SVP Business and Technology Strategies

Job Description

Based in Arlington, Virginia, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is the national trade association representing America’s nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. Electric co-ops are innovative, community‑focused energy providers that power the lives of 42 million people across 56% of the American landscape. From growing suburbs to the most remote rural communities, electric co‑ops keep the lights on and are critical engines of economic growth, resilience, and opportunity.

NRECA partners closely with co‑ops to ensure continued success in a rapid and dynamic energy landscape.

The SVP, Business & Technology Strategies (BTS) leads programs that advance the business and technology capabilities of electric cooperatives through research, engineering, consulting, technology programs, and continued advancement of the cooperative business model. Working with NRECA colleagues and leaders in NRECA’s membership, the BTS function evaluates electric cooperatives’ technology needs, federal regulatory requirements, grant opportunities, human capital management, safety, and technology advances to create a strategic focus and vision for BTS programs.

NRECA is working with Boyden talent advisory consultants to find the right candidates for this position. You can find out more information at

• Lead a well-integrated, high-performing team. Establish a strategic vision, direct the development and execution of a strategic plan to prioritize and serve the members needs.
• Prepare and manage the department budget to align the work effort, funding, and expenses with the strategic goals of the department.
• Provide advice and support to the Government Relations Department in the development of public policy positions and regulatory and legislative testimony, with emphasis on FERC, NERC, NIST, USDA, EPA, and DOE.
• Represent NRECA members’ interests and maintain contact with government agencies, trade and professional associations, and allied organizations on matters dealing with technology development, engineering, utility operations, and technology transfer.
• Facilitate communications regarding detailed technical information and analysis of the full spectrum of power generation, transmission, distribution, and market issues.
• Champion the objectives and operations of various committees, collaborative ventures, and advisory groups with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ensure that department staff maintain strong working relationships with member systems through the NRECA standing committees, Statewide engineering and operations committees, and the Electric Staff Division of the RUS.
• Guide the development of viable government grant applications for funding to support the development and implementation of new technologies and ensure effective policies, procedures, and administration for compliance with grant requirements and regulations.
• Communicate research results to electric cooperatives through a variety of existing and creatively developed media channels.
• Prepare and present formal presentations to large audiences at NRECA’s regional and annual membership meetings, and other forums.
• Ensure that the electric cooperative voice is heard by standards organizations such as IEEE, NESC, NECA, and RUS.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering. Master’s degree preferred.

• 10+ years’ experience in progressing leadership for strategic planning, executive business leadership, entrepreneurship and/or management consulting.
• Knowledge of electric utility industry including engineering, operations and power markets.
• A commitment to and passion for utilizing advancing technology for the improvement of society.
• Excellent management skills and the ability to coalesce disparate functions into a common mission.
• Demonstrated track record of commercializing products, services, and solutions.

• Build and sustain a high-performing team with an appreciation and interest in building and sustaining strategic relationships and working partnership with key internal decision makers, members,…