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

Hiring Salary: $120,000 – 160,000

Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level. 

Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative (FMEC) invites applications for the position of VP Marketing & External Relations in Albert Lea, MN and has selected Dairyland Power Cooperative to facilitate the search process. 

Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric cooperative serving primarily Freeborn and Mower Counties in southern Minnesota. Founded in 1936, FMEC has been part of the community for more than 85 years and today serves more than 18,000 member-owners across a 1,235-square-mile service territory. The cooperative is committed to delivering safe and reliable power, dependable energy solutions, helpful programs and a positive experience for every member. Governed by a nine-member board elected by the membership and supported by a skilled local workforce, FMEC is a not-for-profit cooperative grounded in the Seven Cooperative Principles. Local ownership, community accountability and long-term member trust guide FMEC’s work as it supports economic growth, local initiatives and the well-being of the communities it serves. The Vice President of Marketing and External Relations will play a key leadership role in strengthening FMEC’s member communications, public presence, community partnerships and engagement with local stakeholders.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Vice President of Marketing & External Relations provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the cooperative’s communications, marketing, energy services, key accounts, member services, and external relations functions. This executive leadership role supports FMEC’s commitment to safe, reliable and affordable electric service while strengthening member relationships, community partnerships and public engagement.

The Vice President of Marketing & External Relations reports to the President & CEO and leads the Communications and Marketing Team, Energy Solutions Team and Member Services Team. This position works closely with cooperative leadership, employees, board members, members, policymakers and community partners to advance FMEC’s mission and support the long-term well-being of the communities it serves.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

These examples illustrate the various types of work performed in this position. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Strategic Leadership & Member Experience

• 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

Communications & External Relations

• 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 leaders, industry partners and other external stakeholders

• 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

Energy Solutions & Economic Development

• 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

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience