Director, Business and Economic Development & Strategic Partnership

Job Description

Director, Business and Economic Development & Strategic Partnership

Salary Grade: G02

Minimum Midpoint Maximum
$145,197 - $203,276 - $261,354

This position is posted until filled.

Leads strategic initiatives that advance the company's mission to foster sustainable growth, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance workforce readiness. The role develops programs that support a vibrant New Mexico workforce particularly in engineering, skilled labor, and trades and partners with internal teams to implement long‑term strategies for large load customers. The Director works cross‑functionally to strengthen the company's reputation among business customers, represents the organization across economic development and community groups, and aligns economic development strategies with the company's vision for innovation, reliability, and a 100% carbon‑free energy future by 2040.

• Develop and execute the company's business and economic development strategy with internal and external stakeholders
• Design and implement initiatives that expand the regional skilled labor and trades workforce pipeline in partnership with educational institutions, industry associations, and community organization
• Identify, evaluate, and set strategy for supporting large load and high value commercial and industrial customers
• Serve as liaison to local and state economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, workforce boards, and trade councils
• Build and maintain strong community relationships through board service, advisory groups, and public forums
• Lead or support business attraction, expansion, and retention projects that strengthen regional economic vitality and sustainable energy demand
• Oversee data collection, market analysis, and forecasting to identify trends that inform business growth and workforce strategies
• Collaborate with generation and transmission planning teams to align load growth opportunities with resource adequacy and carbon reduction goals
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors
• Manage budgets, contracts, and partnerships related to economic development initiatives

• Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen
• Relationship Building and Influence
• Program and Stakeholder Management
• Economic and Workforce Development Expertise
• Community Engagement and Advocacy"
• Data Driven Decision Making
• Energy Industry and Policy Knowledge
• Integrity and Professional Presence

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, Energy Management, or related field required.
• Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business strategy, energy industry management, or related field.
• Experience in community and workforce development partnerships and large load customer engagement preferred.

• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or equivalent certification preferred.
• Valid drivers license required.

• Supervises professional staff, consultants, and administrative support associated with economic development and commercial customer programs.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to executives, public officials, and community stakeholders.
• Skilled in negotiation and consensus building.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Ability to apply statistical and financial analysis to evaluate development projects, rate impacts, and ROI scenarios.

• Ability to interpret data, identify opportunities, and develop strategic recommendations.
• Strong organizational and decision making skills in complex, cross‑functional environments.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM tools, and data visualization/mapping applications such as Power BI and ArcGIS.

• Ability to travel within service territories and to partner organizations.
• Occasional evening or weekend event attendance.