Economic and Community Development Director

St. Louis County, MN; Minnesota; On-site; USD 114,629 - 153,962; Full time

Job summary

A regional government agency in Minnesota is seeking an experienced Economic and Community Development Director. The role involves planning and directing economic development initiatives, overseeing strategic projects, and liaising with various stakeholders. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree and relevant supervisory experience in planning. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and the chance to contribute to the county’s long-term growth and development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in planning and research.
• 3 years of supervisory experience in a government-related services program.
• Master’s degree holders require at least 5 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct economic and community development functions.
• Implement initiatives to maximize tax base and sustainable growth.
• Serve as a liaison between the county and other entities.

Skills

Supervisory Experience

Economic Development Knowledge

Urban Planning

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field

Master’s degree in public administration or related field

Job description

Economic and Community Development Director

Join to apply for the Economic and Community Development Director role at St. Louis County, MN

This range is provided by St. Louis County, MN. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$114,629.00/yr - $153,962.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from St. Louis County, MN

Under the general direction of County Administration, the incumbent plans, directs and controls the functions and services administered by the St. Louis County Economic and Community Development Department. The Director develops and administers a comprehensive program of County economic planning, to ensure the implementation of County policy, organizational effectiveness and fiscal accountability. The Director is responsible for identifying and implementing economic and community development initiatives intended to maximize the county’s tax base and long‑term sustainable growth of the communities within the County; serves as an economic and community development liaison between the County and other municipalities, government agencies and private businesses; and coordinates the development of enterprise GIS Geospatial data and land information portals. The Director plans and oversees strategic and enterprise initiatives that streamline business operations including web services, a‑government and innovative projects that strengthen internal and external partnerships. The Director also serves in the capacity of the acting Executive Director for the County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) as delegated by the County Board and County Administrator.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning or a closely related field AND seven (7) years of full‑time paid progressively responsible planning and research experience, three (3) years of which was supervising or assisting in the administration of a planning and/or researching government or government‑related services program;
• OR graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning or a closely related field AND five (5) years of full‑time paid progressively responsible planning and research experience, three (3) years of which was supervising or assisting in the administration of a government or government‑related services program.

For more information about the position and organization, please contact Jim Gottschald, Deputy County Administrator – Human Resources, Administration and Governance, at 218‑725‑5066 or [e-mail].

For questions regarding the application process, please contact recruitment at 218‑726‑2422 or [e-mail].

Apply by: 01/16/2026

St. Louis County MN

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Administrative and Management

Industries

• Government Administration