Overview

The Project Manager serves on a project management team within the Office of Business Development at Louisiana Economic Development (LED). The Project Manager directly supports LED’s efforts to conduct national-caliber business recruitment, expansion, and retention practices. The Project Manager plays a key role in the achievement of LED’s business plan goals by securing project wins (corporate expansions or locations) which result in Louisiana capital investment and job creation.

To secure project wins, a Project Manager must plan, organize, and manage resources to bring about the successful completion of a specific project for a company interested in expanding in or relocating to Louisiana. The Project Manager is expected to work primarily in a leadership role on multiple concurrent projects, while occasionally working in a support role. The Project Manager strives to accomplish all of the project goals and objectives while working within defined project constraints: people, time, cost, and performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

The Project Manager has four major responsibility areas:

• 40% Project Management - Solutions Development, Presentation and Execution:

Develop a customized Louisiana Solution providing a comprehensive, compelling case for companies looking to expand or locate in Louisiana. Successfully assess and prepare the solution internally within LED and effectively present the solution externally to the company. This includes leveraging well-structured documents, presentations, and proposals when applicable. Ensure that external communications align with LED’s overall marketing and branding efforts, including LED’s most current messaging of the Louisiana value proposition and momentum. The Project Manager optimizes incentives that may be offered to companies for projects that will generate a positive return on investment to Louisiana through future tax revenues. He/she also ensures that all parties understand the requirements incorporated in agreements; provides excellent client service throughout investment decision-making; and works to achieve mutually beneficial and successful outcomes for all parties involved. When working in a support role on an LED project team, he/she assures that contributions are accurate and timely to develop and present a compelling case for investing in Louisiana.

• 25% Project Management - Client Interaction:

Focus on understanding and responding to the needs of a company considering an investment in Louisiana. Utilize listening and critical thinking skills to meet the needs of a prospective client and effectively mitigate potential concerns. Empathize with the risk-taking aspect of capital investment and accordingly offer business development solutions that demonstrate speed, confidence, and competence. Provide end-to-end leadership and management of economic development projects including but not limited to a compelling Louisiana Solution for the project, Cooperative Endeavor Agreements, media releases, and press conferences. When working in a support role on an LED project team, assist the project leadership in its efforts to effectively, and professionally interface with clients.

• 20% Project Management - Louisiana Expertise:

Develop and leverage high-level expertise in the strengths that Louisiana can deliver to project opportunities, including but not limited to applicable sites and buildings, relevant regional and community assets, cost advantages, state, and local tax advantages, state and local incentive programs, logistics/transportation assets, workforce availability, workforce development programs (i.e., Louisiana FastStart™, LCTCS), etc. Apply this expertise in developing customized Louisiana Solutions to secure investments in Louisiana.

· 15% Project Management - Communications/Reporting:

Communicate and report project-related management activities through LED’s customer relationship management (CRM) database, emails, written reports, verbal reports, and other methods. Utilize a consistent, diligent approach for reporting and maintenance of CRM database as outlined in LED’s business development operating procedures (i.e., LED “Playbook”). Provide project updates as needed to fellow team members, LED leadership, and partner economic development organizations. Proactively communicate reporting expectations and requirements associated with potential investments; manage contractual reporting and progress updates on secured investments.

Major A ctivities Include :

• Develop compelling Louisiana Solutions for projects that are built around a robust understanding of the business/industry key decision criteria for the project
• Utilize Louisiana expertise (e.g., sites, assets, tax competitiveness, incentives) in developing compelling Louisiana Solutions
• Leverage the resources of LED (e.g., Business Intelligence, Business Incentives, Louisiana FastStart™, Marketing & Communications), other State departments or institutions, such as Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) and regional/local economic development partners in developing Louisiana Solutions
• Identify appropriate buildings/sites, and coordinate compelling site visits and site materials
• Fully coordinate communications with key business prospect representative---either directly or by engaging the designated LED client point-person at critical communication junctures
• Develop and deliver accurate, well-structured written documents and presentations to facilitate communications with business prospects
• Track details of the project and project status in CRM database
• Perform accurate Return-on-Investment (ROI) analysis to determine the future tax revenues associated with projects
• Develop incentive components of Louisiana solutions based on state-to-state competitive analysis
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies to productively manage the back-and forth between the State and company representatives
• Assist LED legal department with drafting of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, ensuring that all major incentive terms and conditions are correctly incorporated into the agreement
• Support the development of an effective communications plan for project announcements
• Secure all data associated with successful projects and provide continuing support after project announcement that assures successful business commissioning
• Serve as project contract monitor over the life of certain incentive agreements when assigned this responsibility
• Travel as needed
• Recruit assistance (e.g., ED partner organizations, LED experts) for specific tasks/assignments to assure project wins
• Manage special project assignments

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Economics, Engineering or related degrees
• Master’s degree in Business or related fields desirable, but not required

Experience required

• Experience in business development and/or economic development
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, CSM, ACP, CPM) is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Communications skills including written reports and verbal presentations

Experience desired

• Successful track record in sales and marketing
• Real estate sales/development
• Financial analysis
• Management/leadership roles

Personal attributes

• Relationship building: develop, maintain, and strengthens relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a positive and collaborative attitude.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing project requirements.
• Ability to effectively manage and communicate with various stakeholders to drive project success.
• Critical thinking: strong problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate opportunity
• Adaptable: comfortable with ambiguity as decisions or processes evolve over time and the ability to quickly refine strategies after receiving feedback from stakeholders
• Results/goal oriented: ability to focus on initiatives with the commitment to achieving desired outcomes
• Timely: ability to juggle and prioritize multiple tasks and achieve completion deadlines
• Detail oriented: committed to maintaining order and accuracy of details
• Willingness to travel

Our Work Culture

• Training and development opportunities to support your professional growth to set you up for success.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment where employees are valued, heard and respected.
• Clear communication channels and transparent leadership to foster trust and open dialogue.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth through training, mentorship and career development programs.
• Emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion practices to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace.
• Commitment to employee well-being with comprehensive benefits packages and resources for mental health support.
• A new positive and uplifting healthy work culture that promotes positivity, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
• Empowerment and autonomy core values that emphasize training and trusting employees to take ownership of their work and be proactive.

Working Conditions

Standard office environment with regular office hours and remote work, but may require additional hours for events, meetings, and other activities.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.

Highlight your experience and achievements in economic development and business growth strategies.

Email materials to Director of Human Resource Dawn Thibodeaux at Dawn.Thibodeaux@la.gov.