Transmission Policy and Strategy Manager

Are you ready to join an organization where we focus on People First, have fun at work and make a difference in what we do?

Dairyland is proud of our People First culture centered around appreciation, celebrating wins and collaboration. We've worked hard to ensure alignment between our culture and our processes and systems, learning and development and rewards and recognition programs.

As a team, we work together to leverage the team's diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences to deliver nothing less than the best. We are collaborative, transparent and committed to our People and their work experience, growth and professional development.

PURPOSE: Lead the development and implementation of Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) transmission strategy and goals. Provide guidance and analysis regarding regulatory policies and economic issues impacting transmission business and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote effective transmission development, ensure competitive transmission service for members, and develop appropriate strategies consistent with business interests.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Identify, develop and execute integrated strategies for regional transmission development, policy analysis and formulation, governmental and regulatory relationship management, and communications to ensure reliable, competitively priced, non-discriminatory transmission service is provided to member cooperatives and other customers in the future.

2. Monitor and identify emerging policy issues and regulatory initiatives with the potential to impact transmission business interests, competitive position, and provision of service to member cooperatives. Coordinate with leadership, business analysts, legal counsel, and cross-functional teams to ensure awareness of and develop organizational positions for transmission policy that support strategic priorities.

3. Coordinate with subject matter experts to identify appropriate policy alternatives, gain internal consensus for transmission business strategies and implement effective outreach and advocacy with external stakeholders.

4. Define project-level regulatory strategy and ensure positive regulatory relations and support for regional transmission projects are maintained, including state agencies, county boards and other relevant stakeholders.

5. Continuously interact with external stakeholders, including state regulators, MISO staff, MISO Transmission Owner (TO) members, industry groups and coalitions, to proactively identify, pursue and achieve results that reflect the organization's transmission policies and strategies. Responsible for day-to-day coverage, participation, and advocacy in the multitude of forums in which transmission policy is proposed, influenced and established, e.g., FERC, MISO and NRECA.

6. Utilize knowledge of transmission tariffs, rates and industry policy to support development of regulatory filings in support of transmission strategies. Monitor transmission-related filings of other utilities and regulatory agencies. Recommend interventions, coordinate participation in the proceedings, and prepare or direct the preparation of position statements and testimony.

7. Lead and develop strategic transmission business plans, including identification of opportunities, and secure approval of plans and associated budgets. Keep the Board, executive team, employees and other stakeholders informed of regional transmission strategy, projects, opportunities and risks.

8. Analyze, develop, negotiate and administer transmission service contracts and agreements with other utilities, member cooperatives, and regional entities to assure reliable service at competitive cost, while maintaining compliance with all contract provisions and regulatory requirements.

9. Support Finance in developing, administering, and modifying company's MISO transmission rates to comply with requirements of the MISO tariff and ensure timely recovery of company's transmission revenue requirements.

10. Collaborates with Finance to create strategies to improve the financial standing of transmission business in support of division and corporate strategic goals.

11. Develop a working knowledge of RUS and coordinate with Finance on submitting contracts, interfacing with RUS, and monitoring approval process to ensure timely action.

12. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Accounting or related field combined with a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in the electric utilities industry, including strategy, business planning, contracts, rates, tariffs or similar areas. Proven leadership and program/project management skills required. Must be familiar with the operation of electric utilities, interconnected utility systems, and transmission agreements. Must have the ability to develop a working knowledge of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, MISO, RUS and State Public Utilities Commission practices and procedures. Experience with spreadsheet applications and financial analysis techniques is required.

Skills

This position requires the ability to create contracts, tariffs, agreements, business letters and testimony. Must also be able to analyze complex financial and regulatory issues. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interpret complex issues and communicate them clearly and concisely is also required. This position will also require the ability to successfully negotiate and resolve complex issues and disputes with external organizations. Proficient computer skills required. Will need to maintain confidentiality, work well both individually and with a team, and be able to meet firm deadlines.

We are committed to providing our greatest asset, our People, with as many perks and benefits as possible. Some benefits of working with us include:

• Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability)

• Life insurance

• Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans

• Paid Time Off

• Robust Wellness Program

• New Flexible Work Program

• Tuition Reimbursement

• So much more!

Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at ~~~.

With headquarters in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland is a generation and transmission cooperative that provides wholesale energy for 24 electric distribution cooperatives and 17 municipal utilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois.

At Dairyland, we know that happy employees are the backbone of any good organization. By offering an excellent compensation and benefits package, opportunities for career growth and a supportive environment, Dairyland helps ensure a quality business and premier workplace.

Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.