Business Account Executive

Power Your Career. Empower Our Community.

Dakota Electric Association is more than an electric utility—we’re a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative serving over 117,000 members. Ranked among the top 25 electric distribution cooperatives in the nation, we put people first: our members, employees, and the communities we call home.

Join a team where your work truly matters. You’ll help support reliable energy delivery while strengthening the governance and leadership systems that keep our cooperative thriving. Based in Farmington, MN, our culture is built on safety, reliability, and member-focused service. Founded in 1937, we are guided by integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to community.

Business Account Executive

Step into a highly visible, strategic role where you’ll serve as the trusted partner to Dakota Electric Association’s largest and most complex commercial and industrial members. As the enterprise relationship owner, you’ll be the single point of accountability—bringing together internal experts and external partners to deliver reliable power, innovative energy solutions, and long‑term value. This role is all about elevating the member experience, building lasting relationships, and helping Dakota Electric stand apart as a forward‑thinking, member‑focused energy cooperative.

Compensation & Benefits

Full Salary Range: $102,051 - $163,427 annually

Target Starting Wage: $102,051 - $132,894 annually

We offer a competitive compensation package along with a comprehensive benefits program designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:

- 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with 6% employer contribution plus up to 4% match

- Medical, dental, and vision coverage

- HSA and FSA options

- Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance

- Tuition reimbursement and wellness reimbursement

- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, personal day, and volunteer time

Minimum Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in business, electrical engineering or related field required.

- Six years of progressive experience in key account management is required.

- Four years of additional progressive experience in key account management will be considered in lieu of a degree, totaling ten years.

- Required to hold a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

- A current Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification is preferred. Obtaining a CEM certification will be required within one year of employment.

- Detailed knowledge of rates, requirements for electric service, electric principles, HVAC systems, motors, lighting systems, electric equipment operation, building design/code issues, and emerging technology.

- Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, engaging comfortably and professionally with individuals at all levels, from frontline contacts to executive leadership

- Independently prioritizes work and manages competing demands, balancing long-term relationship strategy with day-to-day responsiveness.

Responsibilities

- Establish and maintain business partnerships and relationships with large commercial and industrial members, functioning as a single point of contact for commercial and industrial members.

- Develop a positive business relationship by actively assessing and addressing all service issues of key accounts to ensure a continued high level of customer service and satisfaction.

- Demonstrates a proactive, self-directed approach to managing accounts, identifying opportunities, and resolving issues without requiring close supervision.

- Assist members in achieving operational and energy performance goals by:

- Discussing complex commercial/industrial energy audits and offering cost effective recommendations.

- Promoting and applying appropriate and applicable programs and services to meet members’ demand and energy goals and objectives.

- Leading and supporting demand-side management (DSM) initiatives and promotes conservation and energy‑efficiency programs that help members manage energy use while reducing Dakota Electric’s wholesale power costs.

- Evaluating new commercial and industrial technologies by analyzing equipment reliability, installation costs, and developing cost-benefit analyses.

- Recognizing potential challenges in member relationships and objectively present information and options to support positive, productive outcomes.

- Developing and maintaining a network of qualified service and product providers.

- Assist with developing and monitoring the department’s annual budget.

- Represents the cooperative positively in meetings, presentations, and community or business settings, strengthening Dakota Electric’s reputation

- Assist and participate in developing the strategic marketing and communications

- Creates and delivers educational programs, resources, and opportunities for commercial and industrial

Working Conditions

- Must be available for occasional evening and weekend meetings.

- Occasional overnight travel required for training or work-related events.