How to apply for Vice President, Electric Cooperative Markets

About Sparkfund

Sparkfund is a utility services company that unlocks grid capacity through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model, deploying front-of-the-meter batteries and gensets as distribution infrastructure. With over 3,200 projects across 43 states and 300MW+ of energized assets, Sparkfund is at the forefront of transforming customer-sited assets into valuable grid resources. Working here means directly contributing to a more sustainable and reliable energy future while solving complex, impactful problems.

About the role

As VP of Electric Cooperative Markets, you will own Sparkfund's strategy, positioning, and executive relationships within the electric cooperative sector. You'll be responsible for driving growth by developing and executing go-to-market plans tailored to co-ops, leveraging Sparkfund's DCP model to help them meet demand, improve reliability, and manage costs. This role is pivotal in expanding Sparkfund's footprint in a key market segment and requires frequent travel (40%+) to build relationships and close deals.

A typical day

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with internal teams to refine co-op market strategy, followed by calls or in-person meetings with co-op executives to discuss potential projects and build relationships. You could be traveling to a co-op's headquarters to present Sparkfund's DCP model, then collaborating with the program design team to tailor a solution. Expect frequent interaction with senior leadership and a dynamic mix of strategy, sales, and relationship management.

Who Sparkfund is looking for

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in the electric utility or cooperative sector, with a deep understanding of co-op business models, governance, and pain points.
• Proven track record in senior sales, business development, or partnership roles, ideally selling complex energy solutions (e.g., distributed energy resources, grid services) to electric cooperatives.
• Strong executive presence and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence co-op CEOs, boards, and key stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute market strategies, and a willingness to travel frequently (40%+) to meet with members and drive growth.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific experience working with electric cooperatives: quantify deals closed, relationships built, or programs implemented with co-ops.
• Demonstrate understanding of Sparkfund's DCP model and how it addresses co-op needs (e.g., capacity, reliability, cost savings) in your resume and cover letter.
• Emphasize your ability to operate at an executive level: show how you've built C-suite relationships and influenced decision-makers in the co-op space.
• Showcase your strategic and entrepreneurial mindset: Sparkfund is a growing company, so highlight instances where you've built strategies from scratch or opened new markets.
• Address the travel requirement head-on: express enthusiasm for frequent travel and provide examples of how you've successfully managed a travel-heavy role in the past.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your deep knowledge of the electric cooperative landscape and existing relationships with co-op leaders.', 'A concrete example of a successful deal or partnership you developed with an electric cooperative, including the impact on the co-op and your company.', "How Sparkfund's DCP model aligns with the challenges and opportunities facing electric cooperatives today, and why you're excited to drive adoption.", 'Your ability to develop and execute a strategic market plan, including how you would prioritize and engage co-ops to achieve growth targets.']

Research before applying

• Research Sparkfund's DCP model in detail: understand how it works, its value proposition, and examples of successful deployments with utilities or co-ops.
• Learn about the electric cooperative sector: key players (NRECA, co-op associations), current challenges (e.g., grid reliability, DER integration), and emerging trends.
• Identify specific electric cooperatives that could benefit from Sparkfund's solutions and understand their unique energy needs and pain points.
• Review recent news and press releases about Sparkfund, its partnerships, and any co-op projects to speak knowledgeably about the company's momentum.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Can you walk us through your experience working with electric cooperatives and a specific deal you led from start to finish?
• How would you approach building Sparkfund's brand and pipeline within the co-op market, given the unique governance and decision-making processes?
• What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for electric cooperatives in adopting distributed capacity resources like batteries and gensets?
• Describe a time you had to navigate a complex sales cycle with multiple stakeholders (e.g., co-op board, management, members). How did you ensure success?
• How would you collaborate with Sparkfund's internal teams (e.g., program design, grid value assessment) to ensure co-op needs are met and projects are deployed successfully?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being vague about your experience with electric cooperatives: avoid generic statements; instead, provide specific examples of co-op engagements and outcomes.
• Underestimating the importance of executive relationship-building: this role is not just about sales; it's about becoming a trusted advisor to co-op leadership.
• Ignoring the travel requirement or showing reluctance to travel: this role requires 40%+ travel, so any hesitation could be a red flag.
• Failing to demonstrate strategic thinking: avoid focusing only on tactical sales; highlight your ability to develop and execute a market strategy.