The Board of Directors of Wasco Electric Cooperative (WEC) in The Dalles, OR seeks a broad utility leader with strong interpersonal communications skills to become their next General Manager. The Wasco Electric Co-op Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process.
About Wasco Electric Cooperative
Wasco Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution utility headquartered in The Dalles, Oregon. The Cooperative is in north central Oregon and serves over 4,700 electric consumers in a service area that covers 5,000 square miles and five counties (Wasco, Sherman, Jefferson, Wheeler, and Gilliam). Employing a staff of 13 professionals, the cooperative is financially sound, with annual revenue of $12.5 million and a total utility plant of $46 million. WEC receives wholesale power from the Bonneville Power Administration and is a member of the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA) and Northwest Requirements Utilities (NRU).
Reporting to a 9-member Board of Directors, the Wasco Electric Cooperative General Manager is responsible for carrying out the strategic vision of the district that is set by the board.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader that understands distribution utilities, the regional power environment and can positively influence and motivate others.
Leadership Competencies
Exceptional communication skills, both formally and informally: Listens, relates and expresses oneself in a manner that is effective while supporting mutual understanding.
Commitment to talent development, acquisition, and retention: Develops and empowers staff to achieve results by championing and applying a systematic performance management process & coaching strategy.
Ability to motivate and positively influence others: Motivates others towards an outcome consistent with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Member focus: Is proactive - not reactive - to the needs and concerns of the cooperative’s members.
Ability to lead change and manage risk: Identifies and actively manages change and risk throughout the organization.
Program/Project Management: Designs, implements and manages multiple or ongoing programs/projects, and directs the related resources, personnel and activities from inception through to successful completion.
Community Engagement: Works to place the cooperative in a collaborative position to maintain and grow healthy communities.
Solid financial understanding of cooperatives: Fluent with financial metrics and has a detailed understanding of the key financial opportunities, as well as financial risks and budget processes.
Strong focus on safety: Upholds and provides focus on the safety standards of the cooperative.
Experience and Expertise
Bachelor’s Degree is preferred; an MBA or other advanced degree is a plus.
Education or Experience in Accounting & Finance, Engineering or Business is preferred.
At least 5 years of leadership experience is required.
At least 6 years of electric utility experience is required.
MIP graduate or similar leadership program graduate is preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to community and an understanding of cooperative values will set you apart!
Our Location
The Dalles is located within the beautiful Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The community and surrounding area has a unique history and heritage that dates back thousands of years. The Dalles was a gathering place for many Native American tribes to trade, fish and socialize, and remains a cultural center for many Native Americans. Lewis and Clark camped in The Dalles in both 1805 and 1806 with their expeditions paving the way for the overland Oregon Trail in 1843 and continues to be the economic hub for the Mid-Columbia region because of the Port of The Dalles and Interstate-84. Agriculture remains the leading industry with sweet cherries, grains, and apples leading the way.
The Dalles Bridge crosses the Columbia River allowing immediate access to southern Washington communities. Portland, Oregon is 90 miles west via I-84, and Pendleton, Oregon is 125 miles east via I-84. The Dalles is a popular destination for many recreational opportunities. Bicycling, fishing, rock climbing, hiking, swimming, boating, rafting, windsurfing, and kiteboarding are just a few of the outdoor options.
Our Benefits
We provide a benefits package that includes:
Generous NRECA medical, dental, and vision insurance.
NRECA Retirement and Security Plan (R&S), at an upper-tier multiplier
Life Insurance
Monthly contribution to the employee’s 401 (k)
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Wasco Electric Cooperative is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer. Race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other applicable status protected by Federal, State or Local law are not taken into account in any employment decision. Learn more about us at http://www.wascoelectric.com
How to Apply
If interested, please apply at https://nreca.applytojob.com/apply/Y5UWZxrQPe/Wasco-Electric-Cooperative-GM with the following: 1) Cover letter, 2) resume and 3) contact information (including emails) for 3 professional references. Applications must be received by September 29, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Leigh Taylor, NRECA Executive Search, leigh.taylor@nreca.coop.
