Director of Safety, Training, and Workforce Development

The Director of Safety, Training, and Workforce Development provides strategic leadership and vision for IEC’s statewide safety, training, and risk mitigation programs. This role oversees the development, modernization, and delivery of high-quality training, apprenticeship, and safety initiatives that support the long-term operational and workforce needs of Indiana’s electric cooperatives. The Director ensures alignment with evolving industry standards, regulatory requirements, and cooperative priorities while cultivating a strong and consistent safety culture across all member organizations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to perform the functions listed below in a satisfactory manner. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Develops and executes a multi-year strategic plan for IEC’s safety, job training, loss control, and apprenticeship programs.

- Identifies industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies and incorporates them into program planning and curriculum development.

- Leads continuous improvement initiatives to ensure IEC’s programs remain innovative, relevant, and effective.

- Directs statewide safety initiatives designed to improve performance, reduce risk exposure, and strengthen cooperative safety culture.

- Oversees development of risk mitigation strategies and enterprise-level safety standards in collaboration with Regulatory Compliance and member leaders.

- Provides strategic guidance during significant incidents, investigations, or safety events when needed.

- Oversees the design, development, and evaluation of all safety training, classroom instruction, hands-on schools, and apprenticeship programs.

- Ensures the Rural Electric Apprenticeship Program (REAP) meets workforce needs, accreditation criteria, and industry expectations.

- Coordinates mutual aid agreements and partnerships, ensuring clear communication, readiness, and effective response across participating organizations.

- Establishes quality standards, performance benchmarks, and evaluation processes for all training programs.

- Serves as the primary point of contact for cooperative CEOs, operations leaders, and safety managers regarding statewide safety and training initiatives.

- Builds and maintains strong relationships with member cooperatives to ensure programs reflect evolving needs and challenges.

- Represents IEC with industry associations, professional organizations, and regulatory bodies.

- Collaborates with and advises the Safety Committee to advance a proactive safety culture and support compliance with relevant policies and regulations.

- Monitors federal and state regulatory changes (OSHA/IOSHA, NESC, DOT, EPA, etc.) and ensures IEC programs reflect current requirements.

- Partners with Regulatory Strategy and Compliance to develop consistent statewide safety policies and guidance materials.

- Provides expertise and consultation to member cooperatives navigating compliance questions or challenges.

- Develops and oversees the department budget, ensuring effective stewardship of financial resources.

- Approves major purchases, equipment, technology investments, and vendor contracts that support training operations.

- Analyzes program utilization, cost-effectiveness, and ROI to guide resource planning and program adjustments.

- May maintain responsibility for assigned member cooperatives, conducting scheduled visits, and serving as the primary point of contact for those locations.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

- Assists other departments and performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Leads, mentors, and develops a team of trainers and safety professionals, establishing clear goals, expectations, and performance measures.

- Manages departmental structure, staffing, and resource allocation to meet member needs and deliver high-value programs.

- Supports professional development and certification attainment for team members.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have an equivalent of the following education and/or experience.

- Associate’s degree in line management, safety management, engineering technology, organizational leadership, or related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred.

- 10+ years of progressive experience in utility safety, job training, loss control, or related operational disciplines.

- Demonstrated history of leadership in safety program development, training oversight, or risk management.

- Experience working within the electric utility industry required.

- Maintains contemporary safety leadership credentials such as CUSP, CSP, or equivalent certifications.

- Valid driver’s license required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

- Strategic leadership skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders and guide complex initiatives.

- Strong understanding of safety management systems, regulatory frameworks, and utility operations.

- Strong ability to monitor emerging industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements and translate these insights into proactive strategies, updated curricula, and future-focused safety initiatives.

- Excellent communication and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.

- Ability to lead teams, manage budgets, develop programs, and work collaboratively across departments and organizations.

- Proficiency with technology tools, data analysis, and modern training methodologies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The environmental and physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with periodic travel to member locations and training sites.

- Ability to conduct on-site visits, attend field training sessions, and participate in hands-on program evaluation as needed.

- Travel estimated at 40–60%, with overnight travel required.

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