We have an opening for a Communications & Marketing Specialist and an accountant. Join the Dakota Energy team and enjoy excellent pay, health insurance, and retirement benefits. 

To apply for employment with Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc., check out our open positions below.

Communications & Marketing Specialist:

SUMMARY

The Communications & Marketing Specialist supports Dakota Energy’s mission by developing and implementing marketing and public relations strategies that enhance community involvement, financial stability, and brand awareness. This position involves strategic oversight of communications, public relations, and outreach initiatives to strengthen Dakota Energy’s services and visibility.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Marketing Strategy & Content Development
  • Assist in developing and executing marketing campaigns, including creative sessions.
  • Writes and designs engaging content for social media, promotional emails, newsletters, annual reports, and other marketing materials.
  • Design brochures, flyers, print and digital ads, videos, radio spots, and news releases using Adobe Creative Suite and other tools.
  • Analyze marketing performance data, including outmigration trends and volume metrics, to optimize strategies.
• Digital & Web Strategy
  • Manage and execute Dakota Energy’s social media and website strategies.
  • Update and maintain website content, including news, blogs, services, and provider information.
  • Maintain and utilize NISC Messenger for outbound communications with members.
  • Stay informed about emerging technologies and digital trends to enhance outreach efforts.
• Community Engagement & Events
  • Plan, coordinate, and support special events that promote Dakota Energy’s services.
  • Provide promotional and educational tours for community members and partners.
  • Strengthening communication through active community involvement and collaboration.
  • Assist in organizing and executing Dakota Energy’s events.
  • Maintain promotional supplies for Dakota Energy’s events.
• Internal Communications & Employee Engagement
  • Plan and support internal events for staff and board members.
  • Conduct tours for new employees and potential team members to showcase Dakota Energy’s mission and services.
  • Contribute to internal newsletters and communications to keep stakeholders informed.
• Market Research & Strategic Insights
  • Gather, analyze, and present market data to inform marketing strategies and operational plans.
  • Identify trends and opportunities to enhance marketing effectiveness.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Participate in committees and teams as needed.
  • Uphold safety, security, and compliance standards, including adherence to confidentiality.
  • Assist in training and onboarding new team members.
  • Foster a positive and professional work environment through collaboration and effective communication.
  • Participates in updating and developing objectives, policies, and operating procedures in coordination with the CEO/General Manager.

Core Values

Dakota Energy is guided by four key values:

• Respectful: We value diverse talents, ideas, and contributions.
• Engaged: We are active, positive participants in our work and communities.
• Competent: We are knowledgeable, innovative, and technology-driven.
• Helpful: We prioritize kindness and compassion in all interactions.

Qualifications:

• Preferred degree in marketing, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong interest in marketing and public relations with proficiency in writing and graphic design.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, Audition) preferred.
• Familiarity with digital marketing strategies and social media platforms.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and drive marketing decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Physical Demands of the Position:

• Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to hear, use near and far vision, stand, work, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, twist upper body, and manipulate a variety of objects and tools using arms, hands, and fingers.
• Ability to read computer screens and email, mail, and talk on the phone.

Working Conditions:

• Inside, climate-controlled office working conditions.
• Work outside regular working hours may be required.
• Limited overnight travel is required for training.
• Interaction with staff and customers.

Additional Duties:

Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time.  The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position.  Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.

 

Accountant:

Position Summary:

The Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting the financial operations of Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc. by performing a variety of accounting tasks, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and assisting with audits and budgeting processes. This position ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial data consistent with approved and prescribed (by RUS) accounting practices and procedures.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Strives for consistency and thoroughness and assists in accuracy in all the financial records of the cooperative with emphasis in general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, fixed assets, material inventory, work orders, and fleet management.
• Remains informed of Cooperative policies and procedures and continuously seeks knowledge and develops skills to enhance both personal performance and the overall effectiveness of the position and department.
• Assists in managing daily time records for all departments, including assigning general ledger account numbers, recording materials used or salvaged, and posting hours and miles driven to monthly summary sheets as needed. Reviews timesheets before payroll for all office personnel, member service staff, and other employees.
• Assists in completing payroll and related tax deposits semi-monthly by the due date, prepares the monthly payroll summary, and posts it to the general ledger. Updates deduction fields and maintains the base payroll file data. Calculates and updates payroll overheads, vacation and holiday accruals, and insurances in the computer. Processes payroll summary reports monthly.
• Prints needed quarterly and annual payroll summary reports and files quarterly and annual payroll tax returns.
• Assist with all accounts payable tasks, including maintaining vendor files electronically, assigning general ledger account numbers, and verifying the accuracy and validity of all invoices by checking receipt of goods and comparing them to purchase orders when applicable. Also, issue checks or initiate electronic payments by their due dates and prepare monthly summaries for Special Equipment.
• Assists in the processing of capital credit estates, general retirement, and allocation.
• Coordinates deposit management and bank reconciliation.
• Assists in preparing recurring and regular journal entries as needed and posts them to the general ledger, including charge-outs from clearing accounts, etc.
• Assists with non-electric energy invoicing and related subsidiary.
• Assists in preparing sales, use, and excise tax returns by due dates.
• Ensures subsidiary accounts reconcile with the general ledger each month and that fixed asset disposals are properly recorded.
• Assists with material posting and balancing to general ledger.
• Prepares word order inventory closeouts and maintains 740C recap.
• Prepares monthly balance sheet and operating statement reports and performs closing journal entries every month.
• Assists in preparing audit worksheets and reports as requested by the CPA firm each year.
• Process all FEMA accounting and entries as needed.
• Attend safety meetings and other meetings that may be beneficial.
• Assists with the two-way radio communications at the Huron office and assists with the front counter and telephone as needed.
• Seeks opportunities to develop understanding, acceptance, and support of the Cooperative’s plans, programs, and objectives.
• Provides advice and support to the Manager of Finance and Administration as needed or directed, and communicates office procedures or general accounting issues.
• Obtains necessary information and paperwork from other personnel and provides them with data or reports as needed to maintain a smooth workflow.
• Performs other duties as required or requested by the CEO/General Manager or Manager of Finance and Administration.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 1–3 years of accounting experience preferred. (Utility or cooperative experience is a plus)
• Must be familiar with computers and software programs, as well as the RUS uniform system of accounts and the accounting requirements for RUS electric borrowers.
• Ability to trace sources and solutions to various types of problems.
• Proficient with keyboard and calculator.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to maintain an appearance that projects a professional and positive image for Dakota Energy.
• Ability to multitask effectively while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Ability to effectively deal with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to build and maintain positive public relations for the Cooperative.
• Ability to demonstrate professional telephone skills.
• Demonstrate poise, tact, and diplomacy with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.

Physical Demands of the Position:

• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to hear, use near and far vision, stand, work, kneel, bend crouch, crawl, twist upper body, and manipulate a variety of objects and tools using arms, hands and fingers.
• Ability to read computer screens and email, mail and talk on the phone.

Workings Conditions:

• Inside climate-controlled office working conditions.
• Work outside normal working hours may be required.
• Limited overnight travel is required for training.
• Interaction with staff and customers.

Additional Duties:

Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time.  The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position.  Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.

Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply for these positions, download the employment application on the left.