Kandiyohi County Economic Development

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

KCED Economic Development Manager- Willmar Focus

Position Announcement: Economic Development Manager

Employer: Kandiyohi County Economic Development
Established in 2003 through a joint powers agreement between Kandiyohi County and the City of Willmar, KCED promotes regional economic growth and industry development.

Location:
AppleTree Square, Suite 3
1601 U.S. Highway 12 E
Willmar, MN 56201

Salary: $75,000
Flexible schedule to fit meeting attendance requirements
Open until filled

Position Overview

The Economic Development Manager supports business retention, expansion, and recruitment across Kandiyohi County. This role works closely with the Executive Director, local partners, and committees to advance economic development initiatives and support entrepreneurs. This role requires travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct economic analysis, market research, and track key regional indicators
• Support infrastructure development, grant writing, and budget management
• Lead business outreach, retention, and recruitment efforts
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract investment
• Collaborate with state/federal agencies and regional partners
• 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 collaborative with the team

Core Duties

• Serve as a primary contact for businesses seeking expansion or startup support
• Conduct industry outreach and promote available sites, incentives, and financing tools
• Update and implement economic development strategies
• Support workforce, housing, childcare, business, and initiatives
• Coordinate training workshops and provide technical assistance to small businesses

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Urban Planning, or related field
• OR
• 2+ years of experience supporting small businesses (finance/banking experience preferred)
• PERA and IRA retirement options
• Health Insurance and vision options- BCBS