Economic Development Manager

The Economic Development Manager leads the development and execution of long-term sustainable load growth, member investment, and community development throughout MVEC's 900-square miles of service territory. This role partners closely with internal teams, community leaders, and external stakeholders to align power, infrastructure, community growth, and incentives with targeted economic opportunities. The Economic Development Manager identifies trends, evaluates risks, and advances initiatives that strengthen MVEC’s competitive position and long-term financial health.

The Team Members are empowered to spend most time doing MVEC’s hands-on work. Leading by example, the Team Member’s focus is to:

• Successfully carry out daily work, implement process improvements, suggest new ideas, serve on Teams, and proactively identify and resolve problems.
• Participate in setting goals and investigate training opportunities to build their skill set which allows work objectives to further the cooperative's strategy.
• Work cooperatively across departments, communicate effectively and be responsive.

All Team Members are accountable to MVEC's vision and mission, serving the membership and Team with servant leadership, dedication to safety and following the Team Member handbook.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and maintains MVEC’s long-term economic development and load growth strategy, including target industries, market positioning, and alignment with power supply, rates, and infrastructure planning.
• Builds and manages strategic relationships with communities, developers, state and regional economic development organizations, and key industry partners to advance investment and growth opportunities
• Develops and executes external outreach strategies focused on target industries, site readiness, and MVEC’s competitive advantages in coordination with regional partners.
• Collaborates with Engineering, Operations, Power Supply, Sales, and Member Services to ensure economic development initiatives are aligned with system capabilities and organizational priorities.                                                                                                                                

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Business, Economics, Public Administration, Engineering or Planning or related field
• 7 years of experience in economic development, utility operations, site selection, community development, infrastructure planning, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience working with external stakeholders, including communities, developers, site selectors, state or regional economic development organizations, and business leaders
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to represent the cooperative professionally to senior leaders, boards, and external partners                
• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and market research to support decision-making and performance tracking
• Creative/Innovative thinker and possess leadership qualities
• Excellent people skills as well as great oral and written communication skills                
• Ability to use good judgement and discretion          
• Excellent conflict resolution skills and ability to coordinate many projects
• Confident and can demonstrate ability to work under stress and meet deadlines
• Ability to keep privileged information confidential                                                                                                                                                             

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in or with an electric cooperative
• Professional certification such as CEcD, EDFP, or similar
• Familiarity with utility-related incentives, CIAC agreements, or large load project development                                                                                                                                                                

Schedule/Location:

On-site at our office location in Jordan, MN.

Pay and Benefits:

Starting Wage: $109,447 - $120,392/annually

MVEC’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, paid holidays and paid time off, employee assistance programs, health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.

Notice to Third Party Agencies:

We are not accepting resumes from recruiters or employment agencies for this position. In the event we receive a resume or candidate referral for this position from a third-party recruiter or agency without a previously signed agreement, we reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to you.

Work Authorization:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. MVEC does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

This position will remain open for at least 7 days from the posting date. For best consideration, apply early at https://mvec.bamboohr.com/careers/54?source=aWQ9MjQ%3D

MVEC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer