What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Development Coordinator (FT) - Community Development position at City of Brooklyn Park?
Position Summary
The City of Brooklyn Park's Economic Development & Housing team seeks a Business Development Coordinator. The successful candidate will build partnerships, possess strong writing skills, contribute to a skilled team, strive for professional growth, and demonstrate a passion for serving the community.
Located in the northwest corner of the Minneapolis/Saint Paul region, Brooklyn Park, a fast-growing, innovative city, offers personal and professional opportunity. More than 86,000 people call Brooklyn Park home. Our community boasts the second most diverse community in the state with over 60-percent of our residents from communities of color, 22-percent foreign born, and 10-percent from Liberia. Together we form a close-knit community of strong, stable neighborhoods served by conveniently located shops, parks, and natural amenities. Our neighborhoods include a wide selection of housing options for our existing and future residents.
Businesses thrive in Brooklyn Park. Our Business Community supports 1,700 local, national and global companies driving some of the fastest business growth in Minnesota, with 100 restaurants. Job growth in our community outpaces the county average. With more than 1,000 acres of undeveloped land, Brooklyn Park continues to see more residents and businesses choosing our community every year!
The Business Development Coordinator develops, implements, and manages complex business, and economic development policies, projects and programs. The Business Development Coordinator acts as the first point of contact for businesses seeking to locate or expand in Brooklyn Park. This position provides guidance to businesses through City approval processes. This position will update and lead the City's business retention & expansion program, plan and implement the Business Forward Forum, keep business-oriented communications up to date, lead, manage, and facilitate the city’s Development Corporation and develop policy recommendations to meet the City's small business engagement and growth goals and economic inclusion goals.
The Business Development Coordinator works within the Economic Development & Housing team to develop comprehensive community development strategies focused on the fostering and inclusion of community members in business subsidy programs, expanding access to loans and capital to a broader segment of the community, and improved quality of life for all Brooklyn Park residents.
The position collaborates with all City departments, generates new ideas and programs, and demonstrates the viability of these ideas to carry out the development and redevelopment goals and objectives of the City Council and the Economic Development Authority. It requires a high level of critical thinking, creative problem solving, and innovation.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Education
Bachelor's degree in economic development, planning, urban studies or other related field
Experience
Four (4) years of experience in the field of business development, community development, economic development, redevelopment, business financing, or related field
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
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully and safely perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check are necessary for this job title. Applicants must sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered for the position.
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience, oral examination and/or written supplemental questionnaire. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process.
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 6th 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
Resume/Cover Letter Requested: To help us evaluate candidates' education, experience and skills, we are asking all candidates to provide a resume and cover letter for this position.
Department/Division: Community Development/Economic Development & Housing
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
01
Which best describes your highest level of education in economic development, planning, urban studies or other related field?
Which level best describes your experience in business development, community development, economic development, redevelopment, business financing or a highly related field?
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
How would you describe your experience working with racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse business communities?
What best describes your direct involvement with business retention and expansion (BRE) efforts?
Which of the following economic development tools have you directly worked with? (Select all that apply)
Which level best describes your project management experience in economic development?
Which level best describes your familiarity with real estate development and redevelopment projects?
What best describes your comfort level with financial information (proformas, sources and uses statements, or gap financing structures?
What best describes your experience with stakeholder collaboration (e.g., business owners, community organizations, developers)?
What software tools have you used for economic development tasks or business outreach? (Select all that apply)
If you answered "Other" on the above question, please specify any other software tools.
13
What role do you believe small businesses play in economic development?
Describe a time you successfully engaged a culturally diverse group of stakeholders in a business or community project. What was your approach and what outcome did you achieve? Write "NA' if not applicable to your experience. (300 words max)
The City of Brooklyn Park's Economic Development & Housing team seeks a Business Development Coordinator. The successful candidate will build partnerships, possess strong writing skills, contribute to a skilled team, strive for professional growth, and demonstrate a passion for serving the community.
