The Board of Directors for Clay-Union Electric Cooperative (Clay-Union) invites applications for the position of General Manager/CEO. This executive leadership role reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the day-to-day management, administration, and operation of the Cooperative. The ideal candidate will be an inspired leader with strong communication, management, and strategic planning skills, and a passion for serving member-owners.

Our Cooperative

Clay-Union Electric Cooperative proudly serves 2,836 member-owners across five southeastern South Dakota counties, maintaining 1,174 miles of distribution line. The Cooperative operates from a new, modern headquarters located on Highway 19 in Vermillion. As a not-for-profit distribution cooperative and a member-owner of East River Electric Power Cooperative, Clay-Union is committed to safety, reliability, operational excellence, and community engagement.

Our Service Territory

Vermillion, home to Clay-Union's headquarters, is a vibrant community known for its cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. As the home of the University of South Dakota, the region offers an excellent quality of life with strong schools, abundant outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community atmosphere. The Cooperative's five-county service area blends rural charm with access to modern amenities, making it an exceptional place to live and work.

Key Requirements

• Knowledge of electric utility operations is required; a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a rural electric cooperative, electric utility, or related organization is preferred.
• Experience with labor relations is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to build confidence and respect among employees, members, and community partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including communication, active listening, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to make sound decisions, seek input appropriately, and empower the leadership team.
• Proven success fostering a culture focused on safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Commitment to being an active and visible member of the Cooperative's service area communities.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office and enterprise information systems.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as necessary.
• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, communications, or related field preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

How to Apply

Visit our Careers Site to apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references. Questions regarding the recruitment should be directed to jobs@clayunionelectric.coop. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Final interviews are expected in early April.

For more information about Clay-Union Electric, please visit our website.

Clay-Union Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

About Clay-Union Electric

Clay-Union Electric – South Dakota's 1st Electric Cooperative For many years, farmers in southeastern South Dakota and in this nation were without electricity. In 1935 the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) by an executive order. On November 25 of that same year, some 15 men met in E.J. Manning's store in Burbank and organized the first rural electric cooperative of the state. The first organization was known as the Fairview Electric Association. A loan from REA was applied for by this infant organization. The loan was turned down because not enough members had been "signed up" to make the loan feasible. These rural electric leaders didn't give up. They went out and got more signers. A loan was approved. After nearly two years of hard work by these directors, 67 miles of line were constructed and on October 3, 1937 electricity began flowing through Clay-Union Electrics lines. That was the humble beginning for a business that today serves electricity to more than 3,400 members in Clay and parts of Yankton and Union counties. These rural electric members did for themselves what they could not get done in any other way. It... took a lot of hard work. It still does. The Directors had to learn how to conduct a business completely foreign to them. They had the courage to tackle a business that the commercial companies said could not be done. But they did it. The electricity flows now to virtually all the farms in the area served by Clay-Union Electric. It took more than just courage. Rural electrification became possible only when the federal administration entered into a real partnership with the people. It took, in other words, faith of the people in themselves.

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Connections working at Clay-Union Electric