Vice President of Marketing & External Relations (Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative - Albert Lea, MN)

Dairyland Power Cooperative•La Crosse, WI

9d•$120,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative (FMEC) is seeking a Vice President of Marketing & External Relations for its Albert Lea, MN location. This is a key leadership role responsible for strengthening member communications, public presence, community partnerships, and engagement with local stakeholders. The position provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the cooperative’s communications, marketing, energy services, key accounts, member services, and external relations functions. The VP will support FMEC’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable electric service while enhancing member relationships, community partnerships, and public engagement. The role reports to the President & CEO and leads the Communications and Marketing Team, Energy Solutions Team, and Member Services Team, collaborating with various stakeholders to advance FMEC’s mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, public policy, or related field required.
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, member/customer service, external affairs, energy programs or a related field.
At least three (3) years of leadership experience.
Overnight travel up to 10%.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Electric cooperative, utility or related industry experience preferred.
Demonstrated ability to guide an organizations digital presence, including website content, social media strategy, email communications, digital advertising and online member engagement.
Knowledge of electric utility programs, including energy efficiency, load management and distributed generation.
Ability to build effective relationships with members, employees, board members, policymakers, community partners and industry organizations.
Strong strategic planning, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to represent FMEC in public and professional settings.
High level of professionalism, executive presence, discretion and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership for FMEC’s communications, marketing, member services, energy solutions, key accounts and external relations functions.
Develop strategies that strengthen member trust, improve service accessibility and support FMEC’s commitment to safe, reliable and affordable electric service.
Lead public-facing teams and programs, including member communications, account support, billing, energy solutions, key account engagement and member-impacting technology improvements.
Establish performance measures to evaluate program effectiveness, member engagement and service improvements.
Oversee FMEC’s brand, member communications, media relations, public messaging and community engagement efforts, including communications during major outages or member-impacting initiatives.
Represent FMEC with members, board members, elected officials, policymakers, community partners and industry organizations.
Support government relations activities in coordination with MREA, NRECA and Dairyland Power Cooperative.
Monitor legislative, regulatory and industry developments affecting FMEC and advise leadership on related risks, opportunities and member impacts.
Provide executive oversight for energy efficiency, rebate, load management, distributed generation and related member programs.
Build relationships with commercial, industrial and institutional members through a strong key accounts program.
Collaborate with chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, municipal partners and regional groups to support business growth, community vitality and responsible long-term load growth.