- Possession of Bachelor degree (a Master’s degree is desirable) in business, economics, public administration, real estate, finance or related field and a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in economic and business development program management and formulation; or, any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Demonstrated familiarity through education and work experience with key economic development tools including Tax Increment Financing, Business Improvement District, Redevelopment Authorities, and with key economic development activities including implementing development and redevelopment plans, utilizing 501(c)(3) non-profit partners, marketing.
- Familiarity with federal grant programs which can be used for economic development activities and projects including EDA, HUD, USDA, DOT, and EPA.
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation desirable and will result in a salary above minimum for position.
This position, located within the City Manager’s Office, is responsible for the coordination of the City of Minot’s economic development activities. The position is responsible for economic development related functions in which the City has a role including economic development strategic planning, liaison with economic and business development oriented organizations serving and located in the City of Minot, implementing economic development initiatives of which the City is the lead or a partner, coordinating responses to expressions of interest for economic and business development in Minot, and assuring the City remains current with best practices in economic development. The position places considerable emphasis on creativity, initiative, relationship building, communication, expertise in economic development best practices, and consensus building. While the position is expected to be a self-starter it reports to the City Manager and coordinates with the Community and Economic Development Director.
Essential Functions of Work
The following duties are expected for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned by either the City Manager or the Community and Economic Development Director:
- Oversee all economic development activities in which the City has involvement.
- Research and analyze county, state and federal legislation, rules, regulations, programs, grants, business incentives, and guidelines regarding economic development matters. Prepares recommendations, goals, and policies for consideration by the City Manager and City Council.
- Tracks activity related to City investments and economic development activities associated with the MAGIC fund and provides annual recommendations to the Finance Director and City Manager on such funding for annual budget consideration.
- Provides guidance and coordination of economic development tools available to the City of Minot through the North Dakota Century Code, including Business Improvement Districts, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and TIF Districts, and Development Authorities.
- Promotes and encourages commercial, retail, and industrial development, including new business development, existing business support, expansion, retention, and attraction, in coordination with non-profit partners whose distinct roles are related to economic development and business growth in the City of Minot.
- Leads City role in comprehensive citywide growth strategies and downtown growth strategies, in partnership with non-profit organizations involved in such activities, with such role including monitoring conditions in the city, region, and state which may affect such strategies, and providing recommended changes or adjustments to strategies as appropriate.
- Serve as economic development advocate within the City government, serving as a liaison with other City functions and departments to offer suggestions, recommendations, and new initiatives to maintain the City’s ability to be responsive to economic development needs.
- Serves as subject matter expert for the City in negotiating incentives, terms, conditions, etc. for economic and business development agreements involving the City, all of which are subject to review by the City Attorney and approval by the City Manager and City Council.
- Identifies opportunities for public/private partnerships, marketing, outreach and city support connected to economic development and business growth.
- Researches and tracks economic development data, trends and approaches; conducts technical analyses and develops technical reports and recommendations.
- Supports public relations and communication through the Communication and Engagement Manager by recommending and preparing drafts of public presentations, information for news media, marketing tools, and messaging to county, state, and federal representatives and agencies to support city’s economic and business development goals.