Job Summary:
The Economic Development Programs Manager will lead LEDC’s Business Recruitment, Retention, and Expansion work which includes business development, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial support efforts to strengthen new and existing Latino-owned businesses and advance economic mobility across Minnesota. This role oversees a portfolio of economic development programs, supervises staff, and drives strategic initiatives that expand access to resources, capital, and opportunities for new, emerging and established entrepreneurs. The Economic Development Programs Manager ensures program alignment with LEDC’s mission, cultivates partnerships with public and private stakeholders, and supports the development of high-quality business plans that prepare clients for lending and long-term success. This position requires strong leadership, supervisory experience, program and project management expertise, and a deep understanding of community development within culturally diverse and under-served communities.

Key Areas of Responsibility
• Lead a portfolio of economic development programs serving Latino entrepreneurs and communities across Minnesota
• Supervise and support staff delivering business development and related services
• Build partnerships with community, public, and private stakeholders
• Support the design and delivery of entrepreneur support and workforce/economic mobility initiatives
• Ensure program outcomes, reporting, and grant deliverables are met
• Collaborate across lending, agriculture, real estate, and operations teams
• Represent LEDC in the community and help identify growth opportunities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required
• Two (2) years of experience working with small businesses either as a consultant, advisor, or in management.
• Experience working with underrepresented, immigrant, or culturally diverse communities.
• Problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to build trust and develop relationships with diverse stakeholders, including small business owners, partners, and community organizations.
• Project and program management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and independently manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities to meet deadlines.
• Ability to translate technical, business, or financial concepts into accessible and culturally relevant language for clients.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented, mission-driven environment.
• Skills in marketing, outreach, and storytelling to engage entrepreneurs and community partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).

Preferred

• Bilingual in Spanish and English (verbal and written).
• Understanding of Minnesota business regulations, compliance requirements, and business licensing and permitting processes.
• Experience working in a CDFI, nonprofit lending environment, or small business development program.
• Experience supporting or ensuring grant compliance, funder reporting, and data tracking.
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s regional economies and local business ecosystems.
• Experience delivering workshops, cohort trainings, and one-on-one technical assistance.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint.
• Ability and interest in working in various locations across Minnesota, including rural communities.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Economics, Community Development, or related field; or three (3) years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Requires movement of equipment, documents, or work materials up to 30 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits:
This is a full-time, grant-funded position. The pay range for this role is $72,000-$80,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Some work may be performed at partner agency locations across Minnesota.

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
• Benefits: Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and long-term disability; 9 paid holidays (including two floating holidays); paid time off from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day; Paid Parental Leave.

Physical Requirements:
This role requires the ability to move equipment, documents, or work materials up to 30 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity
LEDC celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance, please contact careers@ledcmn.org and indicate what assistance is needed.

LEDC regrets that it is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship at this time. The successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins.

To Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to careers@ledcmn.org.

Latino Economic Development Center 804 Margaret Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106