Located in the northwest corner of the Minneapolis/Saint Paul region, Brooklyn Park, a fast-growing, innovative city, offers personal and professional opportunity. More than 86,000 people call Brooklyn Park home. Our community boasts the second most diverse community in the state with over 60-percent of our residents from communities of color, 22-percent foreign born, and 10-percent from Liberia. Together we form a close-knit community of strong, stable neighborhoods served by conveniently located shops, parks, and natural amenities. Our neighborhoods include a wide selection of housing options for our existing and future residents.
Businesses thrive in Brooklyn Park. Our Business Community supports 1,700 local, national and global companies driving some of the fastest business growth in Minnesota, with 100 restaurants. Job growth in our community outpaces the county average. With more than 1,000 acres of undeveloped land, Brooklyn Park continues to see more residents and businesses choosing our community every year!
The Business Development Coordinator develops, implements, and manages complex business, and economic development policies, projects and programs. The Business Development Coordinator acts as the first point of contact for businesses seeking to locate or expand in Brooklyn Park. This position provides guidance to businesses through City approval processes. This position will update and lead the City's business retention & expansion program, plan and implement the Business Forward Forum, keep business-oriented communications up to date, lead, manage, and facilitate the city’s Development Corporation and develop policy recommendations to meet the City's small business engagement and growth goals and economic inclusion goals.
The Business Development Coordinator works within the Economic Development & Housing team to develop comprehensive community development strategies focused on the fostering and inclusion of community members in business subsidy programs, expanding access to loans and capital to a broader segment of the community, and improved quality of life for all Brooklyn Park residents.
The position collaborates with all City departments, generates new ideas and programs, and demonstrates the viability of these ideas to carry out the development and redevelopment goals and objectives of the City Council and the Economic Development Authority. It requires a high level of critical thinking, creative problem solving, and innovation.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Develop policies and plans related to business subsidy, business support, and relationship development that advances economic inclusion, the growth of small businesses, and the success of residents seeking to start and grow businesses
- Administers contract management
- Support the technical assistance and programming of the small business center and other small business support programs
- Serves as the liaison between City and business community, and responds to business, developer, and public questions related to business development information
- Provides leadership and project management to business development projects
- Interacts and negotiates real estate transactions, obtaining external financing, and business contracts on behalf of City and EDA (grants, loans, etc.)
- Manages the technical assistance and programming of the small business center and other small business support programs
- Provides staff support for the Economic Development Authority (EDA), Brooklyn Park Development Corporation, chamber engagement and Business Council
- Provides information to the general public, civic groups and industry organizations
- Facilitates and/or participates in organizational development teams and events, internal meetings to support a high performing organization, and external meetings to support the City's community engagement work
- Assists with the development of short and long term division plans, policies, procedures and priorities
- Coordinates, hosts, and attends events in support of the business community
- Performs other duties as assigned
Education
Bachelor's degree in economic development, planning, urban studies or other related field
Experience
Four (4) years of experience in the field of business development, community development, economic development, redevelopment, business financing, or related field
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
- Ability to work with federal, state, and local economic development programs and pursue funding through grants
- Passion for community and curiosity to identify and solve complex community issues
- Understanding of economic development financing tools including loan and public incentive programs such as tax increment financing, tax abatement, Minnesota Investment Fund, Job Creation Fund, SBA 504 loans, revenue bonds, and small business leading
- Understanding of real estate development process and finance including understanding of development operating and capital proformas
- Contract negotiation, execution, and management
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications and programs
- Ability to manage workflow and meet deadlines
- Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets or exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction
- Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity and inclusion
- Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement
- Master's degree in economic development, planning, urban studies
- National Development Council certification
- Experience in business financing and project management
- Experience in program development
- Experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds
- Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese language(s)
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully and safely perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.
- 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.
- Monday – Friday, normal business hours with evening meetings approximately 2 times a month
- Position is an exempt, full-time, benefited, non-union position
- Office environment; exposure to computer screens; working closely with others, frequent interruptions.
- May be exposed to dealing with irrational people.
