Research Manager - Economic Development
Please Note: There will be an in-office presence a minimum of four (4) days per week at the Centergy building, 75 5th Street, Atlanta, GA and/or as additionally required.
JOB SUMMARY
The Research Manager turns data into direction — leading Georgia Power’s economic development research to help companies choose Georgia and communities win. You’ll develop a high-performing team and deliver decision-quality insights, compelling publications, and rapid, client-ready responses that power business recruitment, lead generation, and target marketing statewide and regionally through quality research products.
JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, City Planning, Marketing, or related field; Masters preferred.
- 5+ years of applied research experience and 3+ years of people leadership.
- Deep understanding of economic development and Georgia’s economy, regions, and communities.
- Knowledge of local-to-global economic trends and forecasting to support target industry strategy and fast client response.
- Exceptional executive communication—clear, persuasive presentations and polished reports for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Innovative, future-focused mindset—build modern data products that anticipate client needs and extend our competitive edge.
- Working knowledge of issues shaping the electric utility industry to help set economic development priorities.
- Fluency in data sources and methods across demographics, real estate, GIS, finance, and economic analysis for location strategy.
- Understanding of location decision drivers across industrial, commercial, and office projects to craft winning narratives.
- Strong analytical judgment—synthesize complex inputs into decision-ready insights, visuals, and story-driven deliverables.
- Strong technical skills with specialized databases and GIS (ArcGIS Pro); budget experience preferred.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: (Major responsibilities of the job)
- Build and maintain high-trust datasets, publications, and tools that support economic development; manage the research budget.
- Cultivate partnerships with public and private economic development allies to align efforts and stay ahead of market movement.
- Identify target segments and companies; keep 20+ target industry studies and web pages current; analyze financial and economic trends.
- Set the annual research publication plan and lead team execution—prioritize work, coach talent, and raise capability across analysts, data science, and interns.
- Recruit, onboard, and mentor graduate student interns—ensuring meaningful deliverables and strong development.
- Deliver standout prospect packages—insight-rich reports, maps, and presentations with consistent brand and story.
- Present research and industry insights to prospects, partners, and leaders—in person and virtually.
- Strengthen marketing by supplying data, reviewing content, and keeping the Select Georgia website current.
- Represent Georgia Power on boards and research councils to elevate thought leadership and expand collaboration.
EVOLUTION OF THE TEAM:
The Research Manager will lead a team that is expanding beyond traditional research—delivering modern, tech-enabled products (tools, automation, visualizations) and supporting new and evolving economic development programs across Georgia.
- Advance data science and automation capabilities (e.g., Python, APIs, cloud workflows, AI-assisted analysis) to increase speed and differentiation.
- Elevate digital storytelling and GIS deliverables (web maps, StoryMaps, interactive pages) that help prospects and partners act quickly.
- Build repeatable onboarding, training, and quality standards for interns and staff as tools and expectations evolve.
- Scale support for new initiatives (including retail and other RED/SED-regional & statewide programs) by adopting new tools and integrating research into delivery.
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the Company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the Company is recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeogiaPower.com and connect with the Company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 17935
Job Category: Data Analytics
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Georgia Power
