Economic Development Manager

This position is responsible for providing vision, strategic direction and leadership for the Company’s Economic Development programs, Strategy, and Analysis. This includes economic development utility incentives, program development, customer contracts and offerings, lead generation, promotion, product development, and all analytical tools used for economic development success.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred and MBA highly desirable.
• Proven leadership skills.
• Knowledge of Economic Development processes and principles with an understanding of the role of utility economic development.
• Demonstrated talent for creative and innovative product and program conceptualization.
• Overall knowledge of Customer Solutions, Power Delivery, Utility Operations, Rates, Contracts, Finance and the utility industry in general.
• Strategic thinker who understands the company vision and can translate it into actionable plans that achieve results
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to effectively engage individuals at all levels internally and externally.
• Effective at building and leveraging cross functional relationships inside the company as well as relationships with external allies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and effective oral and written communication skills.
  
  

Major Job Responsibilities

• Lead a team responsible for programs, products, and services to support the company strategy for growth through the recruitment and expansion of business and industry.
• Develop and lead strategies for expanded retail industrial and large commercial sites.
• Develop and lead strategy for effective lead generation for recruiters and project managers to utilize.
• Oversee the development and execution of proposals and assistance in RFI’s with Project Managers.
• Provide leadership in using internal website for promotion of South Mississippi to include branding, maintaining available sites and buildings, information for prospective clients regarding utility and economic development information.
• Oversee other promotions including collateral material, social media, department, trade show participation and other promotional opportunities.
• Oversee the area of coordination for departmental consultant, prospect, and developer events.
• Build and manage effective coalitions within the following departments: Community Development, Customer Solutions, Power Delivery, Rates, Division Operations, and Finance.
• Lead the performance management process, including goal setting, frequent and candid feedback, coaching, and development.
  
  

Mississippi Power , a subsidiary of Southern Company, provides clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to more than 192,000 customers and communities in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. For over 100 years, Mississippi Power is a leader in customer service, workforce development and education, environmental stewardship, and employee volunteerism. The company is an industry leader when it comes to working safely, providing around-the-clock reliable service and its expert storm response. Mississippi Power has been at the forefront of innovation in the state through strategic partnerships in electric transportation and solar energy. The company has worked with the Coast Transit Authority to put the state’s first electric public transportation bus in operation and with Forrest County Agriculture High School on the state’s first electric school bus. It also partnered with the Hattiesburg Zoo on a new electric train and worked with the country’s largest Domino’s franchise to electrify its delivery fleet. Also, a leader in renewable energy, Mississippi Power partnered with the Naval Construction Battalion Center to install the first microgrid at a Navy facility. The company was among the first to introduce utility scale solar in the state with nearly 160 MW of renewable energy produced, enough to power 23,000 homes for a year. Mississippi Power’s mission is to provide world-class value to our customers and communities every day.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .

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.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 11254

Job Category: Communications & External Affairs

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Mississippi Power