Economic Development Manager

Are you ready to join an organization where we focus on People First, have fun at work and make a difference in what we do? Dairyland is proud of our People First culture centered around appreciation, celebrating wins and collaboration. Weve worked hard to ensure alignment between our culture and our processes and systems, learning and development and rewards and recognition programs. As a team, we work together to leverage the teams diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences to deliver nothing less than the best. We are collaborative, transparent and committed to our People and their work experience, growth and professional development. **Economic Development Manager** **Hiring Salary Range: $84,500 - $126,800** _Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level._ The Economic Development Manager works collaboratively with the Community and Economic Development team to develop and implement the Community and Economic Development Strategic Work Plan. Develops and builds relationships with member-cooperatives; communities; local, regional, and state economic development organizations; and businesses in Dairyland Power Cooperatives service area. Identifies community and economic development opportunities; plans, leads, and executes initiatives to retain and grow member-cooperative energy sales. **ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS** **:** 1. Collaborate with the Community and Economic Development team to deliver on the Community and Economic Development Strategic Work Plan. 2. Establish and maintain strong working relationships with state, regional and local economic development organizations, community and business leaders and public officials. 3. Collaborate in executing Dairylands business attraction efforts by creating and developing relationships with key partners, engaging in proactive marketing, and responding to requests for proposal. Work with member-cooperatives and communities to develop and market shovel-ready sites and achieve community readiness for business expansion and attraction. 4. Assist in administering and promoting Dairylands economic development revolving loan fund and other economic development programs. 5. Create an awareness of available economic development financing programs, rates, and other assistance available through Dairyland and its member-cooperatives. 6. Collaborate in executing Dairylands economic development marketing efforts. Ensure communication channels, including the website, newsletter and available sites and facilities database, are updated regularly. 7. Maintain and grow knowledge of current federal and state economic development financing, as well as emerging tools, available in Dairylands service area. 8. Assist member-cooperatives in developing strategy for community and economic development. 9. Assist Dairylands member-cooperatives in facilitating specific projects and initiatives by accessing project financing utilizing internal and external sources of funding and making resource connections. Facilitate a team approach with internal and external partners to provide efficiency and excellence. 10. Provide education and training to Dairylands member-cooperatives concerning Dairylands wholesale rates, economic development programs, and other community and economic development topics. 11. Promote the use of electric energy and other member products and services. 12. Assist the Manager, Community and Economic Development annually in preparing a budget for economic development activities. Help manage budget on an ongoing basis. 13. Other duties as assigned. **MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS** **:** **Education & Experience** : Bachelors degree in business, finance, public relations, political science, marketing, community/economic development or related field. Advanced degree preferred. Certified Economic Developer and/or Economic Development Finance Professional certifications desired. Minimum eight (8) years demonstrated experience in developing, marketing, leading, and directing effective strategic programs in the electric utility and/or economic development industry including economic development financing, business credit analysis, real estate development, project administration, grant writing, marketing and communications. Excellent skills and experience cultivating and nurturing relationships. **Skills** **:** Extensive knowledge of utility industry business structures and motivations, including cooperatives and other utilities. Extensive knowledge of economic development programs, agencies and community initiatives. Ability to communicate effectively and proactively including developing and delivering effective presentations. Ability to build and maintain effective work relationships, both internal and external, and establish credibility with businesses, community and government officials, and other decision makers. Skill in customer relations, verbal and written communications, team building, and interpersonal relations. Knowledge of the cooperative model, electric utility, economic development and energy industry. Must have good organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work assignments. Must possess leadership skills necessary to lead internal and external project teams. **Licenses and Certifications** **:** Valid drivers license. **Physical Demands** **:** The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person or in writing and is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform essential functions. **Environmental Demands** **:** May work remotely at times, spending dedicated time in member-cooperative facilities and territories. Usually works indoors in normal business environment; frequent day trips throughout DPCs service area, including site visits with existing and potential customers. Overnight travel as required. We are committed to providing our greatest asset, our People, with as many perks and benefits as possible. Some benefits of working with us include: - Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability) - Life insurance - Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans - Paid Time Off - Robust Wellness Program - New Flexible Work Program - Tuition Reimbursement - So much more! Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at 608-788-4000. With headquarters in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland is a generation and transmission cooperative that provides wholesale energy for 24 electric distribution cooperatives and 17 municipal utilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. At Dairyland, we know that happy employees are the backbone of any good organization. By offering an excellent compensation and benefits package, opportunities for career growth and a supportive environment, Dairyland helps ensure a quality business and premier workplace. Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.