Director of Economic Development

Job Duties

Position Summary

The Director of Economic Development is RAEDI's senior professional responsible for leading business retention, expansion, attraction, and related economic development activities. The Director develops relationships with businesses and partners, manages economic development projects, advances investment and job creation opportunities, and supports RAEDI's mission to retain, grow, and diversify the Rochester area economy.

Business Retention, Expansion & Attraction

• Lead business retention and expansion outreach and respond to company growth needs.

• Develop and manage business attraction prospects and project opportunities.

• Build relationships with existing employers, prospective companies, site selectors, developers, and corporate decision-makers.

• Coordinate business assistance involving sites, workforce, infrastructure, financing, incentives, and governmental processes.

Project & Partnership Leadership

• Manage economic development projects from initial inquiry through implementation.

• Coordinate with local governments, DEED, DMC, Mayo Clinic, utilities, educational institutions, workforce partners, chambers, and other regional partners.

• Represent RAEDI in business and economic development meetings and initiatives.

• Maintain clear project follow-up, documentation, and accountability.

Sites, Infrastructure & Investment

• Maintain knowledge of available sites, buildings, infrastructure, utilities, and development opportunities.

• Assist businesses and communities in evaluating location and expansion options.

• Support site-readiness and infrastructure initiatives that improve regional competitiveness.

• Connect companies with appropriate public and private financing and economic development tools.

Regional & Strategic Economic Development

• Support RAEDI's regional economic development initiatives and Communities Council activities.

• Contribute to workforce, housing, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-readiness strategies where they intersect with business growth.

• Identify emerging opportunities for investment, job creation, and economic diversification.

Leadership & Performance

• Serve as a member of RAEDI's senior leadership team.

• Assist the President in establishing annual economic development priorities and work plans.

• Track and report measurable outcomes including business activity, investment, jobs, projects, and partner engagement.

• Represent the President and RAEDI when appropriate.

• Mentor or supervise economic development staff as assigned by the President.

Reports directly to the President.

Minimum Education Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Minimum Experience Required

• Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business development, finance, government, community development, workforce development, or a related field preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects involving multiple organizations.

• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, communication, and project-management skills.

• Ability to work effectively with business executives, elected officials, community leaders, and economic development professionals.

• Knowledge of Minnesota economic development programs and southeast Minnesota is preferred; CEcD or other relevant professional certification is desirable.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Public Transportation Accessible

Yes

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

Yes

Physical Required

No

Drug Test Required

No

Compensation

$

Postal Code

55902

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

77181

Job Benefits

Health insurance, paid time off, retirement (SEP), LTD/STD/group life

Application Email

[email protected]