HRA-EDA Executive Director

Chisago County; Center City (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Chisago County seeks an Executive Director for the HRA-EDA to lead economic development initiatives, supervise staff, and manage budgets. You will coordinate with local government partners, oversee grants, housing programs, and tax incentive efforts to strengthen the county’s economy and housing affordability.

A strong background in public administration and finance is essential. The role reports to the HRA-EDA Board and requires leadership in policy setting, accountability, and strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Government Affairs, Public Administration or related field.
• Experience in Economic Development or related fields.
• Master's degree and Housing Development experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement department programs and budgets.
• Supervise staff and contractors to meet economic development goals.
• Prepare annual budgets, grant applications, and annual reports.
• Coordinate with counties, cities, townships, and chambers of commerce.
• Oversee housing programs and tax incentive initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Management experience

Budgeting

Grant writing

Tax Increment Financing knowledge

Real estate development knowledge

Financial analysis

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Public Administration or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

$54.45 to $71.70 DOQ.
Closing Date: September 30, 2026

Job Location: 38871 7th Ave, North Branch, MN 55056

Title: HRA-EDA Executive Director

Updated: July 2026

Department: HRA-EDA

Reports to: HRA-EDA Board

Position Status: Appointed; Exempt

Job Location: HRA-EDA Offices, North Branch, MN

Position Objective

Performs complex work intended to develop the economy (e.g., increased revenue, new business starts, job creation and housing affordability) of the County; providing technical assistance to businesses; directing, administering, reviewing and evaluating department programs and operations, supervising and coordinating staff to remain accountable to housng and economic development goals, developing and implementing department budget, completing required reports, and compliance related work. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the HRA-EDA Board.

Supervision is exercised over all HRA-EDA personnel and contractors.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Markets the County for business development opportunities highlighting the advantages of doing business in Chisago County. Plans, coordinates, and facilitate development opportunities between cities, businesses, and county as requested.
• Serves as a resource and provides technical assistance to local units of government, community organizations, and new and existing businesses. Assistance may include, but is not limited to, locating financial assistance, finding site location options, financial planning, grants, and referrals of other specialized technical and financial lenders.
• Create relationships to monitor and ensure businesses are thriving and remain in Chisago County.
• Maintains a high level of local community involvement and provides coordination between all organizations including cities, townships, and chambers of commerce, economic development groups and local lenders in the areas of economic development and housing with the basic understanding that increasing the county’s economy will only occur through cooperation.
• Coordinates and administers Small Business Development Center (SBDC) assistance to small businesses and start-ups assisting with access to capital and loan packaging; financial analysis and assessment; cash flow management; general marketing and research; marketing plan development and business plan development.
• Develops and maintains a close working relationship with the County Board, Cities, and Townships, keeping them informed periodically of the activities of the HRA-EDA.
• Seeks opportunities that will enhance the economic vitality of Chisago County including researching, planning, and developing applicable economic development and housing programs which would benefit the county.
• Completes grant applications and administers successful grants relating to community and economic development.
• Develops and implements Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatement and other tax incentive programs which may currently exist or be developed in the future.
• Prepares annual HRA-EDA budget and works with the HRA-EDA Board and County for levy approval.
• Oversees all necessary financial administration. Administers all fund expenditures based on HRA-EDA Board direction. Keeps complete and accurate records of all financial transactions and accounts. Works closely with HRA-EDA Office Administrator & Program Manager to ensure financial accountability.
• Supervises all agency staff, contractors, and consultants. Recommends hiring or other personnel changes in accordance with all HRA-EDA personnel policies.
• Prepares a one-year work program and periodic HRA-EDA annual reports.
• Oversees all HRA-EDA owned housing properties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to listen well. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local units of government and community groups.
• Knowledge of management principles and supervisory methods and techniques.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and delegate work, and to supervise and evaluate the work of others.
• Experience in local government finance, including budgeting and financial management.
• Knowledge of data gathering, analysis and evaluation methods, and techniques.
• Extensive experience in a broad variety of local, state, and federal, economic development and housing programs. Specifically: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Department of Employment and Economic Development, and federal programs.
• Successful grant writing experience.
• Knowledge of Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement methods.
• Knowledge of real estate development, especially rental housing, including tax credit developments.
• Knowledge of business revolving loan development, management, including credit analysis, and commercial lending requirements.
• Working knowledge of personal computer operations.
• Must possess a valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Government Affairs, Public Administration or related field and considerable experience in Economic Development, or a combination of equivalent education and experience. A Master's degree and Housing Development experience preferred.

Special Qualifications

National Development Council Certification (Economic Development Finance Professional) is desired.

Tools and Equipment Used

Personal computer; calculator; telephone system, multifunction printer/scanner; automobile.

Working Conditions

The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands, physical agility, sensory requirements, and environmental exposures required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• This classification occasionally involves physical agility requirements such as: climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, repetitive motions and manual dexterity.
• Sensory requirements include standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing ideas by means of the spoken word; and hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communication and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Physical Exertion (Pounds)

Up to 10

Occasional

Up to 25

Occasional

Up to 50

Seldom

Up to 100

Seldom

100 or more

Seldom

Selection Guidelines

Applicants for appointment to this position will be required to submit a formal application and may be subject to rating of education and experience, oral interview and/or reference check, background investigation, criminal history check, drug testing. Job related tests may be required of any applicant.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee as is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The final decision is made by the HRA-EDA.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.