Strategic Initiatives Coordinator - State Prog Admin Coordinator

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 you'll 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.
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.
Minimum QualificationsPlease 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.
Bachelor's 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;
master's 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 driver's 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 RequirementsA 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 ReviewThe 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.
BenefitsAs an employee, you'll 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)
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 EMPLOYERSMinnesota 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 DisabilitiesMinnesota 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 View phone number on ca.hrm.tc or email View email address on ca.hrm.tc 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 View email address on ca.hrm.tc. Please indicate what assistance is needed.
ContactIf you have questions about this position, contact Allex Roberge at View email address on ca.hrm.tc
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