Vice President, General Counsel

Responsibilities

Why Join Us?

Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) is one of the nation's largest publicly owned electric utilities, serving more than 855,000 people across 13 counties in Nebraska. As the only state in the nation served entirely by consumer-owned power entities, Nebraska's public power model is unique - and OPPD plays a critical role in delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy while advancing the prosperity of the communities we serve.

Joining OPPD means joining a mission-driven organization where your work directly benefits our customers, our communities, and the future of energy in Nebraska. We are guided by strong values, a commitment to innovation, and an unwavering focus on public service.

Learn more about OPPD's Leadership Team, Strategic Direction, and Board Governance.

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The Opportunity

OPPD is seeking its first Vice President, General Counsel to serve as the senior legal advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and elected Board of Directors. This role is a unique opportunity to shape the legal strategy of one of the nation's leading public power utilities at a pivotal time in the national energy landscape.

The General Counsel will be a trusted confidant, thought partner, and enterprise leader, responsible for setting OPPD's legal strategy, managing legal risk, and cultivating critical relationships with regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

This is a highly visible, outward-facing executive role, central to ensuring OPPD's long-term success.

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What You'll Do

- Provide Executive Counsel: Advise the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board on governance, regulatory, and legal strategy.

- Shape Legal & Legislative Posture: Monitor, evaluate, and respond to proposed legislation, regulatory developments, and policy shifts affecting OPPD; develop enterprise-wide postures to proactively manage risk.

- Ensure Governance & Compliance: Support sound corporate governance practices and enterprise-wide compliance with laws and regulations.

- Guide Transactions & Risk: Oversee legal aspects of major transactions, contracts, and operational risks, applying deep expertise across complex legal areas.

- Lead Regulatory Engagement: Serve as one of the executives interfacing with the Nebraska Power Review Board, the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Economy; Federal agencies and commissions, foster trusted relationships with regulators, legislators, and public power associations.

- Drive Policy & Advocacy: Partner with Public Affairs to shape advocacy strategy; represent OPPD in external forums, hearings, and legislative processes as a credible voice for public power.

- Oversee Legal Operations: Manage internal legal services, outside counsel relationships, and departmental budget with a focus on efficiency and knowledge transfer.

- Champion Innovation: Lead continuous improvement of legal processes and services, driving efficiency and value across the enterprise.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

- Credentials: JD from an accredited law school; licensed (or eligible within 12 months) to practice law in Nebraska.

- Strategic Acumen: Demonstrated ability to advise executive leadership and governing boards on complex legal, governance, and regulatory matters.

- Legislative & Regulatory Expertise: Experience analyzing and responding to legislation, rulemakings, or regulatory processes; ability to shape organizational postures.

- Executive Presence: Strong communicator able to distill complexity into clear guidance; capable of influencing diverse stakeholders.

- Leadership: Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing teams; adept at managing both internal staff and outside counsel.

- Enterprise Orientation: Skill in aligning legal advice with organizational strategy, enterprise risk, and fiscal stewardship.

- Values-Driven: Commitment to public service, integrity, and OPPD¿s mission to serve customers and community.

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The Impact You'll Have

In your first 12-18 months, success will mean:

- A seamless transition of legal services from external to internal leadership.

- No disruption in legal operations; full coverage of major transactions and regulatory matters.

- A refreshed enterprise strategy with legal risk and posture integrated into resource planning.

- Elevated governance support for the Board and Executive Leadership Team.

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Why Omaha?

Omaha consistently ranks as one of America's best cities for families and professionals ¿ offering a vibrant arts scene, nationally recognized schools, affordable cost of living, and a welcoming Midwestern community.

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Closing Statement

Minimum: $355,577

Midpoint: $444,471

At Omaha Public Power District, we're passionate about three things: power, the people who make it, and the people who rely on it.

WE ARE: Where the Light Starts. OPPD is the 12th-largest public power utility in the U.S., serving over 850,000 people across 5,000 square miles and 13 counties.

WE'RE COMMITTED TO: Each other and the people we serve. This commitment drives us. We're dedicated to providing our communities with affordable, reliable, and environmentally sensitive energy services today, tomorrow, and well into the future.

OUR JOB: To provide power with a purpose. We have real impact - on people's lives, on the environment, and on the future of energy. We're always looking for bright, capable people who want an opportunity to lead from where you are - wherever you are - and know that your ideas will be heard. If you want to be a source of real, positive change for the community and the people who live in this region, then working for a company acknowledged for caring about these same things is likely a priority for you as well.

Org Marketing Statement

EOE: Protected Veterans/Disability

How To Apply

Sound Like You? Apply Now!

Apply online at www.oppd.com on or before September 19th.

Be part of shaping the future of public power. Applications should include a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest.

Contact: John Staup | jpstaup@oppd.com | (402) 507-8840

Learn more about OPPD at www.oppd.com.

OPPD is an equal opportunity employer. We believe our strength comes from the broad perspectives and experiences of our employees, and we are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered.

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PLEASE NOTE - Your application has not been submitted unless you have applied for a specific requisition. If you have not chosen a specific opening, your application will remain in 'DRAFT' form and will not be viewed by our Human Capital staff.