Director Safety Programs

NRECA•Arlington, VA

3d•Remote

About The Position

NRECA is a unique national trade association providing advocacy, financial services and business support services to over 900 consumer owned electric cooperatives across the country. NRECA employees are united by our mission, inclusive culture, collaborative workplace and commitment to service excellence. As a “best place to work” employer, we operate with integrity, transparency and a spirit of innovation. The SVP, Business & Technology Strategies (BTS) leads programs that advance the business and technology capabilities of electric cooperatives through research, engineering, consulting, technology programs, and continued advancement of the cooperative business model. Working with NRECA colleagues and leaders in NRECA’s membership, the BTS function evaluates electric cooperatives’ technology needs, federal regulatory requirements, grant opportunities, human capital management, safety, and technology advances to create a strategic focus and vision for BTS programs. We are looking for a safety leader to create and direct national safety initiatives to reduce employee injuries and system liability, and engage organizational leaders in active participation, including the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP), Commitment to Zero Contacts, Speak Up Listen Up, etc. If you are a passionate safety leader, with experience at electric cooperatives, who wants to collaborate at the regional, state and national level to build engagement in NRECA’s safety programs, this may be the job for you. The incumbent is expected to work remotely, travel around the country and visit the Arlington office when needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or safety-related field.
15+ years of progressive, practical field experience in electrical utility safety and/or operations, preferably at an electric cooperative.
Experience managing people in safety and/or operational functions.
Experience in and in-depth knowledge of safe-work requirements and practices relating to OSHA, DOL, EPA and DOT regulations as well as utility craft work practices.
Functional knowledge and demonstrated expertise in electric utility operations, construction standards, safety rules, etc., relating to utility operations and safe-work practices.
Knowledge of industry trends, current research, and best practices related to attaining and sustaining best-in-class organizational safety performance.
Knowledge of the NESC, NEC, ANSI, and federal and state regulations related to safety.
Knowledge of safe work requirements and practices relating to OSHA, DOL, EPA, and DOT regulations.
Ability to determine, establish, and facilitate clear strategic direction for member programs that will foster member engagement, improve safety culture, and support a reduction of employee injuries.
Ability to establish strong working relationships and motivate member working groups, statewide and G&T association members, cooperative senior staff, and NRECA employees to effectively work together with clear and unified purpose.
Ability to produce and deliver engaging and persuasive presentations to both internal and external stakeholders with varying levels of safety/operational knowledge.
Ability to facilitate employee teams, committees, and/or boards to improve organizational processes or address issues that relate to safety performance.
Ability to guide, mentor and/or coach organizational leaders and other stakeholders to achieve higher levels of safety leadership performance.
Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse membership, employees and/or vendors in a clear and precise manner.
Ability to use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point) and to operate various office equipment such as personal computer, copier, printer, fax machine or other job-related equipment.
Ability to provide service excellence by building relationships, being resourceful, responsive and respectful.
Ability to travel as needed (estimated 50%) and report to the office when required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Additional years of progressive experience in utility safety/operations may substitute for a degree.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) or similar accreditation is desirable.

Responsibilities

Creates and facilitates national strategic safety direction to build awareness and increase participation in leading safety practices.
Guides, influences and creates collaborative relationships with direct report(s), internal departments, NRECA members, and partner organizations to help build ownership and active participation in strategic safety initiatives.
Serves as the NRECA liaison to Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange for program development, tool development and safety process improvement.
Develops and conducts or supervises the effective delivery of member training and presentations in safety program content and key concepts to influence behaviors, elevate understanding and improve effectiveness.
Product owner for the RESAP online system with responsibility to ensure the continued evaluation, enhancement and management of the online system.
Prepares, plans, and delivers safety workshops and large-scale safety conferences.
Represents and protects the interests of NRECA, statewide associations and co-ops with internal and external organizations, relating to various safety issues.
Proactively identifies and resolves technical, operational and organizational problems.