Director, Economic Development

Ameren•Saint Louis, MO

About The Position

The Director, Economic Development leads the planning and implementation of strategies designed to foster service area community and economic growth. The position directs a team of professionals who support public-private partnerships to address community growth and development capacity and leads business location, expansion and retention projects. The Director, Economic Development supports and leads local, regional and statewide organizations that support community and business growth and serves as the point of contact for new commercial and industrial businesses considering location within the Ameren service territory.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required.
10 or more years of relevant experience in business, community/economic development, public administration, or business marketing is required.
5 or more years of supervisory or high-level team/project leadership experience required.
Proven analytical skills in public policy, market analysis, real estate and construction planning, development finance and incentive programs.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with various internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate an engaging team environment that delivers business results.
Strong business sense and demonstrated ability to use good judgment.
Excellent communication skills required.
Proficiency with Microsoft products including, Word, PowerPoint and Excel is required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in related field (business, finance, marketing, communications, or public administration) preferred.
Advanced degree is preferred.
Completion of accredited certification in the field of community development, economic development, development finance, or project management professional is preferred.
Understanding of electric and natural gas service delivery, rates and regulations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and direct business development strategies to promote the retention, expansion and attraction of business and industry throughout the Ameren Missouri service territory to achieve strategic goals and targets.
Promote positive working relationships between Ameren Missouri and service area communities, enhance local/regional development capacity and improve overall economic competitiveness for new business growth within service area.
Manage two teams, staffed by business development executives who serve as the primary point of contact for prospective commercial and industrial customers, assist in preparation and negotiation of new business proposals, provide utility service details and conduct energy rate analyses. One team is focused on assisting large electric load customers, and one team is focused on assisting non-large electric load customers.
Support the planning and implementation of multi-channel business to business marketing activities and communication strategies to generate qualified business development leads and support Ameren's positive brand identity in the community.
Serve as Ameren Missouri's representative to statewide business and economic development organizations to address issues affecting the service area economy and communicate Ameren Missouri's positions and policies related to such issues.
Oversee business incentive programs and contract management in accordance with Ameren Missouri's rules and regulations.
Conduct all department administrative functions including, but not limited to, personnel evaluation, staff development, department performance metrics, administration of policies, budget preparation, staff coaching and co-worker engagement.