Economic Development Project Manager, Northern Region

State of Indiana•Portage, IN

23h•$63,787 - $66,000

About The Position

The Project Manager serves as the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s key representative for select counties in Northern Indiana. The role manages IEDC projects in assigned areas, focusing on negotiating economic development deals and building relationships with key partners and stakeholders. The position covers the entire Northern Region and is primarily based at either the Northwest office in Portage or the Northeast office in Fort Wayne. The employee must reside in either the Northwest or Northeast region of Indiana.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent business experience in a field such as economic development, community development, urban planning, real estate sales or development, sales/business development, or a State of Indiana core industry.
Appropriate business background, particularly in business-deal negotiation and economic development or site selection.
Ability to analyze business-deal context and identify each party’s leverage.
Ability to negotiate complex business transactions on behalf of the State of Indiana while optimizing outcomes for Hoosier taxpayers.
Ability to lead state and local economic development partners in presenting unified responses to company requests for proposals.
Ability to plan site tours for prospective clients, including transportation, dining, special events or entertainment, meetings, and follow-up.
Ability to analyze business and community needs and evaluate the effectiveness of IEDC and other public- and private-sector services.
Ability to travel frequently within Northern Indiana and the state, and occasionally on IEDC-sponsored or sanctioned domestic sales trips.
Clear oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentations.
Ability to maintain residency in Northern Indiana or willingness to relocate there.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, manage time effectively, and handle multiple projects with attention to detail, organization, and prioritization.
Ability to work effectively as a team member and exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with the public.
Ability to operate computers and other technology, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Office, Outlook, CRM databases, Adobe Acrobat, and other relevant platforms and programs.
Knowledge of Indiana core industries, including aerospace and defense, manufacturing, life sciences, logistics, information technology, microelectronics, and mobility.
Knowledge of general government-agency programs and processes; economic development, sales, and program-management processes; regional community and business development organizations; the regional business climate and state economic development laws and trends; and Indiana’s government structure, including local government.

Nice To Haves

One to three years of experience in economic development or a related field.
International business development experience.

Responsibilities

Manage and negotiate assigned competitive expansion and business-attraction projects, with an emphasis on attracting new companies and creating job opportunities for Hoosiers.
Build and maintain relationships with economic development partners in Indiana, particularly in the Northern Indiana Region.
Visit local businesses, elected officials, and development-related organizations to assess needs, identify opportunities for IEDC involvement, and explain assistance-program requirements.
Monitor activities in the assigned region and report items of interest or concern to IEDC leadership.
Attend conferences, meetings, and events related to business development and economic development, particularly in Northern Indiana.
Provide technical assistance to identify appropriate IEDC programs and complete applications for business-attraction and expansion projects.
Regularly update the IEDC CRM database with project and client information.
Provide general support to Business Development leadership on assigned projects.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, as well as vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with a bi-weekly state contribution.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies including 160 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
Up to 16 hours of paid community service leave.
Combined 192 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.