Economic Development Project Manager, Northern Region

Indiana Department of Correction•Portage, MI

16h

About The Position

The Economic Development Project Manager serves as the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s key representative for select counties in Northern Indiana. The role manages projects in the assigned area, negotiates economic development deals, and builds relationships with regional partners and stakeholders. The position focuses on business attraction and expansion projects that can create job opportunities for Hoosiers, and provides support to IEDC business development leadership. The role covers the Northern Region of Indiana and is primarily based at either the Northwest office in Portage or the Northeast office in Fort Wayne. The employee must maintain their primary residence in the Northwest or Northeast region of Indiana. Frequent travel within Northern Indiana and the state is required, with limited domestic travel on IEDC-sponsored or sanctioned sales trips. Salary is $63,787–$66,000, commensurate with education and work experience.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent business experience, including in economic development, community development, urban planning, real estate sales or development, sales or business development, or a relevant core industry.
An appropriate business background, particularly involving business deal negotiation and economic development or site selection.
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; regional business climate; state economic development laws and trends; and Indiana government structure and local government.
Ability to analyze the context of a business deal and identify each side’s leverage.
Ability to negotiate complex business transactions on behalf of the State of Indiana while optimizing outcomes for Hoosier taxpayers.
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 on a limited basis 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 to the region.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, manage time effectively, handle multiple tasks and projects with attention to detail and organization, prioritize workload, and work effectively as a team member.
Ability to use computers and technology, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Office, Outlook, CRM databases, Adobe Acrobat, and other relevant platforms and programs.
Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with the public.

Nice To Haves

One to three years of experience in economic development or a related field, in addition to the educational requirement.
International business development experience.

Responsibilities

Manage and negotiate assigned competitive business expansion and business attraction projects, with an emphasis on attracting companies and creating job opportunities for Hoosiers.
Build and maintain relationships with economic development partners in Indiana, particularly in the Northern Region.
Visit local businesses, elected officials, and development-related organizations to assess needs, identify opportunities for IEDC, and communicate requirements for assistance programs.
Monitor activity in the assigned region and report items of interest or concern to IEDC leadership.
Attend conferences, meetings, and events concerning 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-related information.
Provide general support to Business Development leadership on assigned projects.
Lead state and local economic development partners in presenting unified responses to company requests for proposals.
Plan site tours for prospective clients, including transportation, dining, special events or entertainment, meetings, and follow-up.

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, up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers, up to 16 hours of paid community service leave, and a 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.
Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.