Responsibilities: 

Job Summary:            

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.  The Manager also coordinates communication of capital/infrastructure projects with key stakeholders. Additionally, this position renews expiring/expired franchise agreements with incorporated municipalities, plans and implements community involvement initiatives and supports economic development strategies and initiatives 

 

Functional Expertise:      

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.

 

Business Acumen:

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 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.           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.                

 

Engagement:     

Provides ongoing communications (face-to-face and written) with Chamber of Commerce and local government officials, economic development officials and other constituent groups.   Provides timely responses to inquiries from economic development organization and new business prospects.   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.

 

Driving Results: 

Manage Nicor Gas’ grants and membership budget aligning with economic development organizations in its service area. Hosts an annual, week-long, Basic Economic Development Course (in partnership with the International Economic Development Council). 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. Establish and manage Economic Development committee to coordinate across GAS footprint on potential business leads and proactively engage in business development support and recruitment.   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.

 

 

Qualifications: 

Education, Certifications/Licenses:  

 

Required:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, Engineering or related field.

 

OR

• Equivalent education and experience.

      

Preferred:

       • Master’s Degree in related field and position-related certifications.

      

Related Work Experience:

 

 Required:  

• 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.

 

Specific Skills & Knowledge:

 

      Required:

      • 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.

     

Preferred:

• Experience in negotiating and conflict resolution.

• Media relations experience.

• Familiarity with public and non-profit sectors.

 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:  

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