Economic Development Regional Manager

Southern Company • Naperville, IL

4d

About The Position

The purpose of this position is responsible for implementation of Nicor Gas
Economic Development strategy, including internal and external engagement
strategy, development and coordination of external presence and message
development, proactive engagement approach, associated services, objectives and
metrics. Leverage relationships with local governmental officials and community
leaders to ensure a positive operating environment and reputation for Nicor Gas.
The Manager is an experienced company liaison with municipal, business, economic
development and community leaders and will plan and implement community
involvement initiatives and economic development strategies with our state,
regional and local economic development partners. The Manager also coordinates
communication of capital/infrastructure projects with key stakeholders. This
position will also drive workforce development initiatives in collaboration with
human resources, talent development, supplier diversity, legal, GIS, community
affairs, energy efficiency and field operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, Engineering or related field.
• OR
• Equivalent education and experience.
• 6+ years of experience interacting with internal and external stake holders including municipal, business, economic development and community leaders
• 6+ years of progressive management experience with a regulated utility or business
• Experience & thorough knowledge of natural gas distribution systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships
• Exemplify a high level of diplomacy and decorum
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Experience in negotiating and conflict resolution
• Public Speaking/presentation Skills
• Familiarity with local government – structure, processes, decision makers
• Customer service-oriented
• Must always be ready to respond to field emergencies
• If away from territory, backup arrangements must be made and communicated internally as necessary
• Some evening and weekend requirements
• Must have valid driver’s license and access to transportation to attend meetings/events in territory

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in related field and position-related certifications
• Experience in negotiating and conflict resolution
• Media relations experience
• Familiarity with public and non-profit sectors

Responsibilities

• Responsible for leveraging relationships built with local government, business, economic development and community leaders to ensure a positive operating environment and reputation for Nicor Gas.
• Responsible for researching plans for significant Nicor Gas capital/infrastructure projects and developing and executing plans for communicating project details with key stakeholders.
• Responsible for serving as the economic development liaison for Nicor Gas, supporting numerous high-profile projects each year within Nicor Gas’ service area working closely with state and local economic development organizations.
• Responsible for coordinating high-level responses for natural gas infrastructure availability, capability, cost, and timing to prospective companies, economic development authorities and state and local economic development project managers.
• Responsible for supporting public presence/community involvement initiatives.
• Assist in coordination of the Nicor Gas workforce development comprehensive strategy and execution (in support of GAS workforce development strategy).
• Manages involvement with local associations and organizations (chambers, development authority’s, economic development and other business interests).
• Responsible for the development and implementation of Nicor Gas Economic Development strategy, including internal and external engagement strategy, development and coordination of external presence and message development, proactive engagement approach, associated services, objectives and metrics
• Seeks opportunities to speak about company programs and initiatives at membership organizations or other key venues.
• Develops plans to strategically manage the territory considering, for example, key constituents, significant capital/infrastructure work scheduled, past (or potential) issues, franchise agreements nearing expiration and economic development projects.
• Ensure that business prospects receive accurate and timely information about natural gas service and infrastructure in coordination with Customer Development, Energy Efficiency, System Planning, Engineering, and any other pertinent area of business.
• Able to anticipate changes in business and economy and recommends and takes action to position the company for success.
• Able to handle difficult situations and resolve conflicts in a professional manner.
• Able to engage individuals at all levels inside and outside of the company.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to convey information in a manner that is compelling and convincing.
• Provides ongoing communications (face-to-face and written) with Chamber of Commerce and local government officials, economic development officials and other constituent groups.
• Provide coordination support to Customer Development team with regards to stakeholder and customer engagement on economic development initiatives.
• Coordinate with Community Affairs team to obtain long-term plans for municipalities and counties to anticipate growth opportunities and initiatives impacting Nicor Gas economic development strategy.
• Support and manage community development initiatives as they relate to economic development, economic impact and/or business retention or growth.
• Represent Nicor Gas in key economic development committees, events or initiatives, including speaking and presentation opportunities.
• Evaluate and manage Nicor Gas leadership engagement in economic development boards and committees.
• Research plans for significant business prospects and communicate project details with key stakeholders.
• Participate in economic development initiatives of substantial scope by leveraging Company resources, coordinating across internal departments and advocating for growth on behalf of Nicor Gas.

Benefits

• Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being.
• This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s).
• A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf
• Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager