SVP Business and Technology Strategies

Job Description

Based in Arlington, Virginia, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is the national trade association representing America’s nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. Electric co-ops are innovative, community‑focused energy providers that power the lives of 42 million people across 56% of the American landscape. From growing suburbs to the most remote rural communities, electric co-ops keep the lights on and are critical engines of economic growth, resilience, and opportunity.  NRECA partners closely with co-ops to ensure continued success in a rapid and dynamic energy landscape.

The SVP, Business & Technology Strategies (BTS) leads programs that advance the business and technology capabilities of electric cooperatives through research, engineering, consulting, technology programs, and continued advancement of the cooperative business model. Working with NRECA colleagues and leaders in NRECA’s membership, the BTS function evaluates electric cooperatives’ technology needs, federal regulatory requirements, grant opportunities, human capital management, safety, and technology advances to create a strategic focus and vision for BTS programs.

NRECA is working with Boyden talent advisory consultants to find the right candidates for this position.  You can find out more information at Houston@Boyden.com.

Salary Range: $375,000 - $500,000, plus eligibility for an annual incentive opportunity. Final compensation is determined by individual qualifications, experience and internal equity.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Lead a well-integrated, high-performing team. Establish a strategic vision, direct the development and execution of a strategic plan to prioritize and serve the members needs.

• Prepare and manage the department budget to align the work effort, funding, and expenses with the strategic goals of the department.

• Provide advice and support to the Government Relations Department in the development of public policy positions and regulatory and legislative testimony, with emphasis on FERC, NERC, NIST, USDA, EPA, and DOE.

• Represent NRECA members' interests and maintain contact with government agencies, trade and professional associations, and allied organizations on matters dealing with technology development, engineering, utility operations, and technology transfer.

• Facilitate communications regarding detailed technical information and analysis of the full spectrum of power generation, transmission, distribution, and market issues.

• Champion the objectives and operations of various committees, collaborative ventures, and advisory groups with a wide range of stakeholders.

• Ensure that department staff maintain strong working relationships with member systems through the NRECA standing committees, Statewide engineering and operations committees, and the Electric Staff Division of the RUS.

• Guide the development of viable government grant applications for funding to support the development and implementation of new technologies and ensure effective policies, procedures, and administration for compliance with grant requirements and regulations.

• Communicate research results to electric cooperatives through a variety of existing and creatively developed media channels.

• Prepare and present formal presentations to large audiences at NRECA’s regional and annual membership meetings, and other forums.

• Ensure that the electric cooperative voice is heard by standards organizations such as IEEE, NESC, NECA, and RUS.

Qualifications

Formal Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering.  Master’s degree preferred.

Experience and Qualifications Required:

• 10+ years’ experience in progressing leadership for strategic planning, executive business leadership, entrepreneurship and/or management consulting.

• Knowledge of electric utility industry including engineering, operations and power markets.

• A commitment to and passion for utilizing advancing technology for the improvement of society.

• Excellent management skills and the ability to coalesce disparate functions into a common mission.

• Demonstrated track record of commercializing products, services, and solutions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Build and sustain a high-performing team with an appreciation and interest in building and sustaining strategic relationships and working partnership with key internal decision makers, members, staff, a variety of governance entities, allied organizations, and the public.

• Analyze the business environment to prioritize and organize work efforts and deliver high-quality, high-value services in a resource-constrained environment.

• Understand requirements for federal grants management and compliance.

• Lead people and large work units with a track record of developing, motivating, and delegating across a large, functionally disparate team.

• Organize and manage time, multi-task, operate under pressure, and prioritize projects (or work) using effective organization skills.

• Ability to be persuasive, negotiate, and collaborate with individuals at all levels inside and outside of the organization.

• Exercise judgment and discretion in the execution of all duties and responsibilities.

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse membership, employees, and/or vendors in a clear and precise manner, explaining complex issues in clear, simple terms.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) in the day-to-day essential duties of the job.

• Regular and significant travel to members, conferences, and meetings.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.

• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Disclaimer Statement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Additional Requirement:

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail humanresources@nreca.coop or call: 703-907-5992 - NRECA Arlington Human Resources. Please call 402-483-9275 - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released the 'Know Your Rights' poster, which updates and replaces the previous "EEO is the Law" poster and "EEO Is the Law Poster Supplement". 

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination. NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

E-Verify. As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify.

For more information about life at NRECA please visit www.Electric.coop.