructure is not only robust and secure but also agile enough to adapt to the future of energy. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and collaborate closely with the executive leadership team to integrate digital initiatives into the core business strategy, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer satisfaction, and creating new value streams. If you are a strategic, results-oriented leader with a passion for using technology to solve complex challenges in a mission-critical industry, we invite you to explore this unique opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Digital Officer with a Public Utilities Company – Boston, MA
The Chief Digital Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities include:
Develop and Execute Digital Transformation Strategy
Formulate and champion a clear, compelling, and comprehensive enterprise-wide digital vision and roadmap. This includes aligning digital initiatives with long-term business objectives, securing buy-in from the board and executive team, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), and managing the digital transformation portfolio and budget.
Champion Customer-Centric Digital Experiences
Lead the complete overhaul and continuous improvement of the customer digital journey. This involves enhancing self-service capabilities through web portals and mobile applications, personalizing customer communications, implementing digital billing and payment solutions, and leveraging data to anticipate customer needs and improve satisfaction (CSAT) scores.
Drive Operational Excellence through Technology
Identify and implement cutting-edge digital technologies to optimize core utility operations. This includes leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for predictive maintenance on grid assets, utilizing AI and machine learning for demand forecasting and load balancing, deploying drone technology for infrastructure inspections, and exploring digital twin models for network planning and simulation.
Harness the Power of Data and Analytics
Establish a robust data governance framework and build a centralized data analytics platform. Cultivate a data-driven decision-making culture across the organization, using advanced analytics to unlock insights that improve safety, reliability, and financial performance. Your work will be critical in modernizing the nation’s electricity grid and enhancing its resilience.
Lead Innovation and Emerging Technology Adoption
Create and manage an innovation pipeline to scout, evaluate, and pilot emerging technologies such as blockchain for energy trading, advanced robotics for field operations, and generative AI for customer service. Foster a culture of experimentation and calculated risk-taking to keep the company at the leading edge of the industry.
Ensure Digital Security and Compliance
In close partnership with the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), ensure the highest levels of cybersecurity for all digital assets, with a particular focus on protecting critical infrastructure and the convergence of IT and Operational Technology (OT). Ensure all digital initiatives comply with federal and state regulations, including NERC-CIP standards.
Build and Mentor a High-Performing Digital Team
Attract, develop, and retain top-tier digital talent. Structure and lead a dynamic organization that includes experts in product management, user experience (UX), data science, software engineering, and digital marketing. Foster a collaborative, agile, and results-oriented team environment.
Serve as a Key Executive Advisor and Influencer
Act as the primary advisor to the CEO, board of directors, and executive leadership team on all digital matters. Effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, build strong cross-functional relationships, and represent the company with regulators, industry partners, and technology vendors.
Requirements for the Chief Digital Officer with a Public Utilities Company – Boston, MA
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading successful digital transformations in complex, asset-intensive industries. Specific qualifications include:
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology and digital leadership roles, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive capacity (e.g., CDO, CIO, CTO, VP of Digital) responsible for enterprise-wide strategy and execution. Experience managing large, cross-functional teams and multi-million dollar budgets is essential.
Industry Acumen
Deep experience within the public utilities, energy, or a related critical infrastructure sector is strongly preferred. We will consider exceptional candidates from other highly regulated, asset-heavy industries (e.g., telecommunications, transportation, manufacturing) who can demonstrate a rapid ability to learn the nuances of the energy sector.
Educational Background
An advanced degree, such as an MBA or a Master of Science in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, is highly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is required.
Transformational Leadership
Demonstrable success in architecting and leading at least one large-scale, end-to-end digital transformation that resulted in significant business impact. Must possess a strategic mindset, the ability to navigate corporate complexity, and a history of driving cultural change.
Technical Proficiency
Broad and deep knowledge of modern digital technologies and practices, including cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), data architecture and analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning, IoT frameworks, cybersecurity principles, and agile/DevOps methodologies.
Business and Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of business principles, with the ability to build compelling business cases, manage P&L for digital initiatives, and clearly articulate the ROI of technology investments to financial stakeholders.
Communication and Influence
Extraordinary executive presence, with exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills. Must have the ability to build consensus and articulate a complex technical vision to a wide range of audiences, from engineers to board members and external regulators.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client provides a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the very best leaders in the industry. The package includes:
- Highly Competitive Base Salary
- Significant Annual Performance-Based Bonus
- Long-Term Incentive Program (Equity-based)
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for you and your dependents
- Generous 401(k) plan with a substantial company match
- Executive Financial Planning and Wellness Programs
- Full Relocation Assistance Package for qualified candidates
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), sick leave, and paid holidays
- Commitment to professional development with an allowance for continuing education, conferences, and certifications
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search managed by JRG Partners. We are committed to a confidential, transparent, and respectful recruitment process. To express your interest in this unique leadership opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for digital transformation in the utilities sector.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the technology and energy sectors. For more information about our expertise in placing top technology executives, we invite you to visit the JRG Partners’ Technology Officers practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
