The Position
The Director of Planning and Economic Development is a key member of the City of Duluth’s cross-department senior executive leadership team responsible for bringing together a broad range of resources to drive economic development and foster a healthy, vibrant community.
Specifically, this Director leads the City of Duluth’s work on economic development; community planning; housing development; the City’s community development block grant programs; oversees the permit services and inspections processes that bring projects to fruition. The Planning and Economic Development Department is staffed by 40 employees and supports several important citizen boards and commissions. The Director reports to the City Administrator of the City.

This position serves a dual, and equally critical, role as the Executive Director of the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA), a seven-member Authority, all of whom are called Commissioners. As the Executive Director, this position will work closely with Commissioners, project staff and Legal to package development deals, assign TIF opportunities, convey property and administer DEDA authorized funding. The Director may delegate the DEDA director position to other staff as appropriate. This is a tremendously exciting time in the City of Duluth. Growing our commercial tax base is one of Mayor Reinert’s Top 5 Priorities and he has set a goal of increasing our population to 90,000 by the 2030 census. We are seeking someone who can provide the strategic vision, leadership and creativity to build upon Duluth’s position as one of Minnesota’s important regional centers.

We are looking to:
• Expand and grow our commercial tax base
• Support, through tangible & specific advocacy, the vision and growth of business in Duluth
• Identify partnership opportunities with private developers, county, state and federal entities and their agencies to leverage City development tools and resources
• Continue our trajectory of record-breaking housing unit development
• Streamline plan reviews and permitting and identify clearer permitting timelines, expectations and process
• Strengthen our strong customer service commitment with planning and community development
• Integrate economic development into everything we do
• Coordinate across departments to bring efficient and effective resources to bear in bringing development opportunities to successful completion.
• Continue to build strong and equitable neighborhoods
• Build upon our 2018 Imagine Duluth Comprehensive Plan and its governing principles

Compensation & Benefits
The annual salary for this position is $99,310-$150,420, depending on qualifications and experience. The City of Duluth offers an excellent benefits program that includes, but is not limited to:

Work Schedule
Typical work schedule – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This leadership position will include occasional evening and after-hours meetings.
Holidays – 12 fixed per year.
Vacation – Minimum of 23 days per year.
Relocation assistance may be available for selected candidates.

Retirement
Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA).
Deferred Compensation
A deferred compensation plan is available at the employee’s option.
Health Benefits
The City pays a significant portion of the premium for medical/hospitalization, dental and prescription coverage for employees and dependents. Section 125 (Flexible Spending Account) – employees may participate on a pre-tax basis for daycare and medical expense reimbursement.
Life Insurance
Policy value of $50,000

Minimum Qualifications
Required education and work experience includes graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Management, Business Administration, Urban Studies, Urban & Regional Planning, Real Estate Development, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Economic Development, or closely related field and 7-10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in administration or management, in either municipal government or the private sector, preferably at the department head or higher level.
Please visit www.duluthmn.gov/human-resources for additional duties and requirements.

Application & Selection Process
To be considered, please submit an online application through the City’s website by September 29, 2024. Include a resume, cover letter, and proof of education. To view the online job posting Employment Opportunities | City of Duluth Career Pages (governmentjobs.com).
A limited number of the best-qualified candidates, based on the information provided on the application and attachments, will be invited to participate in the selection process. Selection for this position may include a presentation and a panel interview format to establish top candidacy for the final selection.

THE CITY OF DULUTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.