Economic & Business Development Manager

Job Description

As the Economic and Business Development Manager, you are responsible for hunting, pursuing, and closing high-impact load and job growth opportunities. Your role includes:

• Leading coordination and execution of site development initiatives (e.g., Future Ready Sites)
• Developing and executing targeted marketing strategies and materials to promote available sites and buildings
• Coordinating and supporting business attraction initiatives
• Developing high-quality marketing and presentation materials to support business recruitment efforts
• Building and maintaining strong relationships and contact databases with site selectors, brokers, and commercial real estate partners
• Managing and continuously improving CRM data integrity for project tracking, pipeline visibility, and reporting
• Coordinating closely with technical teams to develop proposals and work through challenges
• Developing regular reporting and insights to inform leadership decision-making and strategic planning
• Serving as the initial point of contact for new leads, conducting preliminary vetting and qualification
• Ensuring timely, clear, and professional communication throughout early-stage project engagement

What we’re looking for

We are seeking candidates with:

• A bachelor's degree in economics, engineering, finance, business administration or related field preferred with a minimum of 5 years of economic/business development including industry-specific experience
• An associate's degree with minimum of 7 years of economic/business development including industry-specific experience
• A high school diploma / GED with 8 years of economic/business development including industry-specific experience
• Demonstrated strategic and analytical skills
• Strong oral and written communications skills, with ability to build relationships and achieve objectives through collaboration with multiple entities both within and outside the organization
• Demonstrated ability to strategically manage economic development projects

Preferred Requirements

A certified Economic Development Professional designation or similar certification preferred, and a master's degree is preferred.

What you’ll get

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees. This includes:

• A competitive compensation range of $116,255.00 - $151,132.50
• A physical demand level of S – Sedentary Work

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-009

Physical Demand Level

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.