Position Summary
The City of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota's sixth largest municipality, seeks an Economic Development & Housing Director to join the Community Development Department's leadership team. This position plays a key role in helping the community achieve its vision: Brooklyn Park, a thriving community inspiring pride where opportunities exist for all.
This role advances innovative projects and new approaches to economic development, housing and redevelopment. Collaborating closely with the Director of Community Development, the Economic Development & Housing Director provides the City's Economic Development Authority/Housing Redevelopment Authority (EDA) with strategic leadership and administrative staff support. The position is also responsible for the direction, management and leadership of a team of six to seven staff who manage the City's economic development and redevelopment initiatives, housing services, business development services and neighborhood preservation strategies.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Recruitment will continue until the position is filled, with first review of applications on Monday, March 3, 2025.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and direct six to seven division staff to include selection, training, motivation, program/project and work performance evaluation and review.
- In collaboration with other city leaders, develop policies, practices, and strategic initiatives that further the City's mission and the goals and objectives of the City Council/Economic Development Authority/Housing Redevelopment Authority.
- Oversee the negotiation and management of numerous professional services contracts, development agreements, real estate transactions, and grant agreements, including large scale development contracts with complex financial arrangements.
- Administer division's budget, including tax increment financing and tax abatement districts, grant and revenue funds, and other special project funds.
- Oversee, direct, coordinate and/or assign special projects to include research, analysis, development, and implementation.
- Establish and maintain external relationships for the city.
- Serve on committees that can benefit and advance EDH goals and strategies.
- Prepare reports and presentations for a variety of audience members, including, City Council and residents.
- Respond to requests from elected officials and community partners as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum And Desired Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Community Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Real Estate or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, planning, or closely related fields; AND
- Three (3) years of progressively responsible management experience, including applicable supervisory experience managing the work performance of a variety of work groups and a variety of individuals; ad applicable and relevant fiscal responsibilities.
Licenses/Certifications
Valid driver's license.
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Knowledge of structure, function, operations, programs and services of an Economic Development and Housing Division.
- Knowledge of business and public financing, real estate principles, housing development, and tax increment financing.
- Strong financial and budgetary skills.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations applicable to planning, housing and redevelopment.
- Knowledge of management principles and practices of employee supervision to include work planning and assignment, project management and performance evaluation and review.
- Ability to mentor staff and identify development needs.
- Knowledge of principles, practices and methods of consensus building, conflict resolution, and negotiation.
- Ability to build cohesive work teams and foster teamwork to achieve solutions to complex community-wide issues.
- Knowledge of how the different disciplines of Community Development and Economic Development interconnect internally and with the other city departments.
- Ability to develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
- Ability to use performance measurement techniques/tactics to measure quality of public services.
- Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
- Ability to effectively develop strategic positions, special projects and programs to implement and achieve objectives.
- Ability to effectively and successfully conduct negotiation processes.
- Ability to accurately and effectively interpret, analyze and explain complex information.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment to define and analyze problems, utilize resources, identify solutions, develop and implement recommendation/proposals.
- Ability to independently organize and coordinate work, set priorities, manage multiple assignments and successfully work within deadlines and time constraints.
- Ability to interact, develop and maintain positive and professional working relationships at all organizational levels, internally and externally.
- Ability to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate, both in verbal and written formats with specific emphasis on effective public speaking and presentation skills and technique.
- Working knowledge of computer applications.
- Demonstrated success working in multicultural spaces and advancing economic inclusion strategies.
- Ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience and understanding in the course of work duties.
- Ability to relate to and work with individuals representing a variety of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Demonstrated cultural competence and comfort with supporting the city’s strategic objectives for advancing racial equity.
- Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets or exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction.
- Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement.
Desired Qualifications
- Graduate degree or advanced coursework in Community Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Real Estate or related field.
- Ten (10) years progressively responsible management and administrative experience in economic development, business development/financing, redevelopment, housing, planning or closely related field.
- Demonstrated success in advancing innovative projects and new approaches to economic development, housing and redevelopment.
- Previous experience leading/directing a state or local government entity.
- Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese.
Working Conditions
- The job requires a moderate level of attention to details and deadlines more than 50% of the time. Physical activity is intermittent and occasional such as walking and standing at construction sites and carrying or moving materials up to 10 pounds.
- Driving is frequent.
- There may be occasional exposure to hostile or aggressive behavior by members of the public.
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check are necessary for this job title. Applicants are required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Approximately 60 percent of our residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.
Our Vision, Values and Goals
Additional Information
Department/Division: Community Development/Economic Development & Housing
Anticipated Work Schedule: This is a full-time, exempt, non-union position with a flexible schedule that includes a standard eight (8)-hour work day; includes occasional evening and weekend hours including one or more City Council and/or Economic Development Authority meetings a month typically on Monday evenings.
