Economic Development Manager - Hybrid Remote

Pay Grade:  M08

POSITION SUMMARY 

Assists in the development and implementation of industrial and large commercial recruitment and site development programs, as well as programs to encourage the retention and expansion of existing industry, in close cooperation with Hoosier Energy’s Member REMCs/RECs for the purposes of diversifying customer base and load profile, enhancing community economic development and reducing wholesale power costs. Supports the Hoosier Energy electric system marketing program and initiatives.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Builds and strengthens strategic relationships with key external stakeholders who influence economic and community development across the Hoosier Energy service area. Develops trusted, long-term partnerships with economic development organizations, state government officials, developers, site selectors, brokers, builders, railroads, utilities, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and other community and business leaders. Serves as a knowledgeable resource and connector between these stakeholders, Hoosier Energy, and member systems to identify opportunities, address challenges, and advance business growth and investment.
• Supports business attraction, expansion, and retention initiatives by coordinating economic development programs, projects, and resources across the Member System service areas. Works directly with member system management and prospective businesses to understand needs and effectively communicate available sites, electric service, pricing, infrastructure, and other capabilities. Represents Hoosier Energy and its member systems in proposals, site visits, meetings, presentations, and other business recruitment activities.
• Advances the readiness and marketability of industrial and commercial sites within member system territories. Works with member systems, communities, economic development organizations, developers, and other partners to identify and promote development-ready sites. Helps assess and address infrastructure, utilities, transportation, workforce, financing, incentives, and other factors that influence site competitiveness and business location decisions.
• Develops and maintains economic development information and marketing resources used to promote member system communities and available properties. Coordinates site profiles, mapping, GIS data, demographic and market information, aerial imagery, brochures, presentations, and other digital and print materials to support business recruitment and community marketing efforts.
• Conducts research and analysis to identify business development opportunities and evaluate the feasibility of potential projects within member system service areas. Monitors industry trends, emerging technologies, energy requirements, logistics, infrastructure needs, workforce considerations, and other factors affecting business location and expansion decisions. Uses current research tools, databases, GIS platforms, and market intelligence resources to support data-driven recommendations.
• Provides economic development expertise and training to member system CEOs or General Managers, Member Services Directors, and other appropriate staff. Develops and delivers presentations, workshops, training, and other resources that strengthen member system capabilities in business attraction, community development, marketing, customer engagement, and economic development.
• Collaborates on strategic economic development and marketing initiatives including industrial recruitment, business retention and expansion, site marketing, community marketing, communications, rate strategies, and other efforts designed to support member system growth and the economic vitality of the communities served.
• Monitors emerging economic development trends, tools, technologies, and best practices and identifies innovative approaches, partnerships, and programs that can improve member system competitiveness and support new business investment.
• Participates in regional and industry organizations, working groups, conferences, and other professional activities to expand economic development networks, share best practices, promote Hoosier Energy and its member systems, and identify new business and partnership opportunities.
• Tracks project activity, results, and opportunities and prepares reports, presentations, and other materials to support internal decision-making and communicate economic development activities and outcomes to appropriate stakeholders.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Economics, Engineering or related area minimum

Experience:

• 5 years’ progressive economic development experience in community and industrial relations, communications and/or marketing minimum

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate with individuals at all levels and work as part of a team
• Demonstrated level of professionalism, positive attitude and ability to motivate others
• Strong problem solving and decision making skills to identify, anticipate and resolve problems at hand
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong customer orientation
• Ability to effectively negotiate terms, agreements and understandings with others
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Public presentation skills
• Must have valid driver's license
• Ability to obtain Passport upon hire

Hoosier Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, age, ancestry, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.