SVP, Human Resources

Job Description

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is the national trade association that represents America’s nearly 900 electric cooperatives. America’s electric cooperatives power the lives of 42 million people across 56% of the American landscape, from rural communities to growing suburbs. Co-ops are not-for-profit, member-owned utilities, guided by the people they serve and focused on delivering reliable, affordable electricity that strengthens local communities. Based in Arlington, Virgina, NRECA works to advocate for electric co-op priorities in Washington, D.C. and ensures the long‑term success of local co‑ops and rural communities. NRECA is a large and complex organization with diverse lines of business because its members rely on it for a breadth of mission‑critical services that far exceed the federal advocacy scope of a typical national trade association. With 750 employees, the distinct and varied business operations of NRECA employ a wide variety of subject matter experts to address the unique needs of the members. The SVP, Human Resources provides strategic leadership to the organization in partnership with executive management and the board of directors to: Ensure the alignment of the human resources function with the association’s strategic goals and business needs. Lead the human resources team to deliver strategically oriented programs and services that promote organizational health and employee growth. Provide exceptional service in delivering organizational development and other essential programs with 16 Human Resources professionals. Direct the following functions: organizational and leadership development, talent acquisition, talent management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, training, internal communications, and Human Resources information systems. We are searching for a Human Resources leader who can strike a balance in leadership, embracing the values of a not-for-profit organization while setting clear performance expectations for delivering services to members. The opportunity to apply an enterprise-level approach to a mission-driven organization makes NRECA an ideal place for an Human Resources executive who is motivated by both business impact and community service. The position works out of NRECA’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia and requires the ability to travel to conferences and other office locations. NRECA has engaged Boyden Executive Search to help us recruit the right leader.

Qualifications

Formal Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Experience and Certifications Required: Fifteen years’ experience in Human Resources. Five years’ management experience leading the Human Resources function in an organization of significant scope and complexity. SPHR preferred, and CCP/CEBS or demonstrated specialist expertise on one or more Human Resources functional specialty such as staffing, compensation, or benefits preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required (as demonstrated by prior work experience): Knowledge of ERISA, FMLA, COBRA. FLSA and other IRS/DOL regulations and laws related to the administration and management of Human Resources programs.

Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a high-performing customer-focused Human Resources team.

Ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with key internal decision makers and establish trusted relationships with employees at all levels.

Demonstrated ability to lead highly visible multidisciplinary project/program teams or initiatives and provide leadership as the authority in a specialized field.

Demonstrated ability to be persuasive, negotiate, and collaborate with individuals at all levels inside and outside of the organization.

Demonstrated ability to lead people and large work units with a track record of developing, motivating and delegating across a large, functionally disparate team.

Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and discretion in the execution of all duties and responsibilities.

Demonstrated ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse membership, employees and/or vendors in a clear and precise manner.

Technical aptitude and ability to use Microsoft 365 Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, Co-pilot) in the day‑to‑day essential duties of the job.

Demonstrated ability to provide service excellence by building relationships, being resourceful, responsive and respectful.

Ability to travel Ability to report to the office when required

Essential Physical Requirements: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Salary Range: $325,000 – $400,000 annual salary with a 20% incentive opportunity. Final compensation to be determined by individual qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

NRECA’s total rewards package includes includes robust health coverage, employer HSA contributions, 401(k) with employer match, traditional pension plan, wellness initiatives and professional development.

Disclaimer Statement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Additional Requirement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail View email address on click.appcast.io or call: View phone number on click.appcast.io - NRECA Arlington Human Resources. Please call View phone number on click.appcast.io - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case‑case basis.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released the 'Know Your Rights' poster, which updates and replaces the previous "EEO is the Law" poster and "EEO Is the Law Poster Supplement". Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination.

NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

E-Verify. As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify.

For more information about life at NRECA please visit Learn more about who we are, career opportunities, employer awards and life at NRECA. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), with offices in Arlington, VA and Lincoln, NE is the trade association for over 900 consumer-owned electric cooperatives serving more than 42 million people. At NRECA, we work with people who are leaders in their fields. They are down‑earth, hardworking professionals committed to helping our members serve their communities. Our work is interesting, constantly evolving, and requires new skills to meet the changing needs of a dynamic industry. Employees are united around the compelling purpose and history of electric cooperatives which allows teams and individuals to thrive as they collaborate and engage to accomplish great things in the pursuit of our mission. And topping it off, NRECA cares about each person’s overall well‑being, encouraging health, financial security, and a sustainable work/life balance. Learn more about who we are at