What are the responsibilities and job description for the Economic Development Specialist position at City of St. Louis Park?
About us
The City of St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in race, equity, and inclusion. As one of the city’s strategic priorities, the city seeks to ensure all practices, programs, policies, and services of the city are fair, inclusive, and equitable. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences, and our strategic vision includes hiring and retaining racially diverse and racially conscious staff across all levels of our organization.About the position
Assist in the planning, implementation, and coordination of economic development initiatives of the city. Supports the city’s economic development activities related to small business development, business creation, expansion, retention, and attraction to encourage local employment growth, tax base expansion, and economic vitality.Facilitate small business development, growth and expansion within the city.
Serve as the city’s primary point of contact and liaison for small businesses and neighborhood business associations.
Provide outreach, information, and connection to resources.
Assist businesses navigate licensing and zoning and resolve issues as they arise.
Prepare and update small business assistance publications and city web pages.
Prepare regular business activity reports.
Design, promote and administer business resource and financial assistance programs as needed.
Coordinate and promote EDA loan and grant programs (applications, contracts, and disbursements).
Coordinate small business recognitions (i.e. Small Business Week, Small Business Saturday, ribbon cuttings, etc.)
Communicate with local and prospective businesses, property owners, or brokers regarding available programs, projects and properties.
Arrange and conduct visits with local businesses, identify potential expansion opportunities.
Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with coworkers, other departments, elected/appointed officials, staff and the general public.
2. Research, compile and maintain community and economic development information.
Track and manage community information and economic data including GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping.
Create, maintain, and update St. Louis Park business lists.
Maintain and update community profile on city web site.
Work with communications department to create and distribute promotional and marketing materials.
Provide monthly business activity update reports.
3.Other Duties.
Organize, coordinate and multi-task on a variety of projects and assignments, complete tasks in a timely manner and meet required deadlines.
Conduct research, analyze information and present findings in a logical, orderly and accurate manner.
Organize and coordinate support from professional and technical staff, legal counsel, consultants, and others.
Assist with any city-led business outreach activities.
Assist with economic development and redevelopment projects, activities, and initiatives.
Prepare various reports and updates to the EDA and city council.
Attend internal and external meetings and give presentations as assigned.
Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.
Associate degree in business, communications, real estate and urban land economics, or closely related field, or equivalent experience.
Valid Minnesota driver’s license.
Two years related small business, community/economic development experience.
Knowledge of local, regional, and state government processes and programs related to economic development.
Demonstrated cultural competence and comfort with supporting the city’s strategic objectives for advancing racial equity.
Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, real estate and urban land economics, or closely related field.
Three years related economic development experience.
Skilled in Microsoft Office/Teams and ArcGIS.
Grant writing/administration experience.
Strong written communication skills.
Salary : $78,450 - $98,062
