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Posted: 14-Sep-23
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
Type: Full Time
Salary: $215,700 - $350,000
Years of Experience:
Required Education:
Internal Number: 2023-1347
About Our Organization
Cedar Falls Utilities is a thriving municipal utility provider and operates on a not-for-profit basis for public benefit in the community of Cedar Falls, Iowa. CFU plays an integral role in making Cedar Falls a great place to live and work. CFU operates four separate enterprises offering electricity; natural gas; water; fiber optic internet, cable television and telephone services to its customers.
Cedar Falls Utilities is governed by a five-person Board of Trustees. Trustees are residents of Cedar Falls and appointed by the Mayor and City Council to six-year terms. Each Trustee has the responsibility to represent the interests and needs of the Utilities’ customers balanced to the best interests of the Utilities. This is accomplished through the hiring and overseeing of the General Manager/CEO of the Utilities. The Board provides the necessary guidelines and authorizations for the work of the General Manger/CEO via governance policies.
Cedar Falls Utilities employs an average of 195 employees. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 3576 union represents 35% of the workforce.
Reliability: CFU holds a Diamond level Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.
Customer Service: Customer surveys consistently demonstrate high levels of customer satisfaction.
Customer Savings: The lowest cost utility provider among 20 peer Iowa communities.
Great Place to Work: A Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier Employer of Choice.
About Our Community
Cedar Falls is a progressive community of more than 40,000. Home to the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls offers first-rate public schools and an outstanding quality of life. New residents are often happily surprised by the welcoming nature of the community and how quickly they feel at home.
The area offers a wide array of recreational and cultural amenities, including over 100 miles of hard-surfaced trails, a thriving downtown and a variety of entertainment options. There’s a lot to do, with festivals, concerts, shopping, sports, dining and more. For more information on our community, you may visit Live the Valley. For fun things to do in the community, visit Cedar Falls Tourism.
About the Position
Under general direction from the Board of Trustees, the General Manager/CEO serves as a visionary for the organization and provides oversight and direction in the Utility’s operations. The General Manager/CEO serves as a leader to five Directors, including the Director of Electric, Gas & Water Operations/COO, Director of Employee & Legal Services/General Counsel, Director of Communications Services/CTO, Director of Customer Service and Business Development, and the Director of Finance and Organizational Services/CFO.
Key responsibilities include planning, organizing, leading, and managing utility operations. Developing, with Trustees’ approval, strategic and long-range plans, and objectives for the Utilities to achieve and maintain competitive and financially successful delivery of products and services.
Compensation and Benefits
CFU is committed to providing our employees with competitive salaries that not only attract top talent but also retain our talent over the years. Our average employee tenure is currently eleven years. Our compensation strategy is performance-based and the starting salary for the General Manager/CEO will be dependent on qualifications and experience. The established 2024 Salary Range is $215,700 - $350,000.
A comprehensive benefits package is available including: Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Deferred Compensation Plan, Defined Benefit Plan-Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS), Flex Spending Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Program and Paid Time Off. Click here for additional information on CFU Benefit Offerings.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Cedar Falls Utilities embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as a fundamental part of our workforce that enables us to foster a culture of teamwork and innovation where everyone can thrive and be their authentic self while providing innovative, high-quality services that bring the best value to the community.
We appreciate diversity of all kinds to create an inclusive environment, as we strive to be an industry leader and trusted provider of utility services committed to providing a welcoming and productive workplace.
Responsibilities
- Create and communicate a vision for the Utilities, its products, and services.
- Develop and direct management team and their activities including the administration of approved policies and plans and the delegation of appropriate responsibilities.
- Develop and lead the successful operation of the Utilities.
- Provide the Utilities staff with the resources to perform at their best.
- Present timely communications to the Board of Trustees about on-going issues or new developments in the areas of financial condition, service capacity and reliability, employee concerns, public relations, competitive challenges, economic development, and other areas that may affect the current and future status of the Utilities.
- Secure Board of Trustees approval as appropriate in matters relating to policy, budgets, rates, customer relations, economic development, legislative issues, capital expenditures, acquisition and disposal of properties, contracts and indebtedness.
- Maintain rates that are competitive and services that are of the highest quality.
- Develop and recommend to the Board of Trustees objectives, operating plans, programs and policies.
- Demonstrate the financial success of the Utilities through competent and responsible financing and investment efforts and methods, appropriate budgetary controls and timely capital expansion planning.
- Maintain a positive and effective profile of the General Manager with customers, elected officials, city staff, economic developers, community leaders and
Utilities staff. - Direct the Utilities to have a significant impact on successful economic development activities.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. Strong leadership and excellent interpersonal skills required, ability to motivate and influence others; ability to think creatively and strategically; have excellent judgment and ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment; superior written, presentation, and oral communications skills required. Travel is required to attend conferences and meetings.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, business or a related field.
- Utility specific training provided from courses and seminars for public utility managers.
Experience
- Ten (10) years of progressive Utility experience, with at least five (5) years involved with developing, leading and managing in a key position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of utility and telecommunication operations, business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources. Principles and methods for business and management techniques used for strategic planning, resource allocation, effective leadership styles and coordination of people; Financial and Accounting principles and practices, how to assess and analyze financial information; Economics and how changes may impact the Utility; CFU products, policies and procedures; and laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, utility rules and political process concerning public utilities and customer rights.
- Oral and Written Communication Skills, Customer Service, Analytical Skills, Computer Skills (navigating internet, database software, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook), Critical Thinking Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Organizational and Coordination Skills.
- Ability to effectively lead people, make quick decisions when necessary and utilize problem-solving techniques; deductive reasoning, multi-task and maintain positive employee relations; establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the
course of work.
Application Process
CFU anticipates filling this position in March 2024, due to retirement of the current General Manager/CEO. Individuals interested in applying for the General Manager/CEO should complete our on-line application by November 15, 2023, at www.cfu.net/careers and upload a cover letter and resume. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. CFU is an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about our organization, visit www.cfu.net.
For questions, please reach out to Audra Heineman, Human Resources Manager, at Audra.Heineman@cfunet.net.
