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Economic Development Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

City of Monticello, MN

Senior Planner (FT)

Monticello, MN · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Works under the general supervision of the Community Development Director. Supervision Exercised: Provides work direction to the Administrative Assistant and Community and Economic Development ...

City of Monticello

Senior Planner (FT)

Monticello, MN · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Works under the general supervision of the Community Development Director. Supervision Exercised: Provides work direction to the Administrative Assistant and Community and Economic Development ...

City of Maplewood, MN

Building Official

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$115K - $146K/yr

Informs the Community and Economic Development Director current developments including making observations and recommendations as appropriate. * Reviews decisions in controversial or complicated ...

NEON

Director of Development

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Who We Are The Northside Economic Opportunity Network's (NEON) mission is to build wealth for low ... The Director of Development is expected to be devoted to the best-in-class fundraising, development ...

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All JobsEconomic Development JobsEconomic Development Director JobsEconomic Development Director Jobs in Minnesota

Economic Development Director information

See Minnesota salary details

$47.5K

$121.4K

$197.8K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Minnesota is $121,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $150,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Economic Development Director vs Economic Development Specialist?

AspectEconomic Development DirectorEconomic Development Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Economics, Business, or Public Administration; experience in economic planningSimilar credentials, often with less managerial experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in government agencies or economic development organizationsSupport role, assisting with projects and research
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, regional agencies, economic development firmsLocal government departments, economic development offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in economic developmentLearning about supporting roles in economic growth projects

The main difference between an Economic Development Director and an Economic Development Specialist lies in their level of responsibility and leadership. The Director oversees strategic planning and manages teams, while the Specialist focuses on supporting projects and research. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work within government or economic organizations, but the Director holds a higher managerial position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Development Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Director, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and public policy, typically supported by a degree in economics, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with economic modeling software, GIS tools, and grant management systems is often required, along with certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Strong leadership, strategic communication, and relationship-building abilities help foster collaboration among public, private, and community stakeholders. These skills are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, securing funding, and driving sustainable economic progress in a community or region.

What are the main challenges Economic Development Directors face when balancing community needs and business interests?

Economic Development Directors often need to align the interests of local businesses, government stakeholders, and community members, which can be challenging due to differing priorities. For example, attracting new businesses might conflict with preserving community character or addressing affordable housing. Success in this role frequently involves transparent communication, creative problem-solving, and building consensus through public engagement and strategic partnerships. Navigating these complexities requires adaptability and a strong understanding of both economic trends and local needs.

What does an Economic Development Director do?

An Economic Development Director is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to promote economic growth within a community or region. They work to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and encourage job creation by collaborating with local government officials, business leaders, and community organizations. Their duties often include managing economic incentive programs, overseeing redevelopment projects, and conducting market research to identify opportunities for development. Ultimately, their goal is to improve the local economy and enhance the quality of life for residents.

What Is an Economic Development Director?

An economic development director is a city government employee who helps spur the city economy. Your two biggest responsibilities are to persuade new businesses to move into your town and to encourage existing businesses to expand. You attend fundraising events for civic and business groups and interact with donors to make connections with potentially valuable economic partners. Your duties include developing strategic programs for economic and financial growth, analyzing market trends, writing city tax policy proposals, and advising the city manager and the city council.

More about Economic Development Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Minnesota? For Economic Development Director jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Director Corporate Economic Development - Customer Strategy

Director Corporate Economic Development - Customer Strategy

Xcel Energy

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$148K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Xcel Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 52 rated energy and utility

Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.
Director Corporate Economic Development - Customer Strategy
Position Summary
Responsible for identifying and developing new and significant/large-scale retail energy business opportunities across all jurisdictions in alignment with the company's economic development strategy. Develops and maintains effective customer relationships with key senior-level decision makers and influencers to maximize opportunities to develop large customer-driven growth. Understands the fast-moving data center and large load market trends and needs. Responsible for developing solution requirements by understanding and connecting the customer's requirements with the organization's solutions.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Responsible for identifying and developing large-scale business growth opportunities within commercial and industrial (C&I) market sectors, especially large-load and data centers.
  • Utilize advanced knowledge of the company's product/service solution capabilities, consultative selling skills and understanding of the customer's business in order to develop customized proposals that present creative solutions and successfully sell the organization's capabilities.
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external senior-level decision makers within targeted industry and market sectors as well as the site selection vendors.
  • Provide reporting metrics related to production and return on investment as well as forecasts of potential to corporate economic development leadership.
  • Develops prospects through individual efforts and by participating in conferences and trade shows for industry and market sectors in alignment with the company's corporate economic development strategy.

Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in business, pre-law, management, Organizational Leadership, Finance, Political Science or a related field required.
  • 7 to 10 years of experience in sales, marketing and or account management required.
  • At least 5 years in a market development position and 5 years of utility company experience preferred.
  • Requires the ability to apply consultative selling skills to develop attractive value propositions for large/high value customers.

Preferred Requirements
  • Demonstrated experience working with data centers.
  • Masters or MBA Preferred

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $148,400.00 to $210,733.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Long Term Incentive, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 07/14/26
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Xcel Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Xcel Energy is a prominent electricity and natural gas service provider serving multiple states in the United States, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Our commitment revolves around delivering essential services to our valued customers. As a trailblazer in the industry, we were the first major US electricity provider with a visionary goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and an ambitious 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, based on 2005 levels. Through innovative electric vehicle initiatives, we actively contribute to carbon reduction not only in our electricity generation but also in the transportation sector within the states we operate. Simultaneously, we remain devoted to ensuring cost-effectiveness for our customers by implementing advanced electricity rates and energy efficiency programs.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1909

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