Community Economic Development Jobs in Minnesota

The Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) is seeking a Program Support Assistant in the Community and Economic Development team. Program Support Assistant provides support for the weatherization and homeownership programs. Examples of tasks include: serving as main point of contact for general program questions, creating and maintaining client and contractor databases, processing applications, processing payment requests from utility companies, assisting with insurance and loan documents, and managing audit and inspection schedules. This position will also provide general administrative and clerical support duties, assist with data entry and/or document imaging, prepare correspondence and provide program information, and other duties as assigned.

Recruitment Type: This position is open until Friday, June 19, 2026 at 4:30p.m. Hiring Range: $22.46 - $28.08 per hour (DOQ) Benefit Package: Medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, paid holidays, and 20 sick/vacation days per year. Work Hours & Location: Monday - Friday flexible schedule (start time between 7-9) with the ability to work up to two days remote upon completion of probation.

The Community & Economic Development department assists private and non-profit developers of affordable housing with a variety of financing tools, and works with Dakota County cities and townships on activities that promote economic development, revitalize housing, redevelop blighted areas, and strengthen local services. The department assists homebuyers and homeowners through home improvement loans, weatherization grants, homebuyer education, pre-purchase counseling, and foreclosure prevention. The Dakota County CDA's mission is to improve the lives of Dakota County residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing and community development.

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring

Provide administrative support for Weatherization Program

• Answer general program questions via the Weatherization Line and email.
• Develop, prepare and maintain applicant waiting pool based upon priority status factors or high utility bills.
• Cross-check database to determine first-time assistance pre-requisite. Regularly update historical client address database.
• Contact applicants based on priority level via phone and mail, and provide information regarding Weatherization Program and process.
• Update and revise applicant list as directed by Weatherization Coordinator, and record assigned auditor.
• Send notifications to ineligible households (e.g. those who have been assisted previously) and complete other notifications or mailings as directed; update waiting lists.
• Prepare and maintain all new client files and prepare for initial energy audit, including: Access Eheat database and retrieve client file set-up information. Screen clients to ensure eligibility for program Contact utility companies and verify utility consumption data. Review Dakota, Scott and Carver County property records data for potential clients and summarize basic property information and home characteristics. Organize pre-audit research information and submit to Weatherization Coordinator.
• Maintain files on contractor eligibility, e.g. background check, insurance certificates, other documents as needed.
• Manage Weatherization staff's external schedule for audit and inspections. Contact homeowners and contractors and set up home audits and inspections.
• Communicate with Weatherization staff regarding audit and inspection schedules.

Process documentation for weatherization utility rebates, Weatherization Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) leveraged funding, and any other leveraged funds for Weatherization Program.

• Maintain lists of all leveraged funding sources, including when leveraged funds were requested and received
• Process payment for contractors Ensure contractors have provided all required information for processing rebates.
• Request payment from utility companies – regularly interface with specialists in field
• Submit rebates to utility companies

Provide administrative support for Homeownership Programs

• Answer general program questions via the Housing Counseling Line and email.
• Send intake forms, gather necessary client file documents, and follow up with intake process prior to counseling.

Perform Community & Economic Development Department clerical duties as directed or assigned

• Compile program information packets.
• Obtain verifications or other eligibility paperwork.
• Perform data entry.
• Perform document imaging/scanning duties.
• Complete copying projects.
• Use word processing and spreadsheets to prepare reports, policies, correspondence, memorandums and forms.
• Coordinate and prepare bulk mailings.
• Complete filing, both paper and computer.
• Assist with program auditing needs i.e., scanning, compiling files, and submitting files to funders.
• Assist with records retention activities for department.
• Establish or revise data information systems as directed.
• Cross-training with other department program support duties.
• Act as backup to other department program support duties as needed.
• Maintain organized computer filing system.
• Perform other special projects and assignments as needed.

Act as a positive representative of the CDA

• Promote a positive image of the CDA to clients.
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with CDA employees, vendors and contractors working with the CDA.
• Answer calls and emails within 24 business hours.
• Handle calls or meetings with irate parties in a professional manner to diffuse the issue/conflict.
• Abide by all CDA Board approved policies, policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment, executive communications, administrative procedures, and safety procedures established by the CDA.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years related education and/or administrative experience supporting public service programs.

Knowledge of:

• English language, grammar and punctuation.
• Microsoft 360 software especially Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Federal and Minnesota data privacy laws.
• Office procedures and practices.
• Use of general office equipment, including personal computers and calculators.

Ability to:

• Handle difficult situations in a professional manner when dealing with the public.
• Obtain Building Science Principles certification within 90 days.
• Obtain HUD Housing Counseling certification within 180 days.
• Work with diverse clientele.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Coordinate details and organize workload.
• Perform mathematical calculations accurately.
• Proficient in typing with a high degree of accuracy.
• Work independently and adapt to changes in workflow schedules.
• Work under pressure and with interruptions.
• Work on several projects simultaneously and to set and meet deadlines.

Working Conditions Assigned tasks are generally carried out while seated at a desk in an office environment. Some travel by automobile may be required.

Dakota County Community Development Agency is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, local human rights commission activity or any other basis protected by law.

Dakota County Community Development Agency accommodates qualified persons with disabilities in various aspects of employment, including the application process. If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact Human Resources at 651-675-4434.

Applicant Data Practices Advisory According to Minn. Stat. § 13.04, Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) must advise you of the following.

Purpose and intended use of the data: The CDA collects this information for recruitment purposes. Your data will be used to screen and select applicants for employment. In the event you are selected for hire, your data will be used to perform a criminal background check through a trusted third party agency, which may include the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Consultant, CDA and/or officials involved in the hiring process will have access to the data provided. Data may be shared upon court order or provided to the state or legislative auditor, upon request.

Whether you may refuse or are legally required to supply this data: Application for employment as well as supplying any data in application for employment