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 Economic Development Representative is responsible for participating in recruiting events to market the MPC service territory to business executives and site selection consultants. 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 preferred in business administration, marketing, economic development or related field. Master’s degree in business, economic development or related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in economic development, sales or marketing, business or related field is required. 
• 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.
• A general working knowledge of company operations is preferred.
• Model all aspects of Our Southern Company Values and PCL behaviors. 

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 the MPC service territory.
• Build strong working relationships with site location consultants, industrial realtors, construction companies, and others. Leverage these relationships effectively market communities.
• Become knowledgeable about MPC rates, power delivery, generation, and finance.
• Maintain strong collaborative relationships within the power delivery, rates and finance organizations to provide accurate and timely responses to projects and leads.
• 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 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, available building, etc.
• Routinely maintain pertinent project details and updates within Economic Development CRM for accurate tracking of industrial project progress.
• Manage an individual budget for meals and travel.