Manager, Transmission Strategy & Development

Manager, Transmission Strategy & Development

Application due date: July 21, 2025

Location: Maple Grove, MN (Eligible for hybrid schedule)

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available.

We are the people we power. As Minnesota’s not-for-profit electric cooperative, our member-owners and their members impact every decision we make. Because their needs are our needs, and their dreams are our dreams.

Summary:

This position is responsible for the strategy development and implementation of GRE’s regional transmission development goals, alone and with partners. In addition, the position provides analysis of developing state laws, policies, and decisions that may impact GRE’s regional development strategies, and directs the development and implementation of advocacy to achieve GRE’s regional transmission goals.

Total Rewards:

A typical starting range for this position is $166,000 - $238,000 (annually). We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate’s knowledge, skills and experience. In addition, our Total Rewards strategy focuses on recognizing individual performance and rewarding business results. Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work-life effectiveness.

Responsibilities: Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to

- Develop and execute integrated strategies for regional policy development, governmental and regulatory relationship and issue management, business strategy and communications to support regional transmission development.

- Proactively monitor emerging external policies and develop new strategies, policies, legislative and administrative rule changes conducive to regional transmission development.

- Develop strategic transmission business plans, including identifying and capitalizing on opportunities, including additional partnerships, and secure corporate approval.

- Foster and maintain effective, positive relationships and collaboration among transmission owners.

- Proactively identify and resolve conflicts between utilities and between the utilities and third parties in a timely, collaborative, efficient manner.

- Apprise the GRE Board, executive management, employees, Member Boards and staff informed about regional transmission objectives, projects, opportunities and risks and secure their support.

- Support vice president and chief transmission officer and ensure adequate information about the initiative is communicated within GRE and to member cooperatives.

- Define project regulatory strategy and ensure positive state regulatory relations are maintained.

- Define strategies to ensure positive relations and support of GRE’s regional transmission projects, including county boards and other relevant stakeholders to generate positive outcomes.

- Direct overall management of GRE’s regional transmission projects, including development of requirements, financial approval, accounting, reporting, permitting, scheduling, estimating, engineering, communication, inter-utility coordination and conflict resolution, contracting with consultants and suppliers, regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

- Oversee assembly of GRE’s interdisciplinary project team.

- Coordinate development of stakeholder outreach efforts, define key messages and process.

- Ensure external utility management processes including appropriate interfaces with GRE Transmission Division processes and strive for consistency between them.

- Perform project management duties for implementation of certain transmission policy and strategy initiatives on corporate, statewide, regional and federal levels.

- Support development and implementation of division and corporate-wide transmission-related policies and standards.

Qualifications:

Knowledge typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, business administration or related field is required.

AND

- A minimum of 8 years’ experience in the electric utility industry, with transmission planning, strategy, contracts, and/or regulatory experience is highly desirable.

- Proven leadership and program/project management skills required.

- Must be proficient in the use of PC-based computer software (word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools) and wireless communication devices (cellular phones, handheld wireless devices, wireless email access, etc.).

- Broad knowledge of transmission strategic business, regulatory, financial and rate issues.

- Broad knowledge of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Midwest ISO and other Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), state utility and environmental regulatory body, and regional reliability organization regulations, policies, standards and procedures.

- Basic knowledge of need justification, right-of-way acquisition processes, and of environmental and public concerns related to transmission lines.

- Knowledge of business and transmission system planning, engineering, construction, operations and maintenance

- Skilled at effective communications at both technical and leadership levels. Skills must include good interpersonal skills, as well as written and verbal communication skills and ability to understand information and ideas as presented.

- Skill to create and implement plans aligned with the division’s strategic vision.

- Skill in developing and delivering effective presentations.

- Skill in conflict resolution including the ability to address difference of opinions or facts and use of the most appropriate method to reach an effective solution.

- Ability to build and maintain effective work relationships, both internal and external, and establish credibility with business partners.

- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize time/workload and delegate work in order to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines.

- Ability to negotiate by collaborating with others to arrive at a conclusion using compromise, persuasion, rationale, and diplomacy.

- Ability to coordinate the work of various disciplines, consultants, and contractors as required.

- Ability to integrate the business philosophies and needs of Great River Energy and its members into regional transmission projects and strategies

- Ability to solve complex problems along with analytical skills to analyze and blend technical options into broader-based business strategies.

- Ability to utilize effective listening skills with the ability to interpret and clearly articulate user requirements and team member contributions.

- Ability to adapt to rapidly changing business circumstances; must be able to thrive in a constantly changing business environment.

- Ability and responsibility to work safely alone and with others while following GRE safety rules, certifications and procedures.

- Ability and responsibility to ensure security procedures are followed including immediate notification of potential incidents.

- Ensure employees and contractors are aware of and adhere to security processes and procedures.

Apply: Qualified candidates please apply at www.greatriverenergy.com (under the Careers tab) by July 21, 2025 . GRE values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.