Innovation Development Specialist

Southern Company•Birmingham, AL

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Alabama Power’s Innovation Development team serves as a catalyst for advancing tech-based, economic development across the state. The team is part of the Economic and Community Development organization and focuses on the growth and strengthening of Alabama’s innovation ecosystem by expanding innovation programs, cultivating strategic partnerships, and supporting the recruitment, development, and retention of high-impact tech startups. For more than a century, Economic and Community Development has helped foster healthy commerce across Alabama offering industry-specific expertise to help navigate our state’s economic development systems. The Innovation Development Specialist plays a key external-facing role in driving ecosystem growth. This position focuses on identifying and developing opportunities that foster innovation, attract and recruit startups, and build strategic relationships with partners across the tech and business communities. The role works closely with cross-functional teams, external stakeholders, community organizations, and public-private partnerships to deliver insights, support program development, strategically synergize efforts, and promote Alabama Power’s leadership in innovation and economic development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, finance, engineering, or a related field
Experience or strong interest in venture capital, corporate venturing, economic development, or community affairs is highly preferred.
Understanding startup ecosystems, venture development, and innovation program operations.
Strong communication and relationship management skills to engage effectively with founders, investors, corporate partners, community organizations, and internal/external stakeholders.
Excellent relationship management and project implementation abilities, with experience using CRM, dashboards, and project management software.
Analytical mindset with the ability to evaluate partnership opportunities, assess market trends, and identify emerging technologies.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across internal teams and external networks.
Travel up to 40% in the role for statewide and regional ecosystem engagement. Most travel is weekly day trips, but there are occasional overnight and national travel expectations.

Nice To Haves

master’s degree or MBA preferred

Responsibilities

Lead planning and coordination of Alabama Power’s efforts with Techstars EnergyTech Accelerator and Alabama Founders Fest.
Lead efforts to grow Alabama’s tech ecosystem through engagement with innovation programs, EDOs, LEDOs, venture capital firms, community organizations, and startups.
Identify, evaluate, and recruit promising startups and entrepreneurs to participate in innovation programs and partnerships.
Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders—Innovate Alabama, Department of Commerce, corporate partners, mentors, investors, and ecosystem leaders—to strengthen collaboration and program success.
Support the design and implementation of new innovation initiatives, events, and accelerators that drive business growth and community impact.
Conduct industry and market research to identify emerging trends, commercialization opportunities, and technologies, and opportunities that align with Alabama Power’s innovation development goals.
Collect and analyze data on KPIs and program outcomes to measure impact and inform strategic decisions.
Track local, state, and federal initiatives that influence innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Represent Alabama Power at events, showcases, and demo days to promote innovation programs and strengthen ecosystem connections.
Craft and share compelling stories that highlight Alabama Power’s innovation initiatives, startup successes, and ecosystem impact through written, visual, and verbal communication across multiple platforms.