Intern, Business and Economic Dev

Company Overview

At Spire, we believe energy exists to help people. To enrich their lives, grow their businesses, advance their communities. It’s a simple idea, but one that’s at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to understanding the needs of the homes and businesses we serve. That's why we're always looking for driven, collaborative people to join our team. Because we believe that offering our customers the best service means bringing together the best people.

And we find the best by hiring those who share our values of drive, safety, inclusion and integrity, and demonstrate our four essential behaviors that bring the Spire vision, mission and culture to life:

• We make it happen: We are a company of go-getters, acting on every opportunity to help our company advance
• We collaborate: We put teamwork first, bringing in everyone’s ideas, because our collective energy makes us stronger
• We seek out perspective: We challenge ourselves to be open to different ways of doing things, because learning from each other leads to breakthroughs
• We care: We treat people how we want to be treated, listening closely and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard

By living our values and behaviors every day, we strive to create an environment where every employee feels welcome, respected and valued.

Summary

Spire is seeking an enthusiastic, career-minded Business Development Intern to join our operation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  Our paid internship program affords students the opportunity to learn and be mentored.  As an Intern, you will complete various projects and perform administrative duties while developing skills related to the assigned department and natural gas industry.  Business Development Intern will help drive the expansion and growth of market share within the residential and commercial new construction markets by establishing and cultivating contacts with residential builders, developers, home owners, and other energy decision-makers. Also, aiding in proactive efforts to retain existing Spire customers.
This role is suitable for a highly organized, detail-oriented individual with a strong customer service orientation and the ability to collaborate with various departments internally and provide follow-through. Must be a self-starter with the ability to anticipate work needs with minimal supervision and able to manage multiple projects at once. This position is responsible for aiding Spire Business Development Department in adding new customers and expanding the gas utilization of existing customers, while preventing load losses to competitive energies. Provides comprehensive coverage of assigned sales territory; keeping abreast of new construction projects and all other activities related to gas sales.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in meetings with local business leaders.
• Provide technical assistance in developing proposals for customers.
• Assist with execution of Spire Energy Efficiency rebate program.
• Assist the Spire Mississippi Business Development team with customer growth and retention projects.
• Participate in customer sales meetings within the Residential, Commercial, & Industrial channels.
• Evaluate sales pipeline and collaborate on departmental sales forecasts and goals.
• Build impactful customer relationships with market influencers such as builders, developers, business owners, architects, engineers and real estate brokers- identifying business opportunities.
• Act as a critical point of contact with customers between internal departments and assist in scheduling activities when necessary, providing thorough follow-up.
• Participates in planning meetings with other business development personnel for the purpose of identifying new opportunities, coordinating sales efforts, identifying equipment options and communicating energy solutions to energy decision makers.
• Understands and successfully communicates natural gas benefits, rebates and processes to customers.
• Assists in special projects and all other duties as assigned.
• Internship will culminate with a participation in the True South Economic Development Course from the University of Southern Mississippi in August.
   

Essential Characteristics and Competencies

• Ability to demonstrate the core and job category competencies: customer-focused, results-driven, teamwork, communications, adaptability, initiative, problem solving and quality
• Ability to lead by example in support of the company’s essential characteristics and values: strong ethics and integrity, dedication to a safe work environment, commitment to a diverse workforce that recognizes and respects every individual’s unique skills and perspectives
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to adapt in a fast-moving and changing culture.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to build and establish rapport with a diverse array of people.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in order to meet individual goals and deadlines.
   

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Required Education (certifications, licenses)

• Currently enrolled as a full-time student and will be a Junior or Senior or currently a Graduate Student in Summer 2025
• Must be able to work up to 40 hours per week for a full semester, preferably through the summer semester.  
• 3.0 GPA or higher
• Valid state-issued driver’s license

Required knowledge, skill and abilities

• Must have at least 1 year of general work experience.
• Preferred fields of study include Business, Economic Development, Marketing, Finance, Economics, or related fields. 
• Requires a high level of tact, diplomacy and professionalism
• Works independently and manages time effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-changing team environment with a positive attitude
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities
• Ability to work proficiently in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
   

Physical demands, environment and schedule

• Normal office environment with some activities on construction sites, undeveloped property, and commercial/industrial settings
• Potential for occasional overnight travel
   

Posting Requirements

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.