About The Position
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. Preference will be given to applications received by July 6, 2026.
Shape the Future of Minnesota's Capital City
Help shape the future of Saint Paul. The City of Saint Paul is seeking an innovative and forward-thinking leader to serve as Deputy Directory of Planning and Economic Development. This executive role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful change across the city, guiding economic development, housing growth, neighborhood revitalization, and strategic investments that impact more than 300,000 residents.
As a trusted strategic partner to the Director, you will help lead one of the City's most influential departments, guiding complex development projects, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring the organization operates with excellence, innovation, and accountability. Your leadership will impact how Saint Paul grows today while creating a stronger, more equitable, and more prosperous community for generations to come. If you are passionate about public service, collaborative leadership, and creating vibrant, equitable communities, we invite you to bring your vision and expertise to one of the Midwest's most dynamic cities.
In This Role, You Will
- Lead strategic initiatives that advance economic development, housing, planning, and real estate investment across Saint Paul.
- Provide executive leadership for departmental operations, organizational effectiveness, and cross-functional teams.
- Build partnerships with developers, financial institutions, community organizations, elected officials, and regional stakeholders to bring transformative projects to life.
- Drive innovation through process improvement, technology, and operational excellence to deliver high-quality public service.
- Represent the department and City leadership with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to collaboration and equitable community development.
About The Department
The City of Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) is at the forefront of shaping the future of Minnesota's Capital City. Through strategic planning, housing investment, economic development, and real estate initiatives, PED works to create vibrant neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and foster sustainable growth throughout the community. By partnering with residents, businesses, developers, nonprofit organizations, and regional stakeholders, the department transforms vision into action—strengthening neighborhoods, supporting thriving local economies, and building a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous Saint Paul for generations to come.
For more information and essential functions, see our Deputy Director job description.
Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.
Position Requirements
A Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Economics, Finance, Real Estate, Marketing, Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, or a closely-related field.
AND
Six years of progressively responsible administrative experience in urban planning and design, economic development, housing, and/or real estate financing and development.
AND
Two years of the experience in a managerial role planning organizational strategies, supervising employees, and leading complex projects.
A Master's or advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
How to Apply
- Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
- Upload the following required document(s) via the online application system. You will not be able to submit your application without the document(s) attached. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. Preference will be given to applications received by July 6, 2026.
First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.
Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call
1-855-524-5627.
Learn more about our Hiring Process
Unclassified Posting: This is an UNCLASSIFIED position and is therefore not governed by City Civil Service Rules.
Selection Process: Applicants who meet the criteria and requirements stated on the job posting will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list.
Final Selection Process: You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.
Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment.
Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer.
Human Resources Contact Information
Michelle LeBow at 651-266-6519
E-mail: michelle.lebow@stpaul.gov
Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The City of Saint Paul offers a competitive benefits package for permanent, certified positions. Temporary positions are not eligible for benefits.
Benefits vary with each position and the collective bargaining agreement. Benefits may include:
City Paid Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Vacation/Holidays
- Sick Leave
- Life Insurance
- Subsidized Metro Bus Pass
- Deferred Compensation
- Retirement Program
Optional Benefits
- Dental
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Disability Insurance
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Long Term Care Insurance
For a Detailed Overview, Visit General Benefits.
01
The thorough completion of the supplemental questions is very important in the screening and application processes. Therefore, a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application, may result in failure or disqualification for this position. In addition, documentation of work experience referred to in the supplemental questions must be included in the application. Your education, training, and experience are subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failure to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification from this position.
02
Which of the following represents your highest level of completed education?
- High School diploma or GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- None
03
I have the following years of progressively responsible administrative experience in urban planning and design, economic development, housing, and/or real estate financing and development.
- Less than six years of experience
- Six years but less than eight years of experience
- Eight or more years of experience
- None of the above
04
How many years of experience do you have in a managerial role planning organizational strategies, supervising employees, and leading complex projects.
- Less than two years of experience
- Two or more years of experience
- None of the above
05
Describe a challenging employee performance or organizational culture issue that you addressed as a senior leader. What actions did you take, and what was the outcome?
06
Describe your experience establishing or improving organizational systems that promote accountability, compliance, and effective project delivery. What was your role, and how did your efforts improve organizational performance?
07
Describe a significant operational or business process improvement initiative that you led. What challenges were you trying to solve, what changes did you implement, and what measurable improvements resulted?
08
RECRUITMENT: How did you first find your way to our website to apply for this position? (check all that apply)
- City of Saint Paul website
- City of Saint Paul employee
- City of Saint Paul job interest card
- City of Saint Paul walk-in
- City of Saint Paul Posted! newsletter
- City of Saint Paul Gov.Delivery notifications
- Friend or family member
- League of Minnesota Cities website
- Governmentjobs.com website
- LinkedIn
- Facebook
- X (formerly known as Twitter)
- Indeed.com website
- ZipRecruiter
- Pollen website
- MinnesotaWorks.net
- College or University
- Community organization
- Job fair
- Professional association
- Saint Paul Elevate Session
- People of Color Career Fair
- Other
09
RECRUITMENT: If not indicated above, please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., specific organization/website name, City of Saint Paul employee name).
10
I am currently a Right Track Worker or have been employed by the City of Saint Paul as a Right Track Worker in the past.
11
Are you currently a Saint Paul resident?
- Yes
- No
- Prefer not to answer
12
If you indicated "yes" as a current Saint Paul resident, please indicate your zip code.
