Executive Director- Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association (WRECA)

Executive Director

Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association (WRECA)

The Board of Directors of Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association (WRECA) headquartered in Olympia, WA seeks a proactive, results-driven leader with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to guide effective advocacy and to provide support to WRECA’s membership as its next Executive Director.  The WRECA Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the Executive Director search process.

 About WRECA

The Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association (WRECA) exists to be the unified voice for Washington’s consumer-owned electric utilities by championing policies and regulations that protect and promote the unique needs of the communities that our members serve throughout the state. WRECA’s membership is comprised of 11 small mutual electric companies and rural electric cooperatives that serve over 270,000 customers and cover nearly a quarter of the state’s land area.

Our members aren’t your average utilities, they operate as cooperatives or mutual organizations, prioritizing service over profit. These not-for-profit models ensure that decisions are made by and for the people they serve. Rates, policies, and long-term planning are determined locally by elected boards, guaranteeing true community control.

WRECA members are the lifeblood of Washington’s rural economy, especially in the agricultural sector. Our utilities power two-thirds of the state’s farmland, delivering reliable, affordable energy to farms, ranches, homes, and small businesses that are often miles from the nearest town.

The Executive Director is responsible for the successful administration, financial management, and strategic operations of WRECA. This dynamic role involves leading strategic initiatives to support member utilities statewide, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, supporting the Board of Directors, managing financial and compliance obligations, and communicating effectively with members and stakeholders.

The Executive Director will also serve as a liaison for policy and legislative matters, coordinating with the association’s Legislative Advisory Committee and contract lobbyist to proactively communicate positions to legislators and influence policy decisions.

The Ideal Candidate

 Leadership Competencies:

• Exceptional communication skills, both formally and informally: Listens, relates and communicates in a manner that is effective and supports mutual understanding.
• Ability to motivate and positively influence others: Persuades and motivates others towards an outcome aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Respect and Appreciation: Supports an inclusive environment among member organizations, encouraging collaboration and valuing diverse perspectives across the association.
• Vision and Strategic Orientation: Takes a comprehensive, long-term view, that focuses on the future needs of the organization and those that it serves.
• Industry Knowledge and Leadership: Has extensive knowledge of the utility industry and uses this knowledge to guide the future direction of the organization.
• Results Driven: Achieves results by establishing and maintaining focus on challenging goals and measuring organizational performance against those goals and standards.

Experience and Expertise:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, public administration, political science, or a relevant field is required.
• Experience in association management, nonprofit leadership, or administrative operations, particularly in the energy or utility sector, is preferred.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget oversight and regulatory compliance is required.
• Experience coordinating events and developing membership engagement strategies is needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with boards, committees and external stakeholders.
• Background in legislative affairs or regulatory policy is preferred; familiarity with regional political and regulatory landscapes is a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Leadership & Organizational Management

Board & Governance Support:

• Collaborate with the Board to develop comprehensive strategic plans that align with the association’s mission and vision.
• Create and implement actionable plans to achieve priority goals, regularly monitoring progress and adjusting strategies as needed.
• Manage daily office operations, including communications, scheduling, file retention and maintenance.
  • Organize and coordinate regular board meetings, managing all logistics including venue booking, hotel blocks, catering, speakers and resource materials.
  • Prepare meeting agendas, financial reports, and draft minutes.
  • Provide governance guidance and ensure compliance with bylaws, policies, and internal controls.

Financial Oversight & Compliance:

• Develop and manage the association’s operating budget, oversee reconciliation of credit card statements, payments, member invoicing, contributions, and donations.
• Prepare and submit reports for the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, and Public Disclosure Commission, ensuring compliance with financial policies, audits, and tax filings.

Membership Growth & Engagement:

• Develop and implement strategies to attract new members and retain existing ones, strengthening the value of membership through enhanced services, networking opportunities and professional development initiatives.
• Maintain accurate membership records and ensure timely communication with members.

Fundraising & Sponsorship Development:

• Develop fundraising initiatives to supplement membership dues.
• Identify and secure sponsors for board dinners, special events, and programs while building relationships with industry partners to generate financial support.

Event Planning & Execution:

• Plan and successfully execute key association events, including annual meetings, golf tournaments, dinner auctions, legislative receptions, industry roundtables, individual meetings with state and federal legislators, and regulatory bodies, managing all logistics including venue booking, hotel blocks, catering, speakers and resource materials.

Communications, Outreach & Digital Presence:

• Maintain and update the organization’s website and social media presence, developing content that effectively promotes cooperative legislative priorities and initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with the media, legislators, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to enhance visibility and support for cooperative initiatives, and public service programs.

Policy & Legislative Coordination

Legislative Engagement:

• Collaborate with the Legislative Advisory Committee and contract lobbyist(s) to track, monitor, and analyze proposed legislation while providing timely updates to members on legislative developments and policy priorities.
• Draft policy briefs, advocacy materials, and correspondence for stakeholders and member utilities.
• Proactively craft legislation that aligns with association goals and objectives.
• Facilitate member meetings to discuss legislative strategy and action plans.

 Annual Legislative Rallies & Congressional Outreach:

• Coordinate all aspects of the annual Olympia legislative rally, including scheduling and organizing the luncheon, facilitating state capitol meetings with legislators (hill climb), WRECA board meeting, and any association-hosted dinners or receptions.
• Plan and manage the annual Washington, D.C., legislative rally in conjunction with NRECA’s Hill Climb, including scheduling congressional meetings for members and organizing any formal dinners or receptions representing the association.
• Ensure timely communication and coordination with members regarding logistics, materials and policy objectives for both state and federal advocacy events.

Industry Representation & Public Affairs:

• Represent the association in coalitions, industry forums, and public meetings, serving as a spokesperson to engage with media, policymakers, and key stakeholders.

Our Location

Olympia offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity and quality of life. As Washington’s capital, it puts you at the heart of policy and public service, without the traffic and price tags of larger cities. Surrounded by forests, waterways, and mountains, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with endless options for hiking, kayaking, and exploring. The city is known for its excellent public schools, strong sense of community, and a lower cost of living compared to Seattle or Portland.

The Board requires that the new Executive Director to live full time within 60 minutes of the WRECA office.   Within thirty minutes is preferable.   

Benefits

WRECA offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, participation in the NRECA RS Pension Plan, a 401(k) with employer match, life and disability coverage and paid time off.

This position offers a very competitive salary, ranging from $200,000 to $250,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

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.

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". 

Learn more about WRECA at www.wreca.coop

How to apply:

If interested, please apply at https://nreca.applytojob.com/apply/3YcnW9lLEQ/Washington-Rural-Electric-Cooperative-Association-Executive-Director  with the following: 1) Cover letter, 2) resume and 3) contact information (including emails) for 3 professional references. Applications must be received by August 8, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Leigh Taylor, NRECA Executive Search, at leigh.taylor@nreca.coop. All replies are confidential.