Lead Economic Development Consultant

Job Description

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for over 150 years. The company’s vision is to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value, and they have a commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people. They are committed to creating an inclusive work environment that values diversity.

CenterPoint Energy is looking for a Lead Economic Development Consultant to join their Energy Sales Team. The consultant will be responsible for overseeing a geographical territory leading economic development activities intended to secure revenue/margin growth opportunities and improve the economic vitality of CenterPoint Energy’s service territory. This position will be instrumental in developing and fostering external relationships with various economic development organizations and governmental entities.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as the economic development single point of contact for assigned Local Economic Development Organizations (LEDOs), Regional Economic Development Organizations (REDOs), and State Economic Development Organizations (SEDOs) within CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana service territory.
• Coordinate and lead activities related to providing energy service, including assisting in the development of proposals, negotiating contracts, and resolving complex issues.
• Implement solutions for company and customer needs, taking into consideration multiple perspectives and future implications.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to provide detailed and timely responses to RFIs, supporting comprehensive and strategic planning projects across CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana service territory.
• Assist Energy Solutions leadership and provide guidance to more junior professionals as a point of contact for economic development opportunities and project reporting functions. Lead and participate in prospective client meetings and coordinate site visits with key project stakeholders.
• Develop, train, and maintain resource materials, brochures, and presentations reflecting current economic trends and industry analysis, presenting market information and economic data to Energy Solutions leaders, key business partners, and economic development contacts in a timely manner.
• Be responsible for economic development customer acquisition and demonstrate achievement of departmental goals and objectives through detailed project tracking and reporting.
• Monitor competitive activity by other utilities in the areas of economic development, collaborating with management to identify and propose new and innovative opportunities to attract customers to CenterPoint Energy’s service territory.
• Support testimony for CenterPoint Energy’s base rate cases and other regulatory filings related to economic development.
• Maintain a high level of visibility in the economic development community by staying actively engaged through various communication channels and fulfilling CenterPoint Energy board level commitments.
• Represent CenterPoint Energy at various industry conferences, national trade shows, and aid in the development and maintenance of marketing materials to attract potential customers to the region.
• Partner with internal Key Accounts Managers and other stakeholders as necessary to drive project results and support CenterPoint Energy’s retention and expansion efforts.
• Improve the customer experience by onboarding customers and connecting them with programs and services and appropriate points of contacts, while helping with issues resolution, as needed.

Education Description:

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business (Economics, Marketing, Business, Public Relations, or related field).

Experience:

Requires seven (7) years of experience in Economic Development, Governmental/External Affairs, or closely related field.
Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills, ability to interact with all levels of customers and employees.
Project management and contract negotiation skills.
Ability to present analysis to leadership.

A bonus to have:

• Master’s Degree in Economic Development, Business, Public Administration, or related field
• Experience working in the electric and gas utility industry in a capacity that deals with economic development, account/project management, local governmental agencies, customer service, community relations, utility planning and/or public policy.

What CenterPoint Energy Offers:

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays, and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at their headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution