About Maple Grove, MN

Maple Grove is a dynamic and growing community located in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Currently home to over 70,000 residents, our population is projected to reach 90,000 by 2040, with 2,500 acres of undeveloped land available for future growth. The City of Maple Grove employs over 280 full-time benefit-earning employees, more than 500 part-time and seasonal staff, and 100 paid-on-call firefighters across various departments. We support our vibrant community by providing essential public services, including public safety, public works, community and economic development, and parks and recreation.

The Position

We are looking for an innovative professional to join us as our Economic Development Manager! In this role, you will play a crucial part in fostering business creation and retention, promoting marketing initiatives, driving development activities, and enhancing future growth potential. Maple Grove is a destination for Minnesota's medtech industry, healthcare, and retail sectors, featuring a beautiful downtown area, a central park, outdoor shopping malls, diverse dining options, and a high volume of daily visitors. As our Economic Development Manager, you will be challenged to lead community development efforts and help shape our future. We offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. Join our community and grow with us!

Why apply? 

Join us as the Economic Development Manager and play a vital role in shaping the future of Maple Grove! In this position, you will oversee the development of the 2,000-acre Gravel Mining Area (GMA), where you’ll help create corporate campuses, research and development labs, manufacturing suites, and commercial spaces. Your efforts will also focus on expanding commercial and industrial areas in northwestern Maple Grove, particularly along Interstate 94 and the newly underway Highway 610 extension.

You will be instrumental in advancing the medical industry, identifying development opportunities near North Memorial Health Hospital, and fostering reinvestment in the Arbor Lakes regional retail and entertainment district, Main Street, and other thriving commercial zones.

As the Economic Development Manager, you will lead initiatives to position Maple Grove as a premier destination in Minnesota, attracting major businesses like Boston Scientific and Nextern. If you are passionate about economic growth and community development, we want to hear from you!

As the Economic Development Manager, you will be responsible for the following:
 

• Develop and implement strategies, policies, and programs to achieve the City’s economic development goals.
• Monitor business activity, support retention of existing businesses, and attract new ones.
• Manage economic development projects, including redevelopment, transportation, and land use studies.
• Build and maintain relationships with city staff, Council members, business owners, and relevant organizations.
• Coordinate marketing activities and create promotional materials to attract investment in the City.
• Advocate for business interests and represent the City in legislative initiatives and regional organizations.
• Promote redevelopment aligned with the City’s long-term objectives and manage incentive programs.
• Assist with oversight of the affordable housing portfolio and coordinate Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) activities.
•  Serve as Acting Director of Community and Economic Development in the absence of the Director. 

Need to have:

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, city planning, real estate development, marketing or a closely related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Economic Development, City Planning, Real Estate Development, Marketing, or a related field.
• Possession of or ability to obtain an appropriate valid Minnesota driver's license is required.

Nice to have:

• Master's degree in a related field.
• National Development Council Economic Development Finance Professional Certification or similar certification in real estate finance is desired.
• AICP certification.
• Previous experience working on housing programs and community development block grant programs.
• Previous experience working for a municipality community or economic development department. 
• Previous experience with tax increment financing, tax abatement, and state business incentive programs.
• Previous experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with businesses, developers, and contractors.