Opportunities

Oakdale, MN (pop. 28,315) seeks progressive, professional and highly collaborative candidates for its next Director of Community Development.  The Director of Community Development oversees long range planning, economic development, environmental planning and neighborhood and housing services.  The city is also incorporating building inspections, code enforcement and permitting into the department.  The next Community Development Director will have the opportunity to build a collaborative team that supports the city’s mission and vision.

Conveniently located along I-94 and I-694, the City of Oakdale is a vibrant and growing suburban community within the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area.  Located minutes from downtown St. Paul in Washington County, Oakdale prides itself on its neighborhoods and community parks. 

Oakdale expects significant residential and commercial growth projected to increase the population by 20% over the next five years.  The development includes over 1,400 housing units for the Willowbrooke development, a 208-acre site near the center of the city.  The city will benefit from the Gateway Corridor Goldline Bus Rapid Transit system, a $420 million, nine-mile dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line that will connect St. Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale and Woodbury along Interstate 94.   Transit Oriented Development is planned for the Helmo station included 118,000 square feet of office space, 30,000 square feet of retail and services, as well as a 150-space park and ride and over 700 housing units.

Oakdale’s easy access to major interstates makes for an attractive and diverse business climate.  The city is home to upscale business centers and industrial parks that support health care, manufacturing, technology and finance and the corporate headquarters for Slumberland and Park Tool World.  The city has a strong mix of retail, residential and commercial development.

Perform professional work in relation to redevelopment/development activities for the City of St. Louis Park.  Work closely with developers, prospective developers, residents and consultants. Serve as project manager for redevelopment projects in the city.  

1.  Serve as project manager for redevelopment projects.
2. Negotiate public financing and redevelopment agreements and oversee conformance with legal procedures and policies.
3. Other duties

Please go to the full job description to view a more detailed list of essential duties and responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications:
-  Bachelor’s degree in community development, development, business, economic development, public administration, urban planning or a related field and three years demonstrated experience in redevelopment related activities in private or public sectors, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
-  In-depth knowledge of real estate acquisitions, development, and finance strategies, including public financing tools.
-  Knowledge of strategies for addressing environmental issues associated with development.
-  Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
-  Ability to communicate effectively with people from all cultures and backgrounds.
-  Demonstrated cultural competence and comfort with supporting the city’s strategic objectives for advancing racial equity.
-  Ability to effectively negotiate contracts, agreements, and financial assistance.
-  Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and city laws and regulations.
-  Ability to interpret and enforce codes, policies, and ordinances in a fair/impartial manner.
-  Ability to make effective public presentations various boards, councils, commissions or groups, often outside of regular business hours.
-  Provide clear and considerate communication with the public, presenting a positive image of the city.
-  Valid driver’s license.

The Community Development Director supervises and coordinates economic development planning activities for the city including marketing, analysis of financial assistance resources, and acting as a resource to commerce and industry developers.  Also serves as Executive Director to the Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority (CHEDA).

Competitive Wages/Benefits
• Salaried/exempt position, based on experience. 
• Paid Holiday’s, Vacation, and Sick Leave.
• 100% employer paid health insurance for single coverage.  Single+ dependent and family coverage available.
• Dental, vision, short term disability, accident, cancer, and critical illness available.
• Pension retirement plan - Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) with employee and city contribution. 
• Voluntary Pre-tax and Roth post-tax retirement account options through Minnesota State Retirement System.
• $25,000 employer paid term life/AD&D insurance.

Schedule: Full-Time 

Minimum Requirements
•Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in community development, business administration, public administration, economics, marketing, finance or related field.
•Three years of experience in management, administration, and supervisory experience.
•Five years of experience in economic development with emphasis on marketing and public/private financing.
•An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
•Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including public presentation skills. 
•Excellent strategic planning, organizing, time management, and leadership skills.
•Self-starter with a positive attitude; committed to teamwork. 
•Must be computer proficient with an in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. 
•Current and valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and insurable driving record following City guidelines.
•Successful completion of criminal background checks.

The Kandiyohi County & City of Willmar Economic Development Commission (EDC) is seeking a Marketing and Communications Specialist to help expand and maintain our marketing presence for our team’s economic growth activities in West Central Minnesota. We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative person dedicated to executing a variety of communication strategies to educate, inform, and promote the Willmar and Kandiyohi County area to potential jobseekers and new business/entrepreneur clients. 
The Marketing and Communications Specialist should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or related degree and at least 1 year of experience in marketing/communications responsibilities. The EDC will consider additional years of experience in lieu of a formal degree.
This position offers a flexible 32-hour work week, with consideration for remote work, up to 16 hours per week. Additional benefits include professional development, healthcare, vacation, sick leave, and Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) benefits.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Aaron Backman, Executive Director, at aaron@kandiyohi.com before August 24, 2021.

Business Coordinator Position
Reports to: Director of Economic Development
Supervises: None
Position Level:  Full Time (Monday – Friday and some weekends)
Compensation: Salary $45,000 - $47,000 DOQ + Benefits
Full Job Description
ACER’s Economic Development work is growing in the northwest suburbs, and we are looking for a strong, detail-oriented New Business Assistant to support various industry-specific tasks to help ensure businesses receive the best support to grow their businesses and pass policies to ensure access to opportunities to micro-businesses runs efficiently. Our formula for success is to meet our businesses where they are and guide them through business development processes to meet their needs first.
The purpose of this position is to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of our Business Development programs while providing superior customer service to existing clients and prospects. The position requires the consultant to perform industry-specific tasks such as technical assistance with micro grant application submission, one on one business questionnaire, and account transfer follow-up, client service work including beneficiary changes/withdrawals, incoming client service calls, database management, and client appointment preparation.