CEO General Manager Position

Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative

Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative (SWIAREC) is seeking a qualified and experienced leader to serve as its next CEO/General Manager following the retirement of its longtime CEO.

About SWIAREC

SWIAREC is a nonprofit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving approximately 6,120 meters across 2,550 miles of line in portions of 11 southwest Iowa counties. With offices in Corning and Mount Ayr and a team of 25 employees, SWIAREC is committed to providing safe, reliable electric service while supporting community and economic development through cooperative principles and values.

SWIAREC is a financially sound, well-managed cooperative with approximately $13.9 million in annual revenue, a 41% equity ratio, and approximately $62 million in utility plant. As an RUS borrower, the Cooperative has access to a stable source of lower-cost capital. The next CEO will build on that foundation while helping the Board and employees prepare the Cooperative for future industry, workforce, technology, and member-service needs.

The Position

The CEO/General Manager reports to SWIAREC's Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Cooperative. The CEO will work closely with the Board and employees to maintain safe and reliable operations, provide sound financial and strategic leadership, develop and support the Cooperative's workforce, and maintain strong relationships with members, communities, industry partners, and governmental officials.

SWIAREC is seeking a leader who demonstrates sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the cooperative business model. The successful candidate should have senior leadership experience in the electric utility, cooperative, or a related industry and the ability to lead an experienced workforce in a union environment.

Important Areas of Experience

• Electric utility operations, power supply, safety, and reliability
• Financial management, budgeting, and rate setting
• Strategic planning and preparation for industry change
• Employee leadership, workforce development, and labor relations
• Working effectively with a board of directors
• Member, community, governmental, and industry relationships
• Clear and effective communication

Compensation and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. The CEO will be eligible for the benefits generally available to the Cooperative’s regular full-time non-bargaining employees, subject to applicable plan terms and Board approval.

Living in Southwest Iowa

SWIAREC's service territory offers the advantages of small-town and rural living, including welcoming communities, accessible healthcare, strong schools, and an active civic culture. Corning and the surrounding Adams County area offer lakes, trails, camping, hunting, golf, an aquatic center, cultural attractions, and a vibrant Main Street. Mount Ayr provides hospital and clinic access, parks, a public lake, golf, a theater, bowling, and other family-oriented amenities. Together, these communities provide an attractive setting for a CEO who values meaningful work, community involvement, and the quality of life available in southwest Iowa.

Residency

The CEO is expected to reside within or near SWIAREC's geographic service area, with a preference for Corning or Mount Ayr. Residence on SWIAREC's electric lines is not required.  The Board places importance on the CEO being readily accessible and actively engaged in the communities served by the Cooperative. 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete application package containing:

• A completed SWIAREC CEO/General Manager Application Form, available as a separate download with this posting
• A cover letter explaining the applicant's interest in the position and qualifications to serve as SWIAREC's next CEO/General Manager
• A current résumé
• Salary requirements or desired salary range
• Four business references and two personal references
• Written responses to the three supplemental questions below

Supplemental Questions

1. Beyond what is included in your résumé, what attributes and experience would you bring to this position, and what makes you particularly qualified to serve as SWIAREC's next CEO/General Manager?

2. Describe your experience with strategic planning. Please provide an example of a strategic initiative you helped identify and lead and explain why you are particularly proud of it.

3. Describe your leadership style and approach to building relationships with employees and colleagues, a board of directors, cooperative members, and governmental and industry representatives.

Application Deadline and Submission

Application Form completed and supporting materials must be received no later than October 25, 2026, and submitted electronically to:

Amanda James
Sullivan & Ward, P.C.
ajames@sullivan-ward.com

Questions concerning the application process should also be directed to Amanda James at the email address above.

Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer.

Click here for position details and to apply for the position.  

Sioux Valley Energy is looking for a dedicated Operations Manager to lead and coordinate the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Cooperative’s electric distribution facilities within the assigned service area. This position is responsible for ensuring distribution facilities are operated and maintained safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established standards, applicable regulations, and Cooperative policies. 

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager provides leadership and direction to Journey Lineworkers, Apprentice Lineworkers, and Lead Journey Lineworkers. The position plays a key role in coordinating personnel, equipment, materials, contractors, and work plans to achieve operational goals while maintaining a strong focus on safety, reliability, power quality, productivity, and member service.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in electric utility operations and a strong understanding of distribution systems, safe work practices, and applicable industry standards. Strong leadership, communication, project management, and problem-solving skills are essential. The successful candidate will be able to effectively manage multiple priorities, develop and coordinate work plans, monitor budgets and performance, and build positive working relationships with employees, members, contractors, and other Cooperative personnel.

EDUCATION: A technical school degree in powerline work or a related field, plus extensive specialized training in electric utility operational topics, is strongly preferred. A four-year Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, business, or a related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Five years of experience in power systems operations and/or engineering required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of distribution system operations, system layout, the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and safe working practices required. Must understand and be able to use computer applications such as spreadsheet, word processing, and database applications. Must be knowledgeable about transportation and power-operated equipment applications and regulations.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS: Must be skilled at managing projects and people. Must possess excellent communication and good human relations skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively prioritize work is required. Must be able to analyze data and reports, conduct research, coordinate people and resources, direct and supervise employees, and evaluate performance. Skills in developing plans, procedures, and goals are required. Must be able to present information to others and work effectively under stress.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Outdoor work is required in a variety of weather conditions in addition to normal office working conditions. Occasional work outside of normal work hours will be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Medium work requiring exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force more frequently. Lifting and carrying of 10 to 50 pounds occasionally. Job requires standing, crawling, climbing, bending, pulling, and reaching some of the time. Work includes inside desk work with some outside work. Minimal exposure to varying temperature conditions, including cold below 32 degrees and heat above 100 degrees. Includes exposure to mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, burns, confined spaces, and operating machinery. Some exposure to odors, dust, and dirt. Safety equipment required. Must be able to communicate effectively with individuals. Driver’s license required. Must be able to read, write, and perform arithmetic.

REPORTING LOCATION: Brandon Service Center will be the primary reporting location. Successful candidate must live within the footprint of the Sioux Valley Energy service territory, with location approved by the VP of Human Resources and Member Services and VP of Engineering and Operations.

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Journeyman Electrician – Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc., Miller, SD – Dakota Energy is hiring a licensed Journeyman Electrician for our Miller office. Work involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and equipment with a strong focus on safety and dependable service. Must have working knowledge of construction, electrical work, and troubleshooting. Employment applications are available on our website, www.dakotaenergy.coop/your-cooperative/employment. Dakota Energy Cooperative offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, and an excellent benefit package. To be considered, qualified individuals should submit a cover letter, resume, and a completed employment application to Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Huron, SD 57350. Documents may also be submitted via e-mail addressed to jobs@dakotaenergy.coop. Applications are accepted until filled. DEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.