Norris Electric Cooperative Hiring Bulletin

Norris Electric Cooperative Seeks Experienced Cooperative Leader to Serve as General Manager

Location: Newton, Illinois

Norris Electric Cooperative, an Illinois not-for-profit Corporation and respected rural electric distribution cooperative serving over 20,000 members in southeastern Illinois, is seeking an exceptional and experienced General Manager to lead the organization into its next chapter.

Norris Electric Cooperative is looking for a proven cooperative leader with a deep understanding of the electric cooperative business model and someone who has successfully managed a complex utility operation and is passionate about serving member-owners and rural communities.

Key Attributes Norris Electric Cooperative is Seeking:

✅ 10+ years of senior leadership experience within a rural electric cooperative

✅ Strong background in strategic planning, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance

✅ Success in working with a Board of Directors in a member-governed environment

✅ Deep commitment to cooperative principles, transparency, and member engagement

✅ Expertise in operations, safety, and system reliability

✅ Proven ability to manage organizational change, lead teams, and develop future leaders

Job Title: General Manager

Location: Newton, Illinois (Headquarters: 8543 N State Hwy 130, Newton, IL 62448)

Reports to: Board of Directors of Norris Electric Cooperative

FLSA Status: Exempt (Full‑time, senior executive level)

Date: November 19, 2025

Application Deadline: December 15, 2025

About Norris Electric Cooperative:

Norris Electric Cooperative (“NEC”), headquartered in Newton, Illinois, is a member‑owned rural electric distribution cooperative serving more than 20,000 members across eight counties in southeast Illinois.

NEC is committed to delivering safe, reliable and affordable electric service, guided by cooperative values and the needs of its member‑owners and communities. As part of its Board‑approved strategic planning efforts, NEC has developed a long‑range financial plan, a five‑year construction work plan, and a safety/communication plan as key strategic pillars.

NEC has also recently moved into a new 14,000‑square‑foot corporate office building to improve workflow, safety and service capabilities.

The General Manager will play a pivotal leadership role in supporting the Board’s vision, guiding the organization’s operations, financial strength, culture and member service.

Position Summary

The General Manager serves as the chief executive officer of the cooperative, responsible for leading all aspects of NEC’s operations, strategy, finance, human resources, regulatory compliance, member services, and community relations. In partnership with the Board and in alignment with the Board‑approved strategic plan, the General Manager will ensure NEC remains financially sound, operationally excellent, member‑focused and aligned with cooperative values.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Strategic & Leadership:

Collaborate with the Board to refine, implement and monitor NEC’s strategic plan and long‑term goals-including the 10‑year financial forecast, five‑year line construction work plan, technology plan and safety/communication plan.

Provide visionary leadership with the ability to anticipate industry, regulatory and technological changes (such as grid modernization, renewable energy integration, regulatory shifts) and position NEC accordingly.

Lead and develop the senior management team and staff, shaping culture, accountability and performance excellence.

Promote cooperative values, transparency and a member‑first orientation across the organization.

Operations & Reliability:

Oversee daily operations of the electric distribution system, ensuring safe, reliable and cost‑effective service to members.

Monitor system performance and direct investment in infrastructure upgrades, maintenance programs and line‑work planning (consistent with NEC’s five‑year work plan).

Ensure compliance with OSHA, NESC, Illinois state utility commission regulations (as applicable), environmental requirements and other regulatory obligations.

Foster a safety culture: ensure all employees understand and adhere to safety protocols, incident reporting, and continuous improvement.

Financial Management:

Prepare and present annual budget proposals, long‑term financial plans and capital investment schedules to the Board.

Monitor financial performance (revenue, margins, cash flow, debt levels, key metrics) and implement corrective actions when needed.

Oversee rate design and review of service rules in coordination with the Board and regulatory requirements.

Ensure prudent management of capital, debt and investments, maintaining the cooperative’s financial strength and member value.

Member and Community Relations:

Serve as a public face of NEC: engage with members, member‑groups, local governments, business and community stakeholders.

Promote member education on energy efficiency, cooperative services and evolving programs.

Ensure high standards of member service, responsiveness to member inquiries, complaints and requests.

Support local economic development efforts and represent NEC in industry/trade associations (e.g., National Rural Electric Cooperative Association/NRECA and the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives/AIEC) and regional forums.

Board Relations & Governance:

Report directly to the Board and provide timely, accurate and transparent information to enable effective governance.

Recommend policy updates, operational changes and strategic initiatives to the Board for consideration.

Facilitate Board meetings, work sessions and ensure the Board has the tools and information required for sound decision‑making.

Human Resources & Organizational Development:

Oversee recruitment, retention, performance management, training and development of staff.

Ensure the organization maintains a skilled workforce, fosters succession planning and knowledge transfer; particularly important given prior retirements of experienced workforce to fulfill strategic plan.

Promote a workplace culture that values diversity, inclusion, safety, continuous improvement and accountability.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, utility management or related field is preferred. Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or relevant leadership certification) is a plus.

Minimum of 8‑10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience; preferably within an electric utility or rural electric distribution cooperative context.

Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management, operations oversight, member/customer relations and regulatory compliance.

Experience working with a Board and in a governance environment is highly desirable.

Knowledge of electric cooperative industry principles, power supply/distribution issues, regulatory environment and member‑owned models is strongly preferred.

Strong leadership, communication, analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Competencies & Personal Attributes:

Strategic orientation: ability to think broadly about the future, emerging trends and long‑term implications.

Results‑driven: track record of achieving goals, driving operational and financial performance.

Excellent communicator: able to engage with Board members, staff, members, regulators and community stakeholders with clarity, integrity and rapport.

Collaborative and team‑oriented: able to build and lead effective teams and partnerships.

Change‑management skills: able to guide the cooperative through evolving industry and internal transformational initiatives.

Commitment to cooperative values: member service, democratic governance, integrity, community focus and social responsibility.

Strong ethical standards, sound judgment and high personal and professional integrity.

Physical/Other Requirements:

Regular travel within NEC’s service territory, and occasional travel for industry meetings or training.

Must be able to respond to emergencies or major service events, including outside normal business hours when required.

Valid driver’s license and ability to operate in a field/office hybrid environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications and market benchmarks for cooperative general managers. The initial annual salary range will be between $200,000 and $300,000.

NEC offers a comprehensive benefits package (health, 401K with company match, life insurance, paid leave, professional development) in line with industry practices.  A full list of benefits may be acquired by reaching out to tphillips@norriselectric.com.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to NEC’s General Counsel, Aaron K. Leonard of Taylor Law Offices, P.C. by mail at 122 E. Washington Ave., Effingham, Illinois 62401 or by email at leonard@taylorlaw.net. Applications received by 4:00 p.m. on December 15, 2025 will receive full consideration. The selection process may include multiple interviews, background/fiscal reference checks, and board presentations.

NEC is an equal‑opportunity employer, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals and valuing diversity in its workforce.

Working Environment & Culture

At NEC, you will join a dedicated team that serves rural Illinois, guided by cooperative principles. We value transparency, member‑focus, safety, reliability and continuous improvement. As General Manager, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the cooperative, elevating service excellence, and sustaining the financial strength and community impact of our organization.