Northwest Requirements Utilities (NRU) seeks an experienced professional who acts as the chief executive and operating officer of NRU. The CEO is responsible for working with senior level executives in the utility industry to represent and advance the interests of NRU members. The CEO is responsible for the administration of the day-to-day activities and affairs of the Corporation, including the supervision of other employees and oversight of agents and consultants retained by the Corporation. The CEO supports NRU employees in a team setting to meet the NRU mission. They will be responsible for keeping the President, Executive Committee and Board current and fully informed on the activities of the Corporation and matters of importance to the Corporation.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Work on a collaborative basis with senior management of BPA, public power entities, elected and appointed officials, and other BPA customer groups to ensure that the interests of NRU members, and public power generally, are advanced in a variety of forums.
Maintain regular communications with the NRU members through periodic Board meetings, conference calls, weekly reports and individual contacts with members as needed.
Direct NRU’s participation in BPA Power and Transmission rate cases, or other related BPA rate cases or administrative proceedings that have a financial or operational consequence for NRU members.
Oversee the financial affairs of NRU including budget preparation, monitoring and reporting on financial performance, authorizing expenses, and preparing financial statements.
Promoting and advancing the common business interests of smaller, primarily non-generating, electric distribution utilities which rely on BPA as their primary supplier of wholesale power and transmission services.
Supervise staff and maintain a team atmosphere in a smaller office setting where employees have lead responsibility for assignments. Promote an overall work environment employees value.
Prepare and/or review written work products on a variety of policy or technical matters expressing the views of NRU.
Gain knowledge of key BPA contract documents and public processes and develop strategies to address emerging issues that have the best likelihood of success.
Develop proposals and negotiate with other parties as needed to help address regional issues relating to the provision of power and transmission services.
Assess opportunities to preserve and optimize the generation output of BPA’s “Tier 1” system resources, and investigate strategies to help control the overall cost of power production through the application of sound business principles.
Provide executive level staff support to other related organizations that rely on NRU for services, including Northwest Irrigation Utilities and Northwest Energy Management Services.
Develop and periodically update an annual proposed work plan for NRU and report on performance.
Understand legislation, regulatory initiatives and changes in technology or economic trends that may impact NRU’s members and help develop an articulate and effective response.
Respond to members’ requests for policy or technical support services, including potential advocacy within BPA, and in person visits to NRU members as needed.
Promote policies and strategies regarding emerging regional issues that are in the interest of NRU members collectively, while facilitating the organization achieving consensus whenever possible.
Key Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in economics, finance, engineering, political science, or other field related to the electric utility industry, and five or more years of directly related experience.
Senior level experience working with utility executives and/or elected/appointed officials.
Two or more years supervising employees and/or contractors engaged in high level analysis of complex issues, and evaluating their performance.
Experience exercising financial oversight and controls over an industry related organization.
Experience negotiating difficult or rapidly evolving issues that may involve a variety of stakeholder groups.
Demonstrated analytical skills necessary to quickly assimilate, understand, and interpret complex information, and to participate in the successful resolution of difficult issues.
Experience identifying and prioritizing key issues for an organization, overseeing the preparation of materials, leading meetings with policy makers, and achieving results the organization values.
Demonstrated track record of maintaining a constructive working relationship with utility executives, peers, staff and other parties.
Competitive salary and extensive benefits package. Salary commensurate with experience.
The position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter no later than January 28, 2022, to the above email. (Early responses welcome and appreciated.)
