Strategic Initiatives Coordinator - State Prog Admin Coordinator

Logo

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesotas principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.

We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.

DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.

Job Details

Working Title: Strategic Initiatives Coordinator

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 97990
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 11/03/2026.
• Date Posted: 10/28/2026
• Closing Date: 11/06/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Small Business Development Center
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
• Job Class Option: Small Business Development
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work youll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Strategic Initiatives Coordinator serves as a senior program resource within the Minnesota Small Business Development Center (MN SBDC) Network. This position leads statewide strategic initiatives, strengthens organizational effectiveness, supports professional development, oversees compliance activities, and coordinates grant and resource development efforts. Working closely with the State Director, statewide leadership, and nine regional centers, the incumbent advances program priorities, standardizes operational practices, improves consultant training and performance, enhances data-driven decision-making, and expands the MN SBDC's impact on entrepreneurs and small businesses across Minnesota.

The position provides programmatic direction to contracted consultants, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, develops policies and procedures, improves operational processes, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and Small Business Administration (SBA) requirements. It also leads statewide training initiatives, supports accreditation and reporting, and identifies opportunities to secure external funding that supports innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurial services.

This position will require travel throughout Minnesota for meetings with regional centers, network staff, stakeholders and other SBDC partners.

This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Four (4) years of experience in small business development or directly related program work as determined by the agency.

• Bachelors degree in Business, Public Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, Economics, Management, Entrepreneurship or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for one (1) year of experience; masters degree substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following for all levels:

• Experience coordinating initiatives, projects, or activities across multiple units, organizations, or stakeholder groups
• Experience developing or implementing program processes, policies, procedures, or operational standards
• Experience analyzing program, operational, or performance data
• Experience preparing program documents, such as reports, guidelines, training materials, or compliance/oversight documentation.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal or state program requirements, grant conditions, regulatory standards, or similar guidelines.
• Incumbent must maintain a valid drivers license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation. Travel arrangements can be made with drivers employed by State Services for the Blind upon request and depending on availability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving in a consultant or staff capacity within a Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
• Experience coordinating or supporting grant development, such as identifying funding opportunities, writing proposals, or managing grant deliverables and reporting.
• Experience monitoring or supporting federal, state, or accreditation compliance activities, including SBA reporting, center reviews, policy implementation, or program oversight.
• Experience using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, performance dashboards, or data-tracking tools to support operational decision-making, reporting, or process improvement.
• Experience developing or maintaining stakeholder partnerships (e.g., higher education, SBA, community organizations, economic development partners) to support program goals.
• Experience preparing formal program documents, such as guidelines, legislative materials, contracts, or public-facing program resources.
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver's License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Connect 700 Program

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us.

Veterans

To be considered with Veterans Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to¿talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.

Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility.

Current State Employees

• Please apply via Self Service.

• If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Allex Roberge at allex.roberge@state.mn.us

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesotas State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, youll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave

• 12 paid holidays each year

• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

• Fertility care, including IVF

• Diabetes care

• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children

• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children

• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)

• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury

• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care

• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.

#LI-Hybrid