Economic & Business Development Manager

American Electric Power; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks an experienced Economic Development professional to lead and support initiatives across the Tulsa region. You’ll proactively manage relationships with target companies, pursue investment, and help secure revenue opportunities within the AEP territory.

With 5+ years in economic development and relevant degrees, you’ll collaborate across Marketing, Community Affairs, and Economic Development teams, shaping proposals, strategies, and outcomes while upholding the

Qualifications

• 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 OR;
• Associate's degree with minimum of 7 years of economic/business development including industry-specific experience. OR;
• High school diploma / GED with 8 years of economic/business development including industry-specific experience.

Responsibilities

• Proactively identifies and manages business relationships with companies in target sector. Generate business leads and work to secure revenue producing investment in the AEP service territory.
• Serve as a resource to Company personnel involved in Marketing, Community Affairs or Economic Development areas.
• Manage and implement proposals for companies requesting building or sites in AEP territory. Support asset utilization and business development efforts.
• Assume other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policy.

Skills

Business development

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in economics/Engineering/Finance/Business Administration or related field

Associate's degree with minimum of 7 years experience

High school diploma / GED with 8 years experience

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-30-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Provides overall Economic Development direction and support in an assigned region of the AEP service territory.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Proactively identifies and manages business relationships with companies in target sector. Generate business leads and work to secure revenue producing investment in the AEP service territory.

• Serve as a resource to Company personnel involved in Marketing, Community Affairs or Economic Development areas.

• Manage and implement proposals for companies requesting building or sites in AEP territory. Support asset utilization and business development efforts.

• Assume other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policy.

What we’re looking for:

Education requirements are listed below:

• 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 OR;

• Associate's degree with minimum of 7 years of economic/business development including industry-specific experience. OR;

• High school diploma / GED with 8 years of economic/business development including industry-specific experience.

Other preferences:

• Master's degree preferred.

• Certified Economic Development Professional designation or similar certification preferred.

• 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.

What you’ll get:

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.