Lead CIP Specialist

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:

- Competitive pay with bonus opportunities

- Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance

- Relocation assistance

- Flexible working environment for positions that are eligible where employees have the flexibility to work from home and come in where collaborative in person work is needed.

- Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a defined benefit plan fully funded by SPP

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.

Lead CIP Specialist | Pay Range: $109,500.00 - $142,250.00

Lead CIP Specialist – Compliance with Impact!

At Southwest Power Pool (SPP), we’re looking for a highly motivated Lead CIP Specialist to join our CIP Compliance team. This role isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about helping keep the power grid secure and the lights on for millions.

Why this role matters

As Lead CIP Specialist, you’ll guide employees through complex federal requirements, manage compliance programs tied to Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), and help shape the development of NERC CIP Standards. You’ll also represent SPP in audits, industry forums, and working groups—building strong relationships across the organization and the industry.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

As Lead CIP Specialist, you will:

- Serve as a subject-matter expert (SME) for all CIP compliance needs, providing guidance to business units and mentoring staff at all levels.

- Provide leadership and direction within the Compliance Department, supporting internal program initiatives and fostering collaboration across departments with CIP responsibilities.

- Lead internal risk assessments, controls testing, and compliance reviews to ensure ongoing readiness.

- Investigate potential risks or violations, and develop self-reports, mitigation plans, evidence, and responses.

- Develop and maintain compliance oversight controls, and deliver CIP compliance-related training for staff.

- Represent SPP in audits, certifications, and industry groups (CIPWG, RCWG, MOPC, ORWG, CIPC, NAESB, etc.), while building strong relationships with regulators, auditors, and industry peers.

- Participate in the NERC Standards Development Process, contributing expertise and monitoring changes to ensure compliance alignment.

- Partner with Legal, Regulatory, and internal teams on compliance-related filings, initiatives, and corporate requirements.

- Prepare and facilitate external audits (with emphasis on SERC), including scheduling, logistics, and coordination.

- Stay current on evolving NERC CIP Standards and reliability requirements, ensuring SPP remains proactive and prepared.

In this role, you’ll work at the crossroads of compliance, cybersecurity, and operational excellence while leading projects that directly protect the bulk power system. You’ll gain visibility across SPP and the broader industry, all while making a lasting impact by keeping the grid reliable and secure. If you’re ready to put your expertise to work in a role that truly matters, we encourage you to apply today

To be successful as the Lead CIP Specialist, we're looking for a:

- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university

- Ten (10) years of industry experience

- Extensive knowledge of the NERC CIP Standards

- Relevant regulatory experience, especially in CIP-related compliance obligations

- Fluency in English and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of technical staff and management

- Excellent oral and written communication skills

- Flexibility and the ability to function with constantly changing and multiple priorities

- General proficiency with computers, to include the Microsoft Office Suite

- Excellent organizational skills

- General understanding of industry compliance requirements

- Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures

Preferred Qualifications:

- Advanced Degree

- Experience working in organizations regulated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)—such as RTOs, ISOs, investor-owned utilities, or public power utilities/cooperatives—or in other heavily regulated industries (e.g., defense, aviation, healthcare).

- Knowledge of the NERC CIP Standards

Position Type, Location, and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time, onsite hybrid position based in Little Rock, Arkansas. The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours may be required. Job requires managing staff working rotating shift schedules with long hours.

Travel Requirement:

This position requires minimal travel (approximately 10%).

SPP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is committed to excellence. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool.

Full job descriptions will be made available to those selected for an interview.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.