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check are necessary for this job title. Applicants must sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered for the position.
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience, oral examination and/or written supplemental questionnaire. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process.
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 6th 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
Resume/Cover Letter Requested: To help us evaluate candidates' education, experience and skills, we are asking all candidates to provide a resume and cover letter for this position.
Department/Division: Community Development/Economic Development & Housing
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 is accrued at the rate of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation
- 12 paid holidays per year
- 1 floating holiday to be used any day in the year with supervisor approval
- 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
- Employees may choose between two dental plans with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan
- The City provides term life insurance with an option for employees to purchase additional and dependent term life insurance at group rates
- Short-term disability insurance available at group rates
- Long-term disability insurance available at group rates
- 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
- Reimbursement account for health care and daycare expenses using pre-tax contributions
- Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services
- Free on-site fitness facilities; Wellness program and fitness classes offered
- Payroll checks are automatically deposited into designated account(s) on payday
- Sick and Vacation at a pro-rated rate
- Decreasing Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account(s)
- Deferred Compensation, if enrolled.
- 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.
01
Which best describes your highest level of education in economic development, planning, urban studies or other related field?
- No degree
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- PhD
- Degree in unrelated field
Which level best describes your experience in business development, community development, economic development, redevelopment, business financing or a highly related field?
- 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 to less than 6 years
- 6 years to less than 7 years
- 7 years to less than 8 years
- 8 years or more
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
How would you describe your experience working with racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse business communities?
- No experience
- Limited experience (attended events, no direct role)
- Some experience (supported inclusive outreach or engagement strategies)
- Significant or extensive experience (led engagement, developed inclusive programming or outreach plans)
What best describes your direct involvement with business retention and expansion (BRE) efforts?
- No experience
- Academic or theoretical knowledge only
- Supported a BRE program (e.g., outreach, business visits, data collection)
- Led or co-led a formal BRE program for a city, county, or economic development organization
Which of the following economic development tools have you directly worked with? (Select all that apply)
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
- Tax Abatement
- DEED Grant or Loan Programs
- Small Business Technical Assistance
- Federal Small Business Association or State Small Business Credit Initiative Programs
- Opportunity Zones or New Market Tax Credits
- None of the above
Which level best describes your project management experience in economic development?
- I’ve never managed an economic development project
- I’ve assisted on one or two economic development projects
- I’ve managed multiple simultaneous economic development projects with external partners
- I’ve led economic development projects from concept to completion, including tracking deliverables and reporting
Which level best describes your familiarity with real estate development and redevelopment projects?
- No experience
- Academic or case study experience only
- Provided support (e.g., research, site tours, marketing materials)
- Played an active project role (e.g., site selection, developer meetings, deal structuring)
What best describes your comfort level with financial information (proformas, sources and uses statements, or gap financing structures?
- New concept, but willing to learn
- Not at all comfortable
- Somewhat comfortable ( I understand basic terms)
- Comfortable (I've reviewed or discussed these with developers/consultants)
- Very comfortable (I've created or analyzed financial structures for projects
What best describes your experience with stakeholder collaboration (e.g., business owners, community organizations, developers)?
- No experience
- Occasional contact or event participation
- Ongoing communication and relationship building
- Led multi-stakeholder initiative or working groups
What software tools have you used for economic development tasks or business outreach? (Select all that apply)
- Microsoft Teams / Planner
- Salesforce / CRM system
- Outlook SharePoint
- Excel (formulas, charts, pivot tables)
- Other (please specify below)
- None of the above
If you answered "Other" on the above question, please specify any other software tools.
13
What role do you believe small businesses play in economic development?
- They are mainly entry-level employers for residents
- They contribute culturally but are economically secondary to larger firms
- They are vital anchors of community wealth, equity, and resilience
- I’m unsure
Describe a time you successfully engaged a culturally diverse group of stakeholders in a business or community project. What was your approach and what outcome did you achieve? Write "NA' if not applicable to your experience. (300 words max)
- Required Question
