Job Title: Economic Development Director
Reports to: City Administrator
Department: Community Development
Supervisory Duties: Two direct reports and two indirect reports.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Terch & Associates, on behalf of the City of Hermantown, is seeking an economic development professional to serve as the Director of Economic Development.
Why Should You Work for the City of Hermantown?
The incumbent for this role will get to work with the only city in Northeastern Minnesota to have substantial and consistent population growth since its inception. Further, Hermantown’s business-friendly policies and streamlined bureaucracy mean that you’ll already have interested developers looking to make a connection. Beyond that, the natural growth and the efforts of the Hermantown Economic Development Association have resulted in several thriving business corridors which will provide you with excellent opportunities for additional development.
About the Role
This is a newly created position that will report directly to the City Administrator. You’ll work closely with the other leaders in the City and serve as the Director of both the Community Development Department and the Hermantown Economic Development Association. Because this is a new position, the incumbent for this role will have substantial freedom to create the department and the economic development plan to match their vision, with support and collaboration provided by the City Administrator. By the end of your first year, you’ll already be leading the economic growth necessary to create a vibrant and prosperous local economy.
Essential Duties:
- Coordinate with the City's economic development partners in recruiting new or expanded business opportunities and assisting in providing location and workforce solutions and appropriate financial incentives as needed.
- Work with developers including other City, County, and State agencies, and the community to coordinate planning, zoning, and development efforts.
- Serve as liaison to the community to interpret the objectives of the City's planning activities and to answer citizens' inquiries, requests, and complaints.
- Perform technical review work in preparation and implementation of the City's planning and community development plans.
- Serve as the Director of the Hermantown Economic Development Authority (HEDA), reporting to a seven-member Board with an economic development mission closely coordinated with the City of Hermantown.
- As the department Director, manage and direct the personnel and programs of the Community Development Director and the Building Official.
- Facilitate communication and cooperation to assure efficient development services for residents, developers, business owners, and others.
- Work closely with developers, consultants, individuals, City personnel, City Council, community groups, and other agencies on development activities; negotiate site and development items and terms.
- Participate in, and lead as directed, development negotiations related to issues including site plan design, public financial assistance, and other development terms as needed.
- Work with the City Attorney to prepare development agreements and collect financial sureties as required.
- Work closely with other departments and the City Administrator to ensure overall coordination of City activities associated with planning, and development in accordance with City Council goals and policies.
- Actively monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's service delivery processes and procedures to ensure that the Planning and Economic Development Department is sensitive and responsive to the needs of a wide variety of stakeholders and interest groups.
- Monitor developments related to planning, building, land use, economic development, grant and bond programs, code enforcement, and redevelopment; evaluate their impact upon City operations and recommend policy and procedural modifications.
Requirements:
- 6 years of progressive experience in economic development.
- 3 years of supervisory experience.
- The vision and drive necessary to develop the department.
- A degree, or commensurate additional experience, in a relevant field.
- Previous municipal experience, preferred.
- Industry certifications or credentials, preferred.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume, cover letter providing a narrative of your professional career, and three professional references anywhere this position is shared or on the career page of terchandassociates.com
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $106,350.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
Ability to Relocate:
- Hermantown, MN 55811: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person