Vice President Energy and Member Services

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 deliver reliable energy while strengthening the bonds that make our cooperative thrive. Based in Farmington, MN, our culture is built on safety, reliability, and member-focused service. Founded in 1937, we are an organization guided by integrity, environmental stewardship, innovation, and a deep commitment to community.

VP of Energy and Member Services

We are looking for a people-focused leader to serve as Vice President of Energy & Member Services at Dakota Electric Association.

This critical member of our Executive Leadership team will have the opportunity to:

- Drive innovation in products, services, and programs that make a real difference for members and the broader community.

- Be part of a forward-thinking executive team, empowered to shape strategy and influence organizational direction.

- Make a lasting impact by leading teams through change and helping Dakota Electric remain a leader in member satisfaction and energy solutions.

Compensation & Benefits

- Target salary: $220,000 - $255,000 annually

- Performance based bonus

- Vehicle allowance

We also offer a robust and competitive benefits package, 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, volunteer time, sick leave, and personal days

Qualifications

- A bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, energy management, or a related field, or 12 years of progressive experience in Economic Development, Energy and Member Services, and/or Communications is required.

- Proven ability to lead initiatives, drive collaboration, or support the development of others in a team or project setting.

- Involvement in leading energy initiatives such as distributed generation and demand-side management programs.

- Experience overseeing member service functions, including customer support, key account management, and outreach.

- Experience of building and sustaining a member-focused culture within a service-oriented organization. Experience representing an organization in public forums, regulatory hearings, or industry associations.

- Previous involvement collaborating with executive leadership and boards to shape and execute strategic priorities.

- Experience in the electric industry is preferred. Working knowledge of basic electricity, electrical equipment, lighting, and HVAC systems is preferred.

Key Competencies

- Must have a strong ability to effectively deal with employee concerns and conflict management.

- Capable of hiring, guiding, and training staff. Skilled at coaching, employee retention, and recognition.

- Must be able to delegate effectively. Supports teamwork by providing effective participation, cooperation, and communication.

- Able to innovate new methods to creatively develop new solutions to continually improve department efficiency and culture.

- Exceptional member service skills are essential, especially when dealing with difficult issues.

- Demonstrates proficiency in work planning, project preparation, and change management.

- Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

- Able to apply strong presentation planning and delivery skills to effectively engage large audiences and board-level stakeholders.

- Strategic thinker with the ability to align energy operations and member services with organizational goals.

- Able to lead effective collaboration across levels, functions, and departments.

- Pursues personal and career development opportunities and is committed to staying technically current.

- Financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.

- Demonstrates proficiency in software and technology, with an understanding of the growing importance of data analytics.

Responsibilities

- Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, which includes but is not limited to:

- Leadership, innovation, continuous improvement

- Strategic planning and plan execution. Develop goals and track metrics

- Creation and ownership of annual budgets and work plans

- Legislative and Regulatory technical support

- Participation in monthly board of director meetings

- Organizational planning, including the Strategic Cooperative Vision, Mission, Values, and Policies

- Business continuity & emergency communications

- Community involvement

- Project development support internally and externally

- Actively engages with Dakota Electric’s members and the public to address inquiries and facilitate effective resolution of concerns.

- Lead Energy and Member Services to achieve Dakota Electric’s objective of providing superior service while striving to exceed our members’ expectations.

- Lead internal teams in coordination with our wholesale power supplier to:

- Research, develop, and direct the cooperative's delivery of demand-side management programs.

- Lead the team to achieve energy efficiency and conservation goals.

- Lead Key Account Team to form business partnerships and relationships with Dakota Electric Association’s largest commercial and industrial accounts to enable discussions that can lead to DEA offering competitive rates along with superior products and services for these accounts.

- Lead department to develop and implement strategic programs focused on meeting the objectives of DEA’s strategic execution plan.

- Lead efforts to research and develop strategies and business partnerships to launch new programs focused on energy efficiency and member convenience.

- Lead department to continually develop and implement written and electronic communications programs that enhance DEA’s image with members, the communities we serve, legislators, regulators, environmental groups, and the press.

- Lead department to develop and implement effective economic development, community relations, and donation programs.

- Assist the senior management team and key personnel in tracking and responding to developments impacting the energy industry.

- Develop, implement, and maintain training programs to improve sales, member service, communication, technical skills, etc. Facilitate and meet training needs for individual employees for career development.

- In addition to the responsibilities outlined, the employee may be asked to take on other tasks as assigned to support team and organizational objectives.

Supervision/Direction Of Others

Directly supervises the Economic Development Director, the Community Relations Director, the Energy and Member Services Manager, the Communications and Engagement Manager, and the Business Account Executives.

Indirectly supervises all other department employees.