Economic Development Mgr

Job Summary

The Economic Development Manager position is the single, dedicated person responsible for economic development across all 61 counties in Columbia Gas of Ohio'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 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 Columbia Gas / 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 Columbia Gas / NiSource community. This role leads effective communications with regional economic development organizations throughout the state and facilitates and participates in proactive conversations around growth opportunities and gas supply strategy for the Company.

Essential Functions

Directs economic development initiatives to achieve the company’s goals and objectives

Performs a variety of professional and technical work in preparation and implementation of economic and community development plans, programs, and services

Lead internal groups including Gas Systems Planning, Engineering, New Business and Large Customer Relations on various state-run economic development programs, including Ohio Sites Inventory Program, SiteOhio Authentication, Ohio MegaSites, Zoom Prospector & Catalyst Conversion and RightSites Inventory

Advocate and represent COH / NI as the leader in the Utility Economic Development

Provide information and / or make presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the general public on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans

Find solutions to diversify COH gas supply and strengthen its overall gas system

Identify areas on the COH 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 Boards / 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 Columbia Gas / NiSource service territory to ensure effective and efficient communication of possible economic development activity in each region

Maintains a liaison with various local and State agencies

Strategize with internal groups, such as Government Affairs, Regulatory Strategy / Support, and Legal to further the concept of “speculative piping” with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio

Manage Infrastructure Development Rider applications with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio 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 COH / NI departments to improve response time and efficiency to incoming RFI’s

Timely and effective connections and communication between Columbia Gas / 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

Oversee Economic Development budget for COH, including the IDR budget and Economic Development “501c3” budget

Provides information and / or make presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the general public on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.

Provide Columbia Gas / 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 and in excess of 25-30% of the time including overnight travel (Meeting with business partners for day trips, expectation is being on the road building economic development relationships in Ohio footprint)

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, business, or a related field; or any equivalent combination or experience and training.​

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

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Inclusion & Diversity

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.

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 :

110,200.00 - $165,300.00

Posting Start Date : 2025-02-19

Posting End Date (if applicable) :

2025-03-05

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers.

We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.

Salary : $110,200 - $165,300