Research Manager - Economic Development (In Ofc 4 Days/Wk)

Southern Company • Atlanta, GA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Manager turns data into direction — leading Georgia Power’s economic development research to help companies choose Georgia and communities win. You’ll develop a high-performing team and deliver decision-quality insights, compelling publications, and rapid, client-ready responses that power business recruitment, lead generation, and target marketing statewide and regionally through quality research products.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, City Planning, Marketing, or related field; Masters preferred.
• 5+ years of applied research experience and 3+ years of people leadership.
• Deep understanding of economic development and Georgia’s economy, regions, and communities.
• Knowledge of local-to-global economic trends and forecasting to support target industry strategy and fast client response.
• Exceptional executive communication—clear, persuasive presentations and polished reports for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Innovative, future-focused mindset—build modern data products that anticipate client needs and extend our competitive edge.
• Working knowledge of issues shaping the electric utility industry to help set economic development priorities.
• Fluency in data sources and methods across demographics, real estate, GIS, finance, and economic analysis for location strategy.
• Understanding of location decision drivers across industrial, commercial, and office projects to craft winning narratives.
• Strong analytical judgment—synthesize complex inputs into decision-ready insights, visuals, and story-driven deliverables.
• Strong technical skills with specialized databases and GIS (ArcGIS Pro); budget experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain high-trust datasets, publications, and tools that support economic development; manage the research budget.
• Cultivate partnerships with public and private economic development allies to align efforts and stay ahead of market movement.
• Identify target segments and companies; keep 20+ target industry studies and web pages current; analyze financial and economic trends.
• Set the annual research publication plan and lead team execution—prioritize work, coach talent, and raise capability across analysts, data science, and interns.
• Recruit, onboard, and mentor graduate student interns—ensuring meaningful deliverables and strong development.
• Deliver standout prospect packages—insight-rich reports, maps, and presentations with consistent brand and story.
• Present research and industry insights to prospects, partners, and leaders—in person and virtually.
• Strengthen marketing by supplying data, reviewing content, and keeping the Select Georgia website current.
• Represent Georgia Power on boards and research councils to elevate thought leadership and expand collaboration.

Benefits

• Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being.
• This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s).
• A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees