Economic Development Rep III (Senior Rep)

This position is responsible for generating project leads and managing projects to achieve our mission of increasing revenue through the location, expansion, and retention of business.

The Senior Economic Development Representative is responsible for participating in recruiting events in order to recruit business executives and site selection consultants to our service territory.  The position is also responsible for working closely with state, regional and local economic development organizations and providing professional project management assistance on both new and expansion projects.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 
•Four Year College Degree is required, preferably in business administration, marketing, economic development, urban planning or related. Master’s degree in business, economic development, urban planning, public administration or related fields is preferred.
•A minimum of 5 years of experience in economic development, sales or marketing, business or related fields is strongly preferred.
•Demonstrated knowledge of the economic development process and the political economic development environment.
•A track record in exercising sound judgment and in handling confidential information.
•Highly organized with attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple time-critical projects without direct supervision.  
•An understanding of relationship-based sales and marketing.
•Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse team, both internally and externally.
•Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills to provide data or information to wide and diverse audiences which may include community and political leaders, and company leadership.
•A general working knowledge of company operations is required.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Develop strong working alliances with State, regional and local economic development organizations.  Provide professional project management support of new business recruitment efforts and projects involving the retention or expansion of existing businesses.
•Meet and establish relationships with business executives who are considering expanding or relocating their operations. Build a business case for locating business in our service territory. 
•An understanding of relationship-based sales and marketing.
•Work cooperatively with the economic development team and leadership, Customer Solutions, and Community Affairs on economic development issues.
•Take responsibility for planning and conducting site tours for prospects and consultants in our service territory. 
•Participate in familiarization tours, conference calls and other events in order to generate leads.  
•Take primary responsibility for the development and timely submittal of responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).  Provide oversight to support personnel engaged in research, mapping, creative design, and packaging.
•Become knowledgeable about our area - our workforce, transportation and utility infrastructure, industrial parks and available buildings, tax and development incentives, and rates.
•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.
•Keep the Director and leadership team informed of project activity. Update information systems on a regular basis.
•Other duties as assigned.

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