Community & Economic Development Deputy Director (unclassified)

Full Job Description

The current vacancy is in the Community and Economic Development (CED) department and reports to the CED Director within the Economic Growth and Community Investment (EGCI) Service Team.

This position will serve on the leadership team of the CED department and work closely with the CED Deputy Director for Housing Development to align work and resources in the advancement of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development projects in accordance with the Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan and Equitable Development Framework.

This position will serve as a key lead and oversight role in the equitable economic growth activities of the CED department including the County’s efforts to develop and redevelop county-led parcels of real property that are unused, under-utilized, or needing rehabilitation including, but is not limited to:

• A current real estate portfolio that includes the complex and high profile projects of Rivers Edge and Rice Creek Common;

• Lead collaboration with developers, prospective developers, local governments, residents, consultants and county staff in alignment with the County’s vision, mission, goals and strategic priorities that leads to a shared vision and process for development;

• Serve as the Administrative Director to the Joint Development Authority who governs the redevelopment of Rice Creek Commons, support the economic growth and competitiveness for the County through business retention, expansion and attraction activities;

• Supervise a team of redevelopment project managers for redevelopment projects while ensuring compliance with county policies, priorities, and processes.

This position will require a clear communicator with a strong collaborative mindset and creative approach to challenges. A successful candidate will be able to maintain a high degree of situational and political awareness including the ability to

• Communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively across a wide range of audiences, including senior leadership, peers, and external stakeholders;

• Exercise strong judgment in politically sensitive situations, understanding both formal decision-making processes and informal influence networks;

• Navigate complex organizational dynamics with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment;

• Anticipate stakeholder perspectives, sensitivities, and potential implications of decisions or communications;

• Build trust through credibility, active listening, and thoughtful follow-through.

Flexible Workplace: This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy

Basic Job Description Function:

May report to the Director of a department within the Economic Growth and Community Investment (EGCI) Service Team; manage and lead county efforts to develop and create a shared vision and process for economic growth and development that provides value to Ramsey County residents and is consistent with Ramsey County’s mission, vision and goals; assist with the overall vision, long-range strategic planning, leadership and direction of the EGCI Service Team; and to perform related duties as assigned.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Requirements

1. Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
2. Provide leadership, vision and strategic direction, in support of and aligned with the Ramsey County mission, vision and goals. Assist with managing measurable program and service outcomes and oversee the development of continuous improvements and quality assurance measures.
3. Oversee the conduct of performance evaluations, training, and hiring, discipline and termination procedures as well as directly supervise management, professional, paraprofessional and support staff, as assigned.
4. Assist the Director in managing all department programs, services and operations in alignment with the county’s mission, vision, goals and values.
5. Assist in developing the budget, performance, and related reports.
6. Interpret policy, regulation, and manage complex project by planning and execution of initiatives.
7. Manage compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations policies, and procedures.
8. Prepare and present Requests for Board Action (RBAs) necessary to the county’s role in redevelopment projects and other economic initiatives.
9. Manage program staff and provide work direction as it relates to services of the department including allocation of public funds.
10. Promote efficient, effective and collaborative service delivery.
11. Assist in building partnerships with Ramsey County cities to achieve collaboration and inclusiveness that will advance regional interests; serve as a convener and connector, bringing a regional perspective and opportunities to share in EGCI work.
12. Lead interdepartmental efforts and proactively pursue participation in countywide initiatives as a member of the EGCI Service Team to improve county service integration, promote efficient, effective and collaborative service delivery and meet the strategic goals and objectives of the County.
13. Assist with planning, developing and financing new projects; oversee contract and development agreements, and negotiations with contractors.
14. Develop and draft Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and Requests For Proposal (RFPs) related to the county’s role in development and redevelopment projects, act as point person in the solicitation of proposals, manage the evaluation process for proposals, coordinate activities with review committees comprised of officials from other entities, and manage resulting contracts, professional consultants and contractors; as well as the negotiation and execution of contracts and agreements with business owners, private developers, financial institutions and other vendors, and monitor contracted service performance to ensure deliverables are in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies.
15. Participate in the countywide Senior Management Team and perform other duties as assigned.

Community & Economic Development Deputy Director:

• Provide direction for community and economic development programs and projects; develop program goals, objectives and measures community and economic development projects and initiatives.

Work to retain and support existing businesses by aiding to ensure continued success and expansion.

Keep abreast of changing needs for public intervention required to attract and retain desired business activity that will result in tax base and employment opportunities.

Serve on various external stakeholder committees in identifying the County’s role in business retention and expansion efforts.

• Assist the Director in establishing and implementing a Regional Community & Economic Development Vision Plan and the Ramsey County Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan.
• Develop strategic planning and evaluation activities for complex housing infrastructure and redevelopment projects in conjunction with Ramsey County leadership.
• Manage county’s role in complex housing projects at all levels, from project initiation to project coordination with various county departments, elected officials, community and business organizations and other stakeholders, and to monitor development and completion of projects.

Serve as lead county liaison with entities involved in advancing affordable housing infrastructure, including businesses, local governments, and state and federal agencies.

Serve as liaison between county teams and departments, outside public agencies, the community at large, and various other stakeholders to promote effective and efficient planning and execution of projects and community/economic development initiatives.

• Plan, prepare and present an overview of community/economic development activities, redevelopment projects, and other economic initiatives to city and other local government officials, their elected bodies, business and developer groups, greater metropolitan area (MSP) and the County Board.
• Conducts preliminary negotiations and assists county officials in the final negotiations with owners and developer of properties that are candidates for redevelopment.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (ALL): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13,14,15.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Functional Area): All essential functions listed above as well as the assigned Deputy Director functional area, as assigned.

Qualifications

Community & Economic Development Deputy Director

Education: Bachelor's Degree in public affairs or administration, urban planning or studies, planning, project management, economic development, business administration, economics, finance or a related area.

Experience: Six (6) years of progressive experience in public administration, program management or a related area that includes urban planning, project management or development, economic development, or redevelopment of properties, including experience negotiating and financing and at least three (3) years of experience in a supervisory or lead position.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications/Licensure: None.

Additional Information

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application. You will need to print this posting AND answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam. Submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact: lindsey.hunter@co.ramsey.mn.us