Core business hours are set by departments based on operational needs. Alternative schedules can be arranged, but must comply with the City’s Alternative Work Arrangement policy e.g., flexible or remote.
Anticipated Hiring Range: $123,656 - $150,000; depending on qualifications
Resume and Cover Letter Requested: To help us evaluate candidates' education, experience and skills, we are asking all candidates to attach a resume and cover letter to their application to be considered for this position.
Please direct any inquiries related to this position to Tim Gladhill, Director of Community Development, by phone 763-493-8050 or by email tim.gladhill@brooklynpark.org.
We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ+ and women. If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability-related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at HumanResources@brooklynpark.org.
Regular, full-time City of Brooklyn Park employees (40 or more hours per week) are eligible for a benefits package including:
Vacation
- New employees generally earn 10 days of vacation per year
- Vacation accruals increase with longevity up to a maximum of 20 days per year
Sick Leave
- Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation
Holidays
- 12 paid holidays per year
- 1 floating holiday to be used any day in the year with supervisor approval
Health Insurance
- Employees may choose a health plan with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan
- The City contributes a portion to the cost of health insurance
- Available to City of Brooklyn Park employees working 30 or more hours per week
Dental Insurance
- Employees may choose between two dental plans with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan
Life Insurance
- The City provides term life insurance with an option for employees to purchase additional and dependent term life insurance at group rates
Disability Insurance
- Short-term disability insurance available at group rates
- Long-term disability insurance available at group rates
Retirement
- Public Employee's Retirement Association (PERA) pension plan (employer/employee contributions)
- Optional 457 pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) deferred compensation plans for tax-deferred retirement savings
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Reimbursement account for health care and daycare expenses using pre-tax contributions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services
Fitness
- Free on-site fitness facilities; Wellness program and fitness classes offered
Direct Deposit (mandatory)
- Payroll checks are automatically deposited into designated account(s) on payday
Regular, part-time benefited City of Brooklyn Park employees (20-29 hours per week) are not eligible for Health Insurance, but are eligible for the following benefits:
- Sick and Vacation at a pro-rated rate
- Decreasing Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account(s)
- Deferred Compensation, if enrolled.
Seasonal/Temporary employees
- Temporary, Seasonal, and non-benefited part-time employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked by an employee, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year.
Benefits may differ based on union contracts for employees represented by a collective bargaining unit. This summary is for information only and is subject to change or revocation without notice. This summary shall not constitute a contract or guarantee, express or implied.
01
Which best describes your highest level of education in Community Development, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Real Estate or related field?
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree or higher
- Degree in unrelated field
02
Which level best describes your level of progressively responsible management experience in economic development, business development/financing, redevelopment, housing, planning or closely related field?
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years to less than 7 years
- 7 years to less than 9 years
- 9 years to less than 11 years
- 11 years to less than 13 years
- 13 years to less than 15 years
- 15 years or more
03
Do you possess a current and valid driver's license?
04
Which level best describes your
current level of supervisory experience? Please give your response in a full-time equivalency (1 FTE = 2080 annual hours) for the number of permanent full- and part-time employees that you currently supervise; do not include seasonal/temporary or intern employees.
- 0 FTE
- 1-2 FTE
- 3-5 FTE
- 6-8 FTE
- 9 FTE or more
05
How many years of progressive experience do you have in leading, managing, and directing staff which includes selection, training, motivation, program/project and work performance evaluation and review.
- No experience
- Less than 1 year of experience
- 1 year to less than 2 years
- 2 years to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 4 years
- 4 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years to less than 6 years
- 6 years to less than 7 years
- 7 years to less than 8 years
- 8 years or more
06
Which level best describes your experience working with applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations applicable to the public sector?
- No experience
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 2 years
- 2 years to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 4 years
- 4 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years or more
07
The Economic Development and Housing Director position oversees the City's strategic efforts related to housing, business development, and redevelopment. The position also oversees the administration of related grants, including CDBG funds. Describe your experience in these areas. Please be specific about your role. (No more than 250 words)
08
Please provide examples of how you have demonstrated success working in multicultural spaces and advancing economic inclusion strategies. (No more than 250 words)
09
Are you able to fluently speak, write, and understand any of the following languages?
- Spanish
- Hmong
- Russian
- Somali
- Vietnamese
- Lao
- None of the Above
10
What is your connection with the City of Brooklyn Park?
- None apply
- Current Brooklyn Park Resident
- Active Member of Community Group in Brooklyn Park
- Currently enrolled in school in Brooklyn Park
- BrookLynk Alumni
- Other
- Required Question
