Economic & Business Development Manager

Job Description

Job Summary

The Economic Development Manager position is a dedicated person responsible for economic development across all counties in NIPSCO's service area. This role is often called upon to interact with and lead critical discussions on behalf of the company with top leadership at US and international companies, as well as at times, the highest level of government. In this role, the Economic Development Manager is responsible for leading the internal and external economic development efforts for NIPSCO/NiSource to promote industrial and business development within the company's service territory. This position is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a network of economic development relationships to ensure prompt understanding of economic development activities throughout the service territory and respond to requests as the primary liaison between the economic development community and NIPSCO/NiSource community. This role leads effective communications with regional economic development organizations throughout the state and facilitates and participates in proactive conversations around growth opportuniti es for the Company.

Essential Functions

• Directs economic development initiatives to achieve the companys goals and objectives including meeting with potential investors, presenting energy solutions to meet new investment and growth.
• Performs a variety of professional and technical work in preparation and implementation of economic and community development plans, programs, and services
• Collaborate with internal groups including Electric and Gas Systems Planning, Engineering, New Business and Large Customer Relations/Major Accounts on various state-run economic development programs, including Indiana sites and zoom prospector.
• Advocate and represent NIPSCO as the leader in the Utility Economic Development
• Provide information and/or make presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, potential investors and the general public on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans
• Find solutions to diversify NIPSCO electric/gas supply and strengthen its overall electric/gas system
• Identify areas on the NIPSCO electric/gas system where future growth will occur, including geographical areas and specific sites/properties
• Provides assistance in the development of short- and long-term economic development plans through serving on Regional Economic Development Organizations/committees, as well as the gathering of information and preparation of studies, reports, and recommendations to achieve such goals
• Develops a network of relationships throughout the NIPSCO/NiSource service territory to ensure effective and efficient communication of possible economic development activity in each region
• Strategize with internal groups, such as Government Affairs, Regulatory Strategy/Support, and Legal to further the concept of customer growth with the Utilit y Regulatory Commission of Indiana
• Manage Economic Development Rider (EDR) applications with the Public Utilities Commission of Indiana and potential customers
• Attends regional meetings and committee meetings as needed to ensure timely understanding and gathering of economic development activity in each region
• Develop and utilize economic development resource to gather information from within the Company to timely provide external stakeholders information needed to advance economic development activities
• Lead internal efforts across multiple NIPSCO/NI departments to improve response time and efficiency to incoming RFIs
• Timely and effective connections and communication between NIPSCO/NiSource and economic development stakeholders ensuring transfer of information to facilitate retention and expansion of businesses in the service territory
• Provides professional economic development advice and maintain internal relationships with affected departments
• Strategically support spending department funds and supporting local economic development organizations (LEDOs)
• Provide NIPSCO/NiSource assistance with all certified site projects

Required Qualifications for Position

• Degree from a four-year college or university
• Considerable experience in economic and community development, including administrative responsibility
• Considerable knowledge of business development, community, and economic development
• Working knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure, and planning programs and processes
• Ability to communicate effectively to groups and individuals, engineers, architects, contractors, developers, businesses, supervisors, employees, and the public
• Ability to establish working relationships with other organizations and economic development practitioners
• Strong project management skills and the ability to prepare and analyze reports and data, and have skill in the operation of necessary tools and equipment, i.e. computer, GIS system, word processing, spreadsheet software, and general office equipment (telephone, fax, copier, calculator, etc.)
• Ability to work long hours at times, including the ability to travel up to 25 % of the time including overnight travel
• Value inclusion within your day-to-day responsibilities by respecting others' perspectives/convictions, engaging others' opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your team/customers and external partners
• Respect and take into consideration diversity within your team/customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent all walks of life and all backgrounds
• Treat others with respect and consideration; Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Degree from a four-year college or university, preferably with specialization in economic and community development, geography, government, business, or a related field; or any equivalent combination or experience and training.

Physical Demands

• The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

Salary Range*:

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidates skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience , as well as internal pay equity .

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