Consultant Economic Development

FirstEnergy at a Glance

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger. 

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

About the Opportunity

This position reports to the Director, Economic Development.

The preferred reporting location is within Met-Ed; however, the selected candidate may report to any office within the Pennsylvania footprint.

This position is accountable for leading economic development efforts for the company in Pennsylvania, encouraging capital investment by traded sector companies, improving the economic wellbeing of the communities we serve and providing support for PA Operations. This position will utilize the local relationship network with state, regional and local economic development organizations as well as real estate brokers and developers to promote economic development. 

Responsibilities include:

1. Proactively identify and manage relationships with state, regional and local development organizations
2. Develop a work plan to generate business leads and capital investment in our service territory in Pennsylvania.
3. Serve as a key resource to coworkers in Customer Engagement, External Affairs, Customer Accounts, Engineering and State Operating Company leadership. 
4. Manage and respond to requests for information from economic development prospects and economic development organizations, particularly around electric infrastructure, electric rates, available building and sites, economic and community information.
5. Support the overall economic development efforts for FirstEnergy, including FE employee involvement on economic development organization boards. 
6. Building trusting, supportive relationships with all FirstEnergy departments operating within the assigned territory.
7. Acting as a key company representative while working with all customers and constituents to ensure the highest level of customer service and satisfaction.
8. Identifying and resolving problems before they become major issues.
9. Serving as a trusted energy advisor to promote beneficial energy efficiency and electrification applications. 
10. Actively seeking and sharing knowledge of industry trends, competitors, etc., that affect FirstEnergy.
11. Assume other duties and special assignments as necessary, including assisting in storm duty.
12. Must be able to support meetings and events as required including non-standard hours; mornings, afternoons, evening and sometimes weekends. 

Qualifications Include:

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, marketing or related field is required. 
2. Minimum of 5 years relevant experience with emphasis on demonstrated problem-solving skills and customer service is required.
   
   1. Relevant experience to include economic and business development experience.
3. Advanced degree is preferred.
4. Economic development or certification preferred.
5. Knowledge of electric utility operations and business practices preferred.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook as well as GIS systems.
7. Exceptional relationship management, leadership and teamwork skills.
8. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
9. Demonstrated ability to function with minimum direction using a broad range of discretion to meet strategic objectives.
10. Outstanding public relations skills 
11. Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior with the ability to maintain confidentiality and have a safety-first focus.
12. Able to attend meetings and events before and after normal working hours, including weekends is required.
13. Able to work extended hours, particularly during storms, with little notice is required.

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at to learn more about all our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers, and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.

Position Classification

Exempt

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team