Executive Search

Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Basin Electric seeks a Senior Vice President and General Counsel (SVP & GC) to serve as the chief legal officer for Basin Electric Power Cooperative and all subsidiaries. The executive-level position is responsible for overseeing all teams tasked with legal, property, right-of-way, and internal audit matters. This individual provides strategic legal advice to the board of directors, CEO, and senior leadership while managing legal risks and ensuring the cooperative operates within the framework of applicable laws and regulations.

Essential Duties

  • Develop and lead the legal strategy to support cooperative goals and mitigate legal risks.
  • Advise the board of directors, CEO, and senior leadership on litigation, contractual matters, legal obligations, regulatory issues, corporate governance, and legal compliance.
  • Work effectively on a cross functional basis with colleagues of varying seniority, the board of directors, and stakeholders.
  • Provide strategic input on key initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other
    corporate transactions.
  • Provide direction to all external counsel secured to assist the legal group with assigned projects.
  • Monitor administrative and judicial decisions and developments of interest and develop
    recommendations as required. This includes coordinating responses to any subpoena, investigative
    demand, request for information, or other discovery before any state or federal administrative, regulatory,
    or judicial body.
  • Monitor and manage legal matters related to regulatory changes and filings, permits, and industryspecific
    compliance.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and programs to ensure ethical
    business practices.
  • Oversee and manage all litigation and dispute resolution, including interactions with external counsel.
  • Lead efforts to protect the company’s assets and contractual rights.
  • Serves as Assistant Secretary of Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Secretary of Subsidiaries.
  • Lead and manage the legal department, including recruiting, mentoring, and retaining top legal talent.
  • Collaborate with other executives to align legal strategies with business objectives.

The Successful Candidate

Basin Electric requires a seasoned and accomplished leader, manager, and team player with strong legal background in generation and transmission, electric utility operations, regulatory concerns, and compliance as well as support for corporate and administrative functions and over all knowledge of legal issues of importance to the cooperative.

  • Education: A Bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor from a fully accredited university are required. Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. State Bar is mandatory.
  • Experience: A minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in the utility industry or a closely related field is required. Must have a thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting the cooperative at a level acquired through ten years of related experience, including experience in interpretation of state and federal regulations. Must be familiar with cooperative business operations. Demonstrated managerial capabilities, leadership skills, and effective oral and written communication skills are also required.

Additional Requirements

  • Maintain a valid driver’s license.
  • Work at the headquarters office in Bismarck, North Dakota.
  • Up to 20% travel may be required, including air travel or driving a motor vehicle.

The Community

Located in the south-central part of the state, Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota with a metropolitan population of around 135,786. Bismarck offers a rich natural and cultural history dating back to the late 1800’s when the Northern Pacific Railway reached the Missouri River. The region boasts national and state parks, extensive exercise trails, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The city also offers eclectic dining and entertainment venues. Energy plays a significant role in the growth of Bismarck as major energy companies are pursuing development of oil, coal, and synthetic fuels in the region. More recently, data processing, customer service centers, and medical centers have emerged in the area. The cost-of housing in Bismarck is estimated at 115.3% of the national average, with a median home cost close to $312,300. More information can be found at: https://www.bismarcknd.gov/.

Compensation, Benefits, and Relocation

Basin Electric offers a competitive total compensation and benefits package, which will be commensurate with candidate’s qualifications and experience. The employees of Basin Electric participate in a 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan. Basin Electric matches 3% for every 1% of employee contributions up to 15%. Relocation assistance will be negotiated and deferred compensation may be considered.

To Apply

Applicants interested in the opening should send a resume and cover letter to: bepchrresumes@bepc.com.