Strategic Initiatives Coordinator - State Prog Admin Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is seeking a Strategic Initiatives Coordinator to lead statewide initiatives within the MN SBDC Network. This role advances priorities, standardizes practices, and supports development of consultants and data-driven decision making.

The position partners with the State Director, regional centers, and other stakeholders to expand impact, ensure compliance, and pursue external funding opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in small business development or related program work.
• Bachelor's degree may substitute for one year; master's substitutes for 18 months.
• Experience coordinating initiatives across multiple units or stakeholder groups.
• Experience analyzing program data and preparing reports.
• Experience interpreting federal/state requirements and grant conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide strategic initiatives across the MN SBDC network.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives and develop policies/procedures.
• Improve consultant training, performance, and data-driven decision making.
• Manage grant development, reporting, and external funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with SBA and federal/state requirements.

Skills

Coordination across units

Policy implementation

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Admin/related field

Job description

Working Title: Strategic Initiatives Coordinator

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 97990
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 11/03/2026.
• Date Posted: 10/28/2026
• Closing Date: 11/06/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Small Business Development Center
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
• Job Class Option: Small Business Development
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Strategic Initiatives Coordinator serves as a senior program resource within the Minnesota Small Business Development Center (MN SBDC) Network. This position leads statewide strategic initiatives, strengthens organizational effectiveness, supports professional development, oversees compliance activities, and coordinates grant and resource development efforts. Working closely with the State Director, statewide leadership, and nine regional centers, the incumbent advances program priorities, standardizes operational practices, improves consultant training and performance, enhances data-driven decision-making, and expands the MN SBDC’s impact on entrepreneurs and small businesses across Minnesota.

The position provides programmatic direction to contracted consultants, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, develops policies and procedures, improves operational processes, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and Small Business Administration (SBA) requirements. It also leads statewide training initiatives, supports accreditation and reporting, and identifies opportunities to secure external funding that supports innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurial services.

This position will require travel throughout Minnesota for meetings with regional centers, network staff, stakeholders and other SBDC partners.

This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Four (4) years of experience in small business development or directly related program work as determined by the agency.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, Economics, Management, Entrepreneurship or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for one (1) year of experience; master's degree substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following for all levels:

• Experience coordinating initiatives, projects, or activities across multiple units, organizations, or stakeholder groups
• Experience developing or implementing program processes, policies, procedures, or operational standards
• Experience analyzing program, operational, or performance data
• Experience preparing program documents, such as reports, guidelines, training materials, or compliance/oversight documentation.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal or state program requirements, grant conditions, regulatory standards, or similar guidelines.
• Incumbent must maintain a valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation. Travel arrangements can be made with drivers employed by State Services for the Blind upon request and depending on availability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving in a consultant or staff capacity within a Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
• Experience coordinating or supporting grant development, such as identifying funding opportunities, writing proposals, or managing grant deliverables and reporting.
• Experience monitoring or supporting federal, state, or accreditation compliance activities, including SBA reporting, center reviews, policy implementation, or program oversight.
• Experience using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, performance dashboards, or data-tracking tools to support operational decision-making, reporting, or process improvement.
• Experience developing or maintaining stakeholder partnerships (e.g., higher education, SBA, community organizations, economic development partners) to support program goals.
• Experience preparing formal program documents, such as guidelines, legislative materials, contracts, or public-facing program resources.
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest ReviewDriver’s License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

If you have questions about this position, contact Allex Roberge at [e-mail]

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at [e-mail]. Please indicate what assistance is needed.