Economic Development Manager — Willmar Growth & Outreach

Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce; Willmar (MN); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement options

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Kandiyohi County Economic Development in Willmar is seeking an Economic Development Manager to advance countywide growth. You will support retention, expansion, and recruitment while collaborating with partners and committees. Travel is required to fulfill initiatives and engage entrepreneurs across Kandiyohi County.

The role focuses on economic analysis, infrastructure development, grant support, and program management to attract investment and drive job creation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Urban Planning, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience supporting small businesses (finance/banking preferred).
• Ability to travel as required to support county initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct economic analysis, market research, and track regional indicators.
• Lead business outreach, retention, and recruitment efforts.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract investment.
• Collaborate with state/federal agencies and regional partners.
• Organize workshops, forums, and stakeholder engagement events.
• Organize community forums, workshops, and stakeholder engagement events.
• Assist entrepreneurs with financial readiness, business planning, and resource connections.
• Manage programs, events, and continuous process improvements.
• Work collaboratively with the team.

Skills

2+ years experience

Market research

Grant writing

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Travel required

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Urban Planning, or related field

Job description

Kandiyohi County Economic Development in Willmar is seeking an Economic Development Manager to advance countywide growth. You will support retention, expansion, and recruitment while collaborating with partners and committees. Travel is required to fulfill initiatives and engage entrepreneurs across Kandiyohi County.

The role focuses on economic analysis, infrastructure development, grant support, and program management to attract investment and drive job creation.