Summary

This position supports the Economic Development Manager in implementing the cooperative economic development initiatives. It actively supports recruitment, expansion and retention of business investment, and participates in collaborative efforts that increase new load, investment and job creation across the SVEC footprint.

Reporting

• Reports to: Economic Development Manager
• Directs: None

Responsibilities

• Conduct economic development activities and programs for the purpose of attracting new energy load and service rights for SVEC
• Build and strengthen active working relationships with state, regional and local economic development organizations
• Develop and maintain a database of economic development projects and prospects; work with internal partners to track project activities
• Assist the Manager of Key Accounts to identify expansion opportunities for existing members
• Develop and maintain a database of confidential documentation related to large- load cooperative members & prospects
• Research industry trends and economic drivers that impact industrial and large commercial site locations
• Respond to economic development organization requests for potential service requirements and sample bills
• Develop and maintain databases to track project activities, key performance indicators, and to provide monthly reporting
• Develop, evaluate and recommend innovative products/concepts used to recruit new business and support expansion opportunities for existing cooperative membership.
• Represents the cooperative in collaborative efforts concerning economic development
• Coordinates economic development projects and programs with the Economic Development Manager
• Works with Corporate Communications to ensure economic development activities are showcased through various social media outlets
• Helps develop the annual economic development budget work plan
• Prepares quarterly reports beneficial to senior management
• Works with internal stakeholders to market and support the cooperative’s Fiber Utility Network
• Proactively identify and use emerging technologies (i.e. Artificial Intelligence) that support and advance economic development activities
• Develop and maintain internal relationships across the cooperative needed to execute the economic development goals and objectives
• Assist in special projects and other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, with an emphasis in economic development or related field of study
• Minimum 5 years of economic development experience working for a local, regional or state economic development organization
• Experience working in the electric utility industry in a capacity that deals with local governments and agencies, consumer accounts, and utility planning functions

Required Skills and Abilities

• An understanding of electric utility cooperative principles
• An understanding of electric utility rates and rate construction
• Public speaking experience
• Ability to organize work effectively and to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Ability to function without direct supervision
• Ability to work across departments and various areas of cooperative responsibility
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret materials from a variety of industry related sources
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure papers
• Proficiency in computer skills including all Microsoft Programs, internet research and Artificial Intelligence
• Must be able to maintain professionalism and control under all circumstances.
• Has and maintains a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record and is able to operate SVEC vehicles.
• Must become and remain certified in CPR and first aid. Must also be skilled in the use of all safety equipment.
• Leadership ability and the ability to motivate peers toward goal achievement.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform job responsibilities in a timely manner within established guidelines under minimal supervision.
• Ability to dissect and resolve complex problems quickly and systematically.
• Possess effective techniques to research and access all sources necessary to fulfill position responsibilities.
• Must have good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Shall be required to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Must be capable of reading and deciphering small print and numbers.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to and from work.

Physical Requirements

• Participation in SVEC job safety and training programs, relevant workshops, seminars and other SVEC sponsored courses and events.
• Must be able to use office equipment including telephone, computer, and other systems and related software in the performance of position responsibilities.
• Must be able and available, during any and all types of weather conditions, to work weekends, holidays, evenings and other times outside normal duty hours to assist in service restoration and other emergencies that may arise or when the workload demands.
• Must always maintain an operating telephone or personal communication device at his/her place of residence. Ability to contact the telephone or personal communication device must be made available to SVEC for the purpose of contacting the manager to conduct legitimate routine and/or emergency business.
• This position primarily works indoors. Must be able to lift objects unassisted (up to 30 pounds). Some standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling to a minimal degree.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

About Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative

Chartered in 1936, SVEC maintains over 8,100 miles of electric lines and serves more than 97,000 member accounts in the counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Highland (all), Page (all), Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren in Virginia, and the city of Winchester (all). Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative was the first electric cooperative chartered in Virginia. SVEC is governed by a democratically elected 10-member board of directors. Each year, at SVEC’s annual meeting, directors are elected by members. Directors serve four-year terms.

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