Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Jessica Rieland

Bethel,MN

Summary

Urban Studies professional with 10+ years of experience in cross-departmental collaboration and results-driven project management. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments through effective communication and strategic problem-solving. Expertise in community development initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Ready to leverage skills as Assistant Community Development Director for City of Forest Lake.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Community Development Director

City of St. Francis
St. Francis, MN
07.2024 - Current
  • Provide leadership and supervision to the Community Development Specialist, Building Official, and Office Assistant, ensuring effective performance, professional development, and alignment with departmental objectives.
  • Oversee the annual budgets for the Community Development and Building Departments. This includes forecasting expenses and revenues, ensuring compliance with financial policies, analyzing budget performance, and making adjustments as needed to support departmental goals and city-wide priorities.
  • Enhance the Economic Development Authority’s Lunch & Learn program and organize events tailored for local business owners.
  • Oversee the land use application process, coordinate with developers and consultants, and provide ongoing guidance to applicants throughout each stage.
  • Manage all aspects of the Farmers Market operations, including vendor recruitment and coordination, event planning, marketing and promotion, budget management, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Foster strong relationships with local growers, artisans, and community partners to enhance market participation and ensure a vibrant, welcoming environment for visitors and vendors alike.
  • Present reports and recommendations to staff, commissions, and elected officials, acting as a liaison and providing guidance on land development regulations and process improvements.
  • Proactively learn and effectively utilize software programs such as Placer.ai and BS&A to enhance data-driven decision-making, streamline departmental operations, and improve service delivery.

Community Management Coordinator

City of Osseo
Osseo, MN
08.2023 - 06.2024
  • Worked closely with the City Administrator to develop and implement policies and programs focused on economic and community development.
  • Served as City Planner and Zoning Administrator.
  • Acted as liaison and regularly attended meetings of the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Committee, Historic Preservation Committee, and Economic Development Authority.
  • Partnered with the Police Chief to develop the Administrative Citation ordinance and establish associated fees.
  • Supported Rum River Consultants in managing the rental housing program.
  • Offered guidance to the public, addressed inquiries and complaints, and conducted investigations to resolve concerns.
  • Actively contributed as a member of the City’s management and leadership team by promoting the organization’s vision and values, addressing cross-departmental needs and policies, and supporting the City’s overall objectives.

City Clerk/Associate Planner

City of Oak Grove
Oak Grove, MN
02.2020 - 06.2023
  • Supported the City Administrator in driving employee engagement and organizational development efforts, while also promoting effective cross-departmental collaboration.
  • Administered City elections.
  • Recruited, hired, trained, and supervised 40 election judges.
  • Attended City Council and Planning Commission meetings and transcribed meeting minutes.
  • Prepared Requests for Council Action (RCA), Resolutions, and meeting packets for City Council.
  • Prepared Memos, Findings, and meeting packets for Planning Commission.
  • Coordinated the process of various planning and zoning applications and maintained planning department files, records, and official ordinance book.
  • Collaborated effectively with others, built and maintained respectful, productive relationships with stakeholders, and consistently demonstrated strong self-awareness and empathy in all interactions.

City Council Member

City of Bethel
Bethel, MN
11.2016 - 03.2021
  • Oversaw city departments to ensure efficient and effective operations.
  • Assisted new businesses by developing the Revolving Loan and Grant Program, to enhance Main Street storefronts and convert residential properties back to commercial use within the Business District.
  • Acted as Planning and Zoning Commission and Economic Development Authority.
  • Redesigned city’s website.
  • Represented Bethel as a member of the Upper Rum River Watershed Management Organization.

Administrative Assistant

City of Oak Grove
Oak Grove, MN
05.2019 - 02.2020
  • Provided customer service and performed general office duties.
  • Issued building permits.
  • Performed utility billing.
  • Maintained and updated city’s website.

Economic Development Commissioner

City of Mounds View
Mounds View, MN
01.2015 - 12.2017
  • Served as part of an advisory body, promoted a positive economic climate, and encouraged economic development to enhance the tax base of the city.
  • Reviewed ways in which the city could expand existing businesses, attract desirable new businesses, and revitalize the community.
  • Toured local businesses and built relationships with business owners.

Regional Marketing Representative

Shire - BioLife Plasma Services
Mounds View, MN
06.2014 - 09.2017
  • Led the development and execution of comprehensive marketing strategies for nine BioLife centers, including evaluating sales proposals, negotiating contract terms, and managing media purchases.
  • Advised center managers on short-term and long-term strategic planning.
  • Collaborated closely with marketing team members and operations management to achieve growth objectives for BioLife centers.
  • Managed annual budget of $1.5 million.
  • Completed weekly and monthly reports to track new donor acquisitions and monitored return on investment (ROI) in marketing initiatives.
  • Promoted BioLife’s mission and community impact to local businesses, universities, and organizations to enhance public awareness and engagement.

Education

BA - Urban Studies, Spanish

University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN

AAS - Business: Marketing & Management

Normandale Community College
Bloomington, MN

Skills

Community & Economic Development

Policy Development & Implementation

Urban Planning & Zoning

Cross-Department Collaboration

Staff Supervision & Leadership

Budget Planning & Management

Public Engagement & Communication

Event Planning

Certification

  • Minnesota Certified Municipal Clerk

Timeline

Community Development Director

City of St. Francis
07.2024 - Current

Community Management Coordinator

City of Osseo
08.2023 - 06.2024

City Clerk/Associate Planner

City of Oak Grove
02.2020 - 06.2023

Administrative Assistant

City of Oak Grove
05.2019 - 02.2020

City Council Member

City of Bethel
11.2016 - 03.2021

Economic Development Commissioner

City of Mounds View
01.2015 - 12.2017

Regional Marketing Representative

Shire - BioLife Plasma Services
06.2014 - 09.2017

BA - Urban Studies, Spanish

University of Minnesota

AAS - Business: Marketing & Management

Normandale Community College

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