Economic Development Coordinator

City of Faribault•Faribault, MN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Faribault, Minnesota, seeks an experienced and enthusiastic Economic Development Coordinator to strengthen our local economy. Faribault has approximately 25,000 residents and is home to a diverse mix of large industries, start-up businesses, and a historic downtown area. We are located on the Interstate Highway 35, only 40 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Faribault is committed to sustainable economic development that furthers the community’s quality of life and encourages investment in the community. The Economic Development Coordinator reports to the City’s Community and Economic Development Director and coordinates closely with the City Administrator, Economic Development Authority, Executive Director of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Planning Manager, Finance Director, and others. This position requires frequent public contact with businesses, developers, real estate brokers, and other local and regional economic development partners. We take a team approach to economic development.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Business, Economics, Community Development, or a related field.
A minimum of three (3) years of economic development or community development-related experience.
Economic development-related experience shall include, but is not limited to, municipal economic development, commercial lending, commercial or industrial real estate development, business management, business assistance, public or private finance, or workforce development.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of the principles and practices of community development, economic development, redevelopment, and public finance
Ability to accurately record and maintain records
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with the business community members, employees, supervisors, other departments, officials, and the public
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Proficiency in the use of identified computer software

Responsibilities

Serves as a staff liaison to the Faribault Economic Development Authority (EDA): Prepares meeting agenda and all necessary background materials for the EDA.
Prepares staff reports and necessary background materials for the EDA and, as needed, for the City Council meetings.
Assists with the EDA work plan, project prioritization, and budget.
In consultation with other City Staff, the City Attorney, and the City’s financial consultant, leads and coordinates the City’s TIFs, abatements, and other economic incentive programs.
Manages Faribault’s state and federal programs and awards related to the Minnesota Investment Fund, Redevelopment and Clean-up Grants, Small Cities Development Program, and similar programs.
In consultation with other City Staff, leads efforts to promote housing opportunities in Faribault.
Develops recommendations and implements strategies, policies, and programs supporting the City’s and EDA’s economic development goals.
Conducts/manages special projects requiring research, analysis, organization, documentation, and coordination as assigned.
Researches potential grants and develops a grant submission strategy and timeline.
Coordinates and works cooperatively with various economic development partners, including regional government organizations, community groups, and State and Federal agencies; attends public meetings and presents information on regional economic development issues.
Responds to inquiries from prospective businesses and developers in matters relating to economic development projects; provides information and recommendations within the scope of authority – including helping interested parties understand the City’s requirements and processes.
Reviews and evaluates Requests for Proposals, applications, technical documents, and reports for compliance with City standards and regulatory requirements.
Monitors and manages local, regional, and state economic development programs and projects.
Researches, coordinates, and prepares local, regional, and state requests for financial assistance. Manages awards.
Researches and assists in the creation of strategies, goals, and initiatives for economic development and redevelopment programs and services.
Assists local businesses with retention and expansion opportunities by providing planning and/or financial assistance, responding to requests and inquiries, and coordinating applications and processes.
Prepares and reviews statistical and analytical reports of program activities, operations, and procedures; gathers and compiles data for reports.
Works with developers, financial institutions, bond counsels, consultants, architects, city departments, and others to facilitate economic development and redevelopment projects.
Represents the City on different task forces and committees as needed; participates in meetings with economic development partners, local and regional government officials, and community groups as directed.
Monitors legislative initiatives related to community and economic development activities.
Maintains and updates the City’s available land inventory, ensuring information is complete, accurate, and readily available to interested parties.
Plans and coordinates daily activities related to economic development.
Conducts regular reviews of the City’s economic development webpages, making recommendations on contents and ensuring that information is timely, accurate, and accessible.
Supports the Community and Economic Development Department on issues related to Community Vision 2040, economic development, redevelopment, and other community projects.
Maintains a high level of confidentiality and complies with all legal requirements of the job.
Adheres to all City and department policies, procedures, and requirements.
Other duties as assigned or